Think Before You Drink: Sugar Shockers & Beverage Tips

Gr 6 Up—This program about beverage choices available to children and teens is divided into five segments, which do not automatically play one after the other. Consequently, instructors can easily plan activities between segments. Facts and myths about soda, sports, juice, enhanced water, and other drinks are revealed through questions posed to teens, most of whom are shocked to learn that a 12-ounce can of soda has 10 teaspoons of sugar and that a bottle of Naked orange juice and a package of Twinkies have the equal number of calories. They learn that reading the number of servings in a container is as important as reading the calorie and carbohydrate amounts contained in one serving. The teens are also surprised that there is no requirement to reveal the amount of caffeine on a label. It is also pointed out that diet drinks made with artificial sweeteners are like nicotine patches; they keep the body craving sweets. The program isn't just about bad beverage choices, however. Plain water is suggested, flavored with citrus slices, mint, or basil. Coconut water is low in calories, and has the additional benefit of electrolytes like those found in high-calorie energy drinks. This is an informative and well-organized program that could be used with the teaching materials found online from LearningZoneXpress.com.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA