Kids & Company Blog

Don’t Sweat It!

Running and jumping and swinging and swimming! This summers’ activity list is getting longer and longer and it’s easy for kids to become dehydrated while out and about! Dehydration occurs when the amount of sweat becomes greater than the amount of water consumed. Every parent knows that when their kids are having fun and playing outside the last thing they’ll do is come in and sit down to drink a glass of water so it is necessary to plan ahead!

Firstly, focus what they’re drinking during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think electrolytes. For example, try giving them a glass of milk in the morning. Believe it or not, milk has more electrolytes than Gatorade! Coconut water or a slush shake… adding fruit will be more colourful and inviting, making your children slurp away dehydration one mouthful at a time! Additionally, what you give them to eat matters. A clear soup filled with veggies for lunch is another great way to sneak in a hydrating punch.

During play, try giving them things to eat and drink that they won’t have to sit down and sip on, but can carry along with them during the fun! For example, setting cucumbers, watermelon, and celery outside while they’re playing is a great idea since these snacks are extremely hydrating and portable for munching on the go! Similarly, kids love popsicles because of their fun flavours and bright colours! These are easy to make at home using healthy combinations of yogurt, 100% fruit juice combined with your favourite fruit.

A common mistake includes thinking that the colder the beverage the more hydrating it is, which isn’t true. It’s actually best to serve beverages at room temperature because that way children won’t merely sip the water, but can take large gulps. Another mistake is juice. While kids love juice, its high sugar content will hurt more than it will help. As you know, at Kids and Company only serves milk and water to your little ones.

Wherever you are enjoying our beautiful Canadian summer make sure the whole family is well hydrated to keep up your energy to leap, jump, twist, twirl, gallop and run in the sun!!!!

 

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @kidcokitchen and on Instagram @cheflisaruscica!

Cheers,

Chef Lisa Ruscica

Chief Food Ambassador

Posted on: Thursday July 16th, 2015

Posted by: Lisa Ruscica