Parents often wonder how to maintain their kids’ health.
One important step that may be overlooked is to ensure that young children are
properly hydrated. It can also be a challenge for parents to create a menu kids
will enjoy that meets the recommended Daily Value of vitamins and nutrients.
READ MORE: Why your kid shouldn’t be guzzling ‘energy’ drinks
“By including U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified
organic fruits and vegetables in your children’s diets, you can help ensure
your child is staying hydrated from the water in them, while also consuming the
necessary vitamins, minerals and protein that they need to grow healthy and
strong,” says Dr. Deena Blanchard, Pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics in New
York City and a consultant for Ella’s Kitchen brand, which makes organic food
for babies, toddlers and kids. “Nutritional shakes provide proteins, vitamins,
and minerals, the necessary building blocks of a healthy immune system, to
supplement kids’ daily diets for complete nutrition; and electrolyte waters
with naturally-occurring electrolytes can also help keep kids hydrated.”
Dr. Blanchard recommends the following tips to help
parents make good choices for their children.
• Hydrate children, especially when sick: When children
are sick, the importance of proper hydration cannot be overestimated. If eating
or drinking is difficult, try giving your child smaller amounts, more
frequently. Choose water, 100 percent juice or drinks that contain naturally
occurring electrolytes and other components that help support kids’ immune
systems.
READ MORE: 20 Healthy Eating & Exercise Tips for Kids
• Choose wisely: Watch out for artificial flavors, colors
and preservatives as well as the amount of added sugars in sports drinks and
other beverages. It is important to provide kids with beverages that are free
of artificial ingredients and contain fruits and vegetables. You can be sure
you’re avoiding those additions when you choose USDA organic beverages, such as
Ella’s Kitchen Organic Coconut Water Electrolyte Drinks or their new Smoothie
Drinks, which provide one full serving of fruit per 8 fluid ounces.
• Don’t forget to hydrate when playing sports: Kids can
become dehydrated while playing sports or engaging in other physical activity.
At the ballpark or playground, it is important to keep drinks on hand. Good
choices include organic fruit and veggie purees, which contribute significant
water to the diet and naturally-occurring electrolytes for natural rehydration.
• Supplement: Though vital to proper growth and
development, meeting the recommended daily intake of vitamins and nutrients can
be tough, especially for little ones who are picky eaters. A tasty,
protein-packed nutritional shake can help parents ensure kids get the calories
and nutrition they need. Consider trying Ella’s Kitchen Coconut + Milk
Nutritional Shakes, which are made with certified USDA organic low-fat milk,
fruit + veggie purees and coconut water, providing 44 percent of the
recommended DV of protein, 30 percent DV of calcium, as well as vitamin B12,
riboflavin, iodine and electrolytes. Made with ingredients parents recognize,
these shakes provide a boost of nutrition with a taste that kids will enjoy.
Visit EllasKitchen.com for more options for healthy
hydration and nutrition for the little ones.
Article courtesy of
State Point