5 summer drinks for a cooling and healthy summer for kids.

Summer is at its peak and there is no surprise that we don’t feel like eating the usual roti sabzi dal rice anymore. It’s a fact that appetite can decrease and even more so for kids.

My little one also has become even more fussy and isn’t eating some of the things he earlier was. So it is vital that he stays hydrated and full and gets the required minerals and vitamins in form of liquid at least (not that it makes up for the solids). Here are some healthy summer drinks, after all we don’t want to feed our little ones flavoured, artificial stuff like colas or tetra packed treats.

1. Watermelon juice

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Watermelons are quite in-season during the summers –atleast in Mumbai. So I make the most of it! Being a water content fruit – it can be had as is, but also is a great option and easy to make juice out of. Just make sure to remove the seeds or else if those get mixed in the processor the juice can taste bitter. I add a dash of salt, pepper and sugar to it to make it taste even better. You can add pieces of watermelon if kids like it (I used to love it as a kid and still do), or let that be.

2. Chocolate/Vanilla flavoured Enfagrow A+

Fussy eaters require other sources of nutrition. I know that because mine is the most fussy when it comes to food and hence giving him supplements has already been vital for me. Enfagrow is the World's No 1 in Children's Nutrition Brand. It contains Triple Health Guard a unique blend of DHA, prebiotics and various important micronutrients that supports your child’s ability to fight off infections in 3 ways, viz. supports Respiratory health, Gut health and resistance to other common infections. Available in Chocolate or Vanilla flavours. Travelling with a toddler and fulfilling their milk requirements can be quite a task – and Enfagrow A+ being a milk powder itself makes it so much easier – just need to add pre-boiled warm water and it’s ready! Available of Grofers: http://bit.ly/BuyNowEnfagrowonGrofers 

3.  Banana/Mango shake

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The healthiest, filling option in getting kids to consume both milk and banana! I remember growing up having this in the morning or evenings. Add some sugar if required, with one banana and chilled milk and blend! And also the best of the summer season – king of fruits – Mangoes to make some yummy mango milkshake! Add smaller pieces of bananas/mangoes so that there aren’t any lumps remaining finally. Kid’s absolutely love it!  

4. Aam panna (kairi ka paani)

Raw mangoes or kairi not only give us tasty pickles and chutneys but also make a great raw, healthy drink – aam panna! This one takes a little more time to prepare as you need to boil the raw mangoes before mashing the pulp and diluting in water. But it’s worth it – add some sugar, salt and black pepper and enjoy the tangy drink with your kids!

5.  Shikanji / Lemonade / Nimbu paani

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When nothing else at home, there always is good old nimbu paani! The best way to say goodbye to dehydration. Lemon juice, sugar and a pinch of rock salt mixed with chilled water! You can also store some lemon juice in a bottle so that it’s even faster to make this thirst quenching drink when kids come home thirsty after playing in the sun! You can have them help you make this as well and set-up a lemonade stall. So much fun!

Hope you liked all the different options, try them all so that the kids are not bored and have a variety! Happy summers!