B.R.A.T: It Is Not What You Think

Several weeks ago, I was giddy with excitement after having just received a goody box full of B.R.A.T. Organic Feel Better Drinks for my kids to take for a test drive. When I spoke with the owner of the company, who also happens to be a Facebook friend of mine, we agreed upon a review on my part in exchange for a free sample on her part. I had no idea her version of a "sample" would include all four flavors of the B.R.A.T. product.

Seriously, during my blogging days, I have agreed to plug for quite a number of companies whose interpretation of the words "sample our products" ended up being a single-sized serving or less of only one variety of their product amongst a line filled with many varieties. I am not one to complain when something is given to me for free, but when I agree to a review, I am not really getting the product for free, now am I? So when I agree to take the time to try a company's product and write about it, I expect a bit more than what the lady at the grocery store hands out on Sunday afternoons. How many companies are generous enough to send their entire product line?

If you are not familiar with the B.R.A.T. drinks or the more commonly known "BRAT diet" prescribed by doctors far and wide for upset stomach, then you may be wondering why anyone would give their child a product called B.R.A.T. or subscribe to the philosophy of a diet that seemingly might turn a little tyke into an obnoxious, out-of-control, spoiled...brat. Furthermore, if you are not familiar with the BRAT diet, it is likely you have never been sick since this go-to remedy is the catch-all advice from doctor to patient. For the rest of us, we know when our doctors prescribe such a diet that he or she is recommending bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

But let's say you or your little one is not feeling 100% and eating is out of the question for whatever reason. I had not planned on being graphic, but let's just say all the plumbing is getting a fierce workout, where do you turn for nutritional replenishment? The human body still needs incoming nutrients and electrolytes and unless your definition of good nutrition includes consuming artificial flavors, dyes, sweeteners, and preservatives, it is best to skip the Pedialyte.

Enter B.R.A.T. drinks - the Bananas, Rice, and Applesauce Tummy Soother

Nope, no toast in these drinks!

B.R.A.T. drinks:

• Come in four flavors: Original (kinda fruity), Vanilla, Cinnamon Toast, and Chocolate Honey.
  
• Are USDA Organic! Who doesn't love that??
• Have vitamins and calcium.
• Are free of the eight most common allergens, which is especially important to many people in the autism community and those people, in general, who have severe allergies.
• Taste great! And after all, a product can have all the nutrients in the world but if a parent cannot get it into their child's body, it is worthless - Right??

My family loved the B.R.A.T. drinks. My kids' favorite flavors were the Cinnamon Toast and Chocolate Honey. It is, however, difficult to say which they liked more, as their only responses during our taste tests were "Yummy!" and "More, please!" The Vanilla and Original flavors were well-liked too, but kids just go for chocolate. Or, at least, mine do.

B.R.A.T. drinks can be found at several supermarket chains nationwide. If you cannot find this product locally, I recommend speaking to the manager of your favorite health food store or wherever you shop frequently. If they are not willing to stock B.R.A.T. for you (find somewhere else to shop!), B.R.A.T. drinks can also be purchased on Amazon.

To your health! And that of your brat child - stay healthy with B.R.A.T.!