The summer season is here, and keeping kids properly hydrated is a top priority. While there are many commercial health drinks available, they can be expensive and filled with artificial ingredients.
Artificial drinks like Gatorade, PowerAde, and Vitamin Water contain high amounts of sugar, sodium, and artificial colors. This can be detrimental to kids’ health, and furthermore, they are not sustainable.
In addition, when consumed in excess, these drinks can be detrimental to kids’ oral hygiene as well. The high amounts of sugar can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Thus, it’s important to be aware and mindful of the drinks our children consume.
Parents can instead opt for natural alternatives that are just as effective and cost-effective. It’s important to understand what ingredients are present and the benefits they offer to ensure that the drinks are appropriate for children. This article will explore natural alternatives to healthy drinks for kids.
Coconut Water:
This is a great source of hydration that also provides electrolytes. It’s an excellent option for kids who are active and participating in sports, as it can provide the necessary electrolytes to keep them energized. Coconut water is also a great source of potassium and magnesium, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure.
When you offer coconut water to kids, try to get them in a natural form. Many brands are available in flavored varieties that can contain added sugar, artificial colors, and preservatives. But, there are also some brands that come with nothing but coconut water, which is the better option for kids.
Fruit and Vegetable Juices:
There are many options available, such as orange juice, apple juice, and vegetable juices. These can be blended together to create nutritious and delicious drinks for kids. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep children healthy.
When making juices at home, it’s important to look for organic options and avoid store-bought juices with added sugar. Juicing is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into kids’ diets, as they tend to be picky eaters. The best way is to buy fresh fruits from the local market and juice them at home.
Banana and Strawberry Shake:
This is a great source of hydration as well as nutrition for kids. Bananas are packed with potassium, magnesium, and fiber, while strawberries are full of antioxidants. This shake can be made by blending one ripe banana, half a cup of frozen strawberries, and one-quarter cup of almond milk. The resulting shake will be deliciously creamy and nutritious.
This shake is a great option to keep kids energized and hydrated throughout the day. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins and minerals into their diets. Make sure to use organic ingredients and avoid adding any additional sugar.
Homemade Electrolyte Drinks:
These are a great way to provide electrolytes to kids in a natural and cost-effective way. The electrolyte drink can be made by mixing one teaspoon of honey, half a teaspoon of sea salt, and two tablespoons of lemon juice with four cups of filtered water. This can then be blended together until the ingredients are fully incorporated into the water.
The resulting beverage is full of electrolytes and is a great way to keep kids hydrated. It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also add fresh fruit juices or purees to make it more flavorful.
Mango milkshake:
Mango is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E and is also packed with antioxidants. To make the milkshake, blend one ripe mango, two tablespoons of almond butter, one cup of unsweetened almond milk, and a pinch of ground cinnamon until smooth. This delicious shake can be served as a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Mango milkshake is also high in fiber, which helps keep kids fuller for longer. It’s an excellent source of nutrition and hydration, making it a great alternative to unhealthy sugary drinks. Furthermore, your kids will love the sweet and creamy taste of this shake.
Infused water:
This is a great way to hydrate your kids without any added sugar or calories. You can infuse filtered water with fresh fruits and herbs such as strawberries, lemons, limes, mint leaves, basil leaves, and cucumbers. This is not only refreshing but also full of nutrients that help keep your children healthy.
Infused water is also a great way to encourage your kids to drink more water. The refreshing taste and natural sweetness of the ingredients make it much more appealing. You can also experiment with different flavors and combinations to keep the drinks interesting. Not only for kids, but infused water is also a great alternative to sugary drinks for adults.
Plain milk:
Plain milk is an excellent source of calcium and protein, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to keep kids hydrated and energized without any added sugar or unnatural ingredients. Plain milk can also be fortified with extra calcium, Vitamin D, and iron, depending on your child’s age and needs.
Furthermore, plain milk is a convenient option that can be easily incorporated into your child’s diet. You can also opt for organic, grass-fed, or plant-based milk to ensure that your children are getting the best quality nutrition. Plain milk is among the best natural alternatives to health drinks for kids.
These natural alternatives to health drinks for kids are a great way to provide them with the nutrients they need in order to stay healthy and energized. They are free from added sugar and artificial ingredients, making them a much healthier option than sugary drinks. Furthermore, these alternatives can be tailored to your child’s personal likes and dislikes.
Introduce your children to these natural alternatives as early on in their lives as possible so that they grow up knowing the importance of healthy eating. With these natural alternatives, you can ensure that your kids are getting the nutrition they need.
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