Kids & Company Blog

Happy to be Hydrated!

With the summer sun peeking out from behind the clouds, there are so many more reasons to spend time outdoors. However, while summer brings fun in the sun, it becomes increasingly easy to lose large amounts of body fluids and become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid then it’s taking in.

Being properly hydrated is essential to staying healthy while being active. Hydration enhances energy and endurance levels, making it safe for children to spend more time outdoors. Without proper hydration children may become slow, fatigued, dizzy and even sick. Signs are often only visible after the child is already dehydrated, making it extremely important to get enough liquids throughout the day.

Hydration is easy when a child is encouraged to drink water, especially when they can drink it from their own water bottle. There are many foods that also help keep children hydrated including, watermelon, cucumber and leafy greens. According to parentscanada.com, cantaloupe and strawberries are about 90% water. Cucumbers are about 95% water. The naturally sweet taste of coconut water is another great way to boost hydration and antioxidants too!

http://www.eatrightontario.ca has some great tips on how to ensure you are keeping up your fluids! There is even a great chart explaining how many cups of water per day you should be consuming. It sorts it by life stage from infant to adult so you can make sure your little ones are drinking enough water each day.

Did you ever have a lemonade stand when you were younger? I sure did! Why not try this fun homemade lemonade recipe with your preschoolers to help them get into the spring and summer spirit!

 

Kidco Kitchen Homemade Lemonade in a Bag

What you need:

-Ziploc bag

-Water

-Lemon

-Honey

-Ice

 

What to do:

Squeeze half a lemon into a Ziploc bag, and then add a teaspoon of honey and 2-3 large cubes of ice. Pour about half a cup of cold water into the bag and seal it tight. Shake the bag until everything is nicely mixed. Either pour the lemonade into a cup or stick a straw in the bag and enjoy!

 

Cheers,

Chef Lisa Ruscica

Chief Food Ambassador

Kids & Company

Posted on: Wednesday May 1st, 2013

Posted by: Lisa Ruscica