Fruit Juice Frenzy

Photo Credit: www.minutemaid.com

It is extremely common to have some kind of fruit juice in my house. Whether it's apple juice, grape juice, or simply orange juice. In the past, when I've been asked to pick up juice at the grocery store, I haven't really looked into the kind of juice I was choosing, and I pretty much just picked blindly. If that sounds like what you do, it's time to think again! Fruit juice is definitely a great source of vital nutrients and vitamins, and it's especially yummy for children who may not get as many fruits and veggies as they should.  There's a few small things that make a huge difference in what fruit juice you're drinking.

Next time you're looking to buy some juice, look for a percentage. If it doesn't say 100% fruit juice, put it back! The healthy juices usually display this proudly on the front of the bottle, while the unhealthy juices trickily hide their percentages in small print at the bottom or back.  Some of the most common juice brands are only about 50% real juice! If it isn't 100% juice, there are all kinds of nasty additives in it.  Extra sugar, unnecessary flavoring, etc. are just a few of the worst.  Some fruit juices even have high fructose corn syrup added.

Keep your eyes open at the grocery store and you won't have any issues.  Juice is definitely healthy and necessary, as long as you are buying the right kind.  It's the little things that make the biggest difference.

Make sweet choices--in food and in life.