With the summertime heat getting set to unleash its wrath and fury, what is the best way to make certain your children stay hydrated and healthy as they are romping and stomping in the great outdoors? Even though we adults realize good old water is the by far the best remedy, since it is presents nothing more than a clear, tasteless liquid to your kids, they would rather swim in it than drink it. This being the case, consider keeping plenty of certain types of fruits on hand to give them the taste they desire, appease their growing appetites, and keep them safely hydrated, and nourished. Of course fruit should never totally replace their consumption of water, but supplementing can be a surefire way of making certain they stay healthy in the heat, replacing important vitamins and nutrients they are burning off by the minute. Some fruits, do a much better job of hydrating than others, and are higher in vitamin content, so you’ll want to know which ones to shop for. Here are the chart toppers:
Apricots – Rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fibers, apricots are the perfect snack for replacing potassium loss, the result of perspiration, and yes, children perspire. Regularly consuming apricots helps in the prevention dizziness and chronic headaches.
Mangoes – The greatest cool-down fruit of them all. Mangoes have twice the daily recommended allowance of vitamin A. Vitamin A is useful in keeping energy levels high, especially in extreme heat. Slice some nice cold mango on a plate and watch your children dive for this delicious treat. They’ll also be receiving a healthy dose of vitamin C, and fiber.
Plums – Plums are plum full of antioxidants, and high in vitamin C, providing necessary nutrients.
Watermelon – The clear cut champion of hydration, and a snack enjoyed by most every kid, everywhere. Watermelons water content is extremely high, making it the perfect fruit for replacing fluids. The added benefit is that you won’t be loading your child up on calories, and watermelon is a good source of vitamin A, and C.
Berries – What child doesn’t like a nice bowl of sweet berries? Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or any of the many other varieties, keep plenty of them on deck and ready to serve. The fibers, vitamins, and antioxidants will help replenish the energy the heat has zapped out of your child, and the, mostly, water content, will aid in critical hydration. Berries will not deplete your child’s appetite, so serve them in abundance.
Another way to make certain your child stays hydrated in a delicious and good for them way, is by handing them a nice cold glass of fruit or vegetable juice, instead of being a Kool-Aid mom/dad. And please, no soda pop. The water content in juices is more than sufficient to keep them safely hopping and skipping all day long.
Be cautious of your child’s health this summer. Don’t be afraid to call them indoors now and then to make certain they are receiving plenty of good replenishing liquids.