5 Best Soda Alternatives That Latino Kids Will Love

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With reports about exploding cases of childhood obesity, it is essential to make sure that your kids cut back on sugar -- the main culprit of this phenomenon. There is a high concentration of sugar in sodas and giving your kids healthier alternative drinks is a small step to avoid obesity.

Healthy Latin Eating reports that a Yale University Study has cited that marketing agencies mostly target Hispanic teen 99 percent more than their white counterparts. In a separate study done by University of California, San Francisco, Latino youth was found to be 10 percent more likely to be obese than white children based on the discovery that Latino youth is more likely to drink sweetened beverages.

You can provide your children healthier alternatives with the same satisfaction as sodas bring. Find the five best soda alternatives that your kids would love from Healthy Latin Eating:

1. Fruit Fizzies - This is a combination of carbonated water and pure juice. Simply combine 1/3 pure juice and 2/3 plain carbonated water like seltzer or sparkling water. It is recommended to use pineapple or orange as they are naturally sweet. You may also mix fruit purees with seltzer: blend in frozen or fresh berries, mangoes or other fruits in a blender and add the carbonated water.

2. Fruit Tea Coolers - Use fruit-flavored tea bags for this. Make a flavored herbal tea like peach, strawberry or blackberry. Sweeten the concoction with low-glycemic Agave or honey. Let it cool and serve with ice.

3. Apple/Cucumber Water - This is especially good when served during the summer months. A simple way to feel refreshed by adding sliced apples and cucumbers to a pitcher of water. Let it cool before serving. You may also add fresh mint too for extra coolness.

4. Water Kefir - This is an easy and simple probiotic beverage to make, according to Cultures for Health. It also creates a naturally fizzy effect that's a perfect alternative for soda. All you need is 3 ½ cups of water kefir, ½ apple diced or ¼ cup apple juice and a teaspoon of sugar. Just remove the kefir grains and pour the kefir water into an airtight bottle. Add sugar for extra sweetness if desired. Shake carefully to mix the ingredients.

5. Natural sodas -  If you really want to give your kids a real treat, try to give them some natural sodas once in a while. Natural sodas are available in the market like Hansen's, according to Healthy Latin Eating. They may contain a lot of sugar, however, they are not made with artificial additives and caffeine.

To know more about high-sugar drinks, check out the video below: