Try these fun ways to keep kids hydrated during summers
It is not always easy to have your toddlers eat and drink healthy. It may be even more challenging during summer when they need the right nutrition and hydration to beat the heat. Dr. Ganesh Kadhe, director, medical and scientific affairs, Abbott's Nutrition business shares different, fun, colorful, and nutritious food options to help your little ones stay hydrated during the summer season.
Fresh fruits
Dr. Kadhe says that watery fruits like watermelons, oranges, and apricots are good choices to boost children's hydration. Apart from being rich in water, these fruits are also good sources of vitamins A and C, and potassium which have several health benefits. However, serving fruits alone might not entice children. Make it interesting for them by slicing fruits into various shapes and designs.
Popsicles
Popsicle is an effective way to feed fruits to kids, specifically if they love cold items. You can also try milkshakes. "These are also excellent choices for children who may be craving something cold. Fruit popsicles can provide both fluid and key nutrients from fruits that can help them rehydrate," says Dr. Kadhe. You can beat the heat with these healthy popsicle recipes.
Fruit lassi
Dr. Kadhe advises giving fruit-based lassi to children during the summer, especially if they shy away from drinking the required amount of water usually. "To get your children excited about drinking lassi, you might offer it to them in their favorite cup and include a silly straw in their favorite color," he suggests. He suggests papaya or pineapple lassi for added nutrition.
Vegetable salad
A salad of mixed vegetables is a fantastic source of fiber and protein. A salad with watery green and yellow ingredients like cucumber, watermelon, olives, and cherry tomatoes might be the ideal savory summer dish. Make sure to serve it in fun shapes and designs, to make it interesting for children. Mix their favorite fruits or vegetables with the not-so-favorite ones.
Tea party
Warm child-friendly teas, like peppermint or chamomile, can be offered to your children. Organizing a tea party with dolls or friends could persuade kids to hydrate and drink plenty of fluids. While chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and folate, natural components in peppermint may have benefits on energy for your child's playtime, says Dr. Kadhe.
Spa water
You can make spa water for your kids at home. Slice some strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons into their glass of water to give it a flavor and color boost. Dr. Kadhe shares that this spa water besides hydrating is also visually appealing to children. Berries can also add a sweet flavor to water and can be added for that bright color pop.
