Kids Ask Kramer: The questions that came up for this edition revolved around the beverages we drink. Usually we focus on food here at Kramer’s Korner, but our beverage selection throughout the day is just as important as the food we choose. If your sipping selections are of the sugary sweet variety, you may be placing yourself at a high risk for unhealthiness. Here are some of the questions the students had about their favorite refreshments:

Is Coffee Healthy for Me?

It all depends on what you think of as “coffee.” A six-ounce cup of black coffee, which is the recommended serving size, can actually have many nutritional benefits. However, most people, when they order a “coffee,” order four times the recommended amount. People rely on their “jugs” of coffee to perk them up and keep them awake and focused. Adding unnecessary sweeteners to your coffee negates any health benefits that it can offer you. If it is energy you crave, then why not try and get to sleep earlier? Or perhaps eat a healthy breakfast so that you get your energy from the good, wholesome food you eat. What a novel idea, right? In summary, coffee by itself can be healthful, but once you dress it up with excess sugar and flavors, you have crossed over into the unhealthy zone. Try gradually cutting back on the sweeteners you add to your java such as sugars, creamers, and milks. Doing it all at once will make the coffee seem bitter, but after you get used to it, you will never go back to the sugary filled “coffee” you once had. Give it a go for your next cup of Joe!

Kale and Berry Smoothie
· ½ cup frozen or fresh kale, spinach, or BOTH!

· 1 cup frozen mixed berries

· ¼ cup frozen pineapple

· ¼ teaspoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients into a blender and fill about ¾ of the way with cold water. Blend and enjoy!!!!

Are Smoothies a Good Snack?

It is difficult to find a healthy, wholesome snack that satisfies both your hunger and your sweet tooth at the same time. Smoothies are a healthy addition to your snack or eating routine. However, not all smoothies are created equal. If you are having your smoothie as a meal, then feel free to add some protein, such as peanut or almond butter or even a dollop of plain greek yogurt. If the smoothie is in addition to something else you are eating, then all you need is your fruit of choice, some ice, water, and a blender. During these winter months, berries become expensive, so try getting a bag of frozen fruit. You can keep that in your freezer so when you get home from school, you have a wholesome snack ready to be blended. With the frozen fruit, you eliminate the need for ice, and there is no need for sugar because the fruit is sweet enough. You can even turn your smoothie into a super smoothie by adding some vegetables, like fresh or frozen kale or spinach. Experiment with different fruits and veggies for a unique smoothie experience every time!

Do I Have to Drink ONLY Water Throughout the Day?

Every time a student asks this question, it is usually asked in a whiny tone and by someone who is holding a larger-than-life can of iced tea. That ludicrously large 24-ounce can of iced tea holds roughly 18 teaspoons of sugar. The daily recommended amount of sugar is between 6-9 teaspoons. That means that one can of iced tea can send you soaring into the unhealthy zone of added sugar intake. So, is water your only option? Well, water should be the main, “go-to” beverage that you consume throughout the day. Sounds boring? You can spice up your water by adding some citrus to it or by adding some berries for a different flavor. Also, don’t forget about water’s distant cousin, seltzer. The shelves are stocked with a variety of flavor combinations, so you are bound to find one that excites your taste buds. Remember that water promotes weight loss, improves skin, helps to boost your immune system, and can even improve your mood! Soda and sugar-filled beverages cannot compete with that.