HESSEQUA NEWS - You are what you eat is often said, but what about what you drink?
National Nutrition Week, which runs from 9 to 15 October, has a clear message: Rethink your drink - choose water!
"I have seen many obese patients who are unable to lose weight. When we take a look at their daily eating and drinking habits, I am astounded to see how many calories they drink in a day," said dietician Beatrie Zandberg.
Did you know that a 330ml fizzy drink contains nine teaspoons of sugar, or that the 250ml juice box you are giving to your children, contains eight teaspoons of sugar?
Energy drinks, sweetened tea and vitamin water are also high in sugar. If you add your daily sugar intake from drinks to that of what you eat, you will be surprised by the outcome.
Excess sugar consumption is associated with weight gain and an increased risk for non-communicable diseases (NCD) including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, which account for 27% of all deaths in South Africa.
While all foods high in sugar have a harmful effect on the body, liquid sugar in the form of sugary drinks is rich in energy, but poor in other nutrients and has a low level of satiety.
As parents and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children have access to clean, safe drinking water during the day.
The First Thousand Days initiative highlights that a child's health is most vulnerable during the first 1 000 days of its life.
This period, from conception until a child's second birthday, offers a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures.
Sugary drinks are not only bad for their health but also their teeth.
Tips to increase your intake of water
- Plan to drink a glass of water before drinking a sugary drink.
- It is much cheaper to drink tap water which contains no sugar.
- Carry water with you. Having your own water supply at hand makes drinking water so much easier.
- Add lime, lemon, mint leaves, cucumber slices or berries to your water. This makes it easier to drink more water throughout the day.
- Prepare flavoured water in advance.
- Sip a bit of water every time you brush your teeth.
For more information on the First Thousand Days visit www.westerncape.gov.za/first-1000-days
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