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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should I restrict fruit juice if my child is obese?

    Related Topics
    Obesity Weight Management
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    Kaye Haslam

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    As a private practice Dietitian/Nutritionist with over 30 years experience I have a special interest in weight management & related health issues such as Diabetes, … View Profile

    Yes. Fruit juices can be a concentrated source of kilojolues & although they do contain some of the goodness (vitamins & minerals) of the fruit, they do not provide any appetite satisfaction or fibre which would be received if eating the whole piece of fruit.

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  • Sarah Perkins

    Dietitian, Exercise Scientist, Nutritionist

    Sarah is a Dietitian, Exercise Scientist & Nutritionist.Sarah is the director of the successful diet and exercise clinic Eat Play Live in Sydney’s inner west. … View Profile

    Fruit Juice can contain around 375kj and 1.5 tablespoons of sugar per 250ml serve, and many people will have multiple serves over a day or a much larger serve. Despite fruit juice containing some healthy vitamins and minerals, eating fresh fruit and vegetables is a far better way to get these nutrients which also contain fibre and help us to feel full. 

    Fruit juice (and other energy dense drinks) should be limited to not more than one serve per day for most children to avoid excess calories, dental carries and encourage good water drinking habits.

    Even in healthy weight children or kids who are fussy eaters (especially those “too busy” to eat) juice should be limited as they often like the convience of not having to chew and replace foods with juice and milk.

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  • Ashleigh Keep

    Dietitian

    Ashleigh is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD, AN) and registered with the Dietitian's Association of Australia with experience in both clinical and private practice. Ashleigh's … View Profile

    Yes. Fruit juice is largely calorie dense and contributes a large amount of sugar to the diet. We can often consume a glass of juice and not even realise we have consumed ~400kJ in the space of a few seconds! Furthermore, you are not getting the added benefit of fibre in the diet by consuming a glass of juice in comparision with the piece of fruit itself. Together with this, the excess sugar consumed can contribute to tooth decay.

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    Dr Kevin Yong

    GP (General Practitioner)

    I have a special interest in healthy living. I am the creator of eatmovechill.com - a blog about making healthy change. I write about the … View Profile

    Yes.  Much better to drink water and eat the fruit.  

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    This is a good visual representaion of the sugar in juices...

    http://thedentalcentrelondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sugar-in-drinks-1024x836.png

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    Rebecca Mete

    Dietitian

    I am an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) who loves to provide simple, practical and relatable advice to inspire positive nutrition.  With a love for good food, my … View Profile

    Definately agree with all the suggestions given!  

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  • Evelyn Vo

    Nutritionist

    I am a Nutritionist that operates in 2 locations: Melbourne CBD (Wednesdays and Fridays) and Heidelberg (on Saturday mornings). I do not believe in the … View Profile

    Great suggestions!

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