|
|
A big concern? Drinking enough liquids! If an adult needs 8 glasses of water on a regular day, and double that if they're working outside, how much does a 3-year-old need? The guidelines aren't clear, but it's safe to say that it's smart to encourage little ones to drink a lot.
If your baby relies on breastfeeding formula for the bulk of their nutrition, be careful that water doesn't replace milk. Ask your doctor if you have questions, but a guideline is to give 6 to 8 servings of water a day. For children age 2 and under, a serving is half a cup; for kids age 3-5, it's 3/4 cup. For kids 6 and up, a serving is one cup. You can spot dehydration in children by the color of their urine. If they're drinking enough, it will be fairly clear. Deep yellow urine is a sign of not getting enough liquids.
Parents have a golden opportunity when they have youngsters. Since you are the role model, you can introduce healthy eating habits right from the start. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your children grew up enjoying good foods, instead of having to break bad habits like we've had to? Now's your chance!! Whenever you're providing drinks, make those drinks water. You can't beat it for hydration and purity and healthiness. If children start out expecting water, it makes hydration easier.
What other smart choices are there? Try decaffeinated, unsweetened iced tea, or herbal teas. Fruit juice is full of vitamins, but take care not to overdo it. Fruit juice is also full of concentrated natural sugars. If your child likes lots of juice, make sure it's 100% fruit juice and then dilute it with water. Milk is another wonderful choice. Make sure it stays chilled if kids are outside, and follow your doctor's recommendations about whole milk, skim milk and low-fat milk choices, as well as the various soy drinks available.
Here are a few suggestions for tempting drinks your children may enjoy:
Frosty Orange Refresher A Brookshire's Best Recipe Serves 2
Ingredients: 6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 2 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup cold water 10 ice cubes
Directions: Combine the orange juice, sugar, dry milk, vanilla and water in a blender container. Process at high speed until well mixed. Add the ice cubes, a few at a time, blending until slushy.
Herbal Tea and Fruit Juice
Ingredients: 1 herbal tea bag—any flavor 1 cup apple juice
Directions: Brew a cup of herb tea and mix it half and half with apple juice. Chill and serve.
Tutti-frutti Smoothie A Brookshire's Best Recipe A cool, nutritious drink is as close as your blender! Serves 2
Ingredients: 1 sliced ripe banana 1 cup orange juice 3/4 cup sliced peeled peaches 3/4 cup sliced strawberries 1 Tbs honey
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: Calories per serving: 194. Fat: 0 grams, cholesterol:0 mg., sodium: 39 mg., carbohydrates: 53 gr., fiber: 6 gr.
© 2006, Brookshire Grocery Co. Nutrient counts are rounded to the nearest whole number. All dietary and lifestyle changes should be supervised by a physician.
Published 06/20/08
|
|
Summertime in our part of the country is intense. Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi are known for brutally hot and humid conditions. Everyone needs to take care of themselves, especially when they're outside, but young children often need someone else to remember for them.
