If your kids are at all like my kids, then they're already dreaming of swimming, beach trips, summer camps, sleepovers and talking about the summer blockbusters. Quite the planners our kids have become! Other than play dates and soccer schedules, what should you be planning for your kids? Well, your kids are going to need a lot of energy to power through all their summer fun - so, as a mom - I think the smartest thing to plan is what your kids will be eating and drinking.
Here are a couple easy secrets that will fill your child's summer with, tasty sunshine snacks.
Keep them hydrated - the kid friendly way
In hot weather, you want to do your best to keep your child drinking throughout the day, so offer a variety of beverages. Another way to help your son or daughter stay hydrated is with something that they already enjoy that tastes great - homemade popsicles! I've yet to meet a kid who didn't love popsicles and homemade popsicles can be delicious and easy on your bank account. My kids (and I) love making them with Minute Maid® Orange Juice. It is made with 100% juice and is a good source of Vitamin C, Folate and Potassium. Minute Maid also makes a variety fortified with calcium and vitamin D. An 8 fl oz serving provides 110 calories and contains 35% of the daily value for Calcium and 25% of the daily value of Vitamin D. Just pour your favorite Minute Maid juice into the popsicle mold, freeze and voila! Homemade popsicles! (A typical popsicle mold holds about 3 fl oz of liquid). If you're crunched for time and can't wait for your juice to freeze, Minute Maid OJ tastes great by the glass as well!
On the Go Snacks
Fill your shelves with a variety of snack and beverage options that fit your family's needs. During an active summer day, your kids will likely grab the fast and easy choices around them when on a quick pit stop. To fuel their physical activity, uncover the carrots, fill baskets with fresh fruit, stock your freezer with frozen grapes, your refrigerator with beverages like Minute Maid 100% OJ, cut up watermelon chunks, and fresh cut veggies with dips like hummus. They're fun foods that kids can easily grab on the go.
I scream, you scream, we all scream for… "ice cream?"
Another great snack to stock your freezer with (a personal favorite in my household) is "Banana Ice Cream." While it isn't actually an ice cream, it tastes just as yummy. Plus it's a great opportunity to get more fruit into those little bellies. Take bananas, peel them and freeze them. Then puree them and place the mixture back into individual paper cups. Place your cups back in the freezer and you have homemade banana "ice cream" ready in no time. You can add lots of fun toppings like coconut, peanuts, and chocolate or carob chips!
These three easy suggestions will help keep your kids hydrated and satisfied! Your active little ones will pack more fun into a single day than most adults have in a month! Try bringing the kids into the kitchen with you to help make these delicious frozen snacks for the added bonus of some quality time together. With these summer food secrets, you'll know your kids are doing great!
Deanna Latson has excitedly been addressing large groups for 20 years regarding health and nutrition. She has earned her clinically certified nutritionist's degree and a masters degree in health communication. Deanna is a member of the Wellness Council of America and is dedicated to helping students, employees and community members take control of their own health. Deanna's approach to speaking is dynamic, emotional and humorous. She is the Co-Founder of the Good Thinking Company and ARIIX and is a spokesperson for Minute Maid.
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