#asktheexpert My daughter is consuming palm candy water ( mild sweeten) almost a ltr every day. Is this Ok to continue. (Age - 3years).

Question

Accepted Answer

For a 3-year-old, consuming almost a liter of plum candy water with added sweetness daily might not be ideal for several reasons:

Concerns:

1. High Sugar Intake:

Even mild sweetening can add up to significant sugar consumption over time. Too much sugar can contribute to issues such as:

Tooth decay: Sugar can lead to cavities, especially if consumed frequently.

Weight gain: Excess sugar may contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Poor nutrition: Drinking a large quantity of sweetened water may reduce her appetite for healthier foods and lead to nutritional imbalances.

2. Reduced Appetite for Nutrient-Rich Foods:

Consuming a lot of liquid, especially sweetened drinks, may fill her up and reduce her interest in balanced meals containing fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, which are critical for her growth and development.

3. Balanced Hydration:

Water is the best drink for hydration. While flavored or sweetened beverages can be enjoyable, it’s important to balance them with plain water to avoid overconsumption of sugars or additives.

Recommendations:

1. Limit Sugary Beverages:

Try to limit the amount of sweetened beverages to small portions. Ideally, sugary drinks should not make up more than 5-10% of her daily calorie intake.

2. Encourage Water:

Plain water is the best option for hydration. You can flavor it naturally with slices of fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries to make it more appealing if she enjoys flavored drinks.

3. Fruits Over Sweetened Drinks:

Offer whole fruits like plums, apples, or berries instead of sweetened drinks. Whole fruits provide natural sugars along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

4. Occasional Treats:

Treats like plum candy water can be offered occasionally, but they shouldn’t be a regular part of her daily routine.

Alternative Hydration Options:

Infused Water: Add fruits like strawberries, orange slices, or cucumber to water for a mild, natural flavor without added sugars.

Diluted Juice: If she enjoys sweet flavors, try diluting fresh juice with water to reduce sugar intake.

Herbal Teas: Unsweetened herbal teas (cooled down) can also be a flavorful, healthy alternative.

It’s a good idea to gradually reduce her consumption of the sweetened plum water and encourage healthier hydration habits. If you're concerned about her diet or hydration, you can also consult a pediatrician or a nutritionist.