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by Udita Saklani
These drinks for kids are sure to keep them hydrated, full and healthy! This summer, introduce your kids to 8 yummy drinks other than water
It’s summer time already and most kids love to go out and play, despite the maddening sun’s heat. Since our body’s water is lost in so many forms in summers, it is important that it’s also brought back into the body with proper replenishment doses. We might as well ignore drinks, because of the thinking that they hardly have any nutritive content, but that is not true. While choosing certain drinks for our kids, we must always ensure that they have some amount of nutrition in them. Kids might as well ask for food, but they generally get into the habit of asking for water/fluids at a much later stage. Therefore, it is important for us as parents to keep on offering them fluids throughout the day in the sweltering summer heat. Water might be a tasteless option during scorching summer heat. That’s why we are presenting to you some of the healthiest drinks which will provide your kids the correct nutrition and keep them hydrated for a good two hours or so.
1. Buttermilk/Chaas:
Buttermilk is a purely a milk product, so one need not worrying before introducing them to their kids. It acts as a savior during those hot summer days. Buttermilk is very easy to prepare at home and hardly takes any time or special tips for its preparation. Buttermilk is also safe to consume because it’s made from yogurt, which contains the good bacteria. The good bacteria help in proper digestion of food and keeps the digestive system healthy and free from problems. A natural probiotic, buttermilk is a healthy potion for your kids.
2. Mango Shake:
What are summers without some juicy, ripe mangoes? Mangoes are a hit with kids and can be consumed in many forms like jams, jelly, shakes and even mango lassi (smoothie using milk/yogurt). The best and the most popular which can be made quickly from fresh ripe mangoes is the good old traditional mango shake. Just cut some mangoes into pieces, drop it along with some milk, sugar, and ice cubes in a blender. Whoosh, your shake is ready. Top it with your favorite vanilla ice cream if it appeals to your taste buds! 
3. Nimbupaani/Fresh Lemonade:
This is by far the best of the drinks which India has to offer to the world. This is a famous drink in India, which replenishes the tired soul and body, both of kids as well as adults. There are generally two variants to lime drink- sweet one and the other is a mix of sweet and sour. The extra zing of tangy lemon makes it more relishing and the drink is best when it’s served chilled.
4. Banana Shake:
Banana is one fruit which is readily available all the year round. It is also one of the first fruits which are introduced to babies mostly in mashed form because it is easy to eat and swallow, and it is great for the gut. This one is also as simple as mango shake. Cut banana into pieces. Add it into the mixer along with milk and sugar. Your banana smoothie/shake is ready. You could also try out a wonderful combination of mango-banana shake. Kids like the natural sweetness of banana mixed with the sweet-sour taste of mango!
5. Fresh Fruit Juice:
Nothing beats the summer heat as much as a glass of fresh fruits juice does. We all know how nutritious fruits are for both adults and kids. Before introducing any juice, always ensure that your child is not allergic to any of the fruits. Fruits are rich in fiber and other important vitamins which ensure proper body development. Try to avoid any packaged juices in summers. Always go for freshly brewed fruit juices! However try and avoid giving it to your child if he/she has stomach flu/infection.
Want to know when to introduce fresh fruit juice to your little ones?
6. Sweet Lassi:
Lassi is also completely safe for kids, all because it’s a milk product. But always ensure you ask your doctor before introducing animal’s milk in your kids’ diet. Lassi is a good source of vitamins and nutrients to add in your kids’ diet. If your kid is not fond of milk, the lassi is the best alternative. You can add fresh fruits to the lassi to make it more interesting.
7. Almond Milk:
Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, and folate, all of which are important for healthy development. They are also a powerhouse of proteins. These days there are readily available packs of dry fruit /thandai powder, which you can add to your child’s daily milk intake. Apart from the nutritive content, these are pleasing to the taste bud and are delicious.
8. Coconut Water:
Coconut Water is a rich source of nutrients. It is high in electrolytes, chlorides, potassium, and magnesium and has a moderate amount of sugar, sodium and protein. This is the best source to replenish your body’s water levels. Always go for fresh coconut water and not the tetra pack ones.
