Summer is here! With soaring temperatures and kids spending a lot of time outdoors, the chances of them losing their appetite and feeling completely drained out are quite high. So, here are some useful tips that you can follow to ensure right nutrition for kids this summer.

I see a visible drop in my kids’ appetite during summers. In fact, at times they become averse to the mere sight of food. As much I blame my imperfect cooking skills for the same, I realize it’s actually the relentless summer heat that’s the cause of the problem.

Children are usually energetic and active, and they end up expending a lot more energy than what they take in. Add to that, the scorching heat, incessant sweating, and dehydration lead to children feeling exhausted all the time. It thus becomes imperative to ensure right nutrition for kids that can help to fuel their daily level of energy.

Nutrition plays a major role in the physical and mental development of kids. I recently attended a bloggers meet facilitated by Abbott’s PediaSure that highlighted the same and talked about balanced nutrition for kids. Renowned celebs Lara Dutta and Mahesh Bhupati embraced the event and shared their insights on summer parenting and healthy eating habits to ensure summers are a good #timetogrow. Dr. Indu Khosla, Practicing Pediatrician at Cloudnine Hospital and Dr Eileen Canday, Expert Nutritionist from H. N Reliance Foundation Hospital shared some great tips on how to ensure a healthy diet for kids.

The event also witnessed the launch of the new ‘Cookies and Cream Flavor’ by Pediasure that provides complete balanced nutrition for children above 2 years. It contains 37 vital nutrients that help in improving height, weight and add to the brain development of kids. Consistent use of this supplement reduces the chances of infection and ensures 50 percent more growth. Given its health benefits, it makes for just the right product needed for kids during summers.

Tips On Right Nutrition For Kids In Summer

Sharing here some tips and insights from the event on how to ensure right nutrition for kids in summer:

1.Present Healthier Choices
When it comes to healthy diet for kids, we parents need to be smart. The best way to go is to expose kids to a healthier version of their favorite food. Replace the greasy French fries with baked sweet potatoes, cola with aam pannas, etc.

2. Include fresh fruits and veggies in your child’s daily diet
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and healthy fibers. Summer fruits like watermelon, berries, melon, etc are high in water content and help in replenishing the body’s water needs.

3. Introduce Fresh Fruit Juices
If your child doesn’t like cut fruits, try fruit juices. Prefer preparing fresh juice at home, instead of relying on the packaged ones that contains unnecessary preservatives.

4. Be innovative with milk
Milk is the essential source of calcium which is a must for kids. Instead of plain milk, try giving kids flavored milk, milkshake or smoothies. Use the ‘Cookies and Cream’ flavored Pediasure to try some innovative recipes. During the event which I attended, talented Kids’ Chef Khicha shared some really cool recipes of milkshakes, cookie shots or ice-creams that we can try using this supplement for. Since it’s loaded with the right nutrients, it makes for a tasty and healthy drink that’s bound to be a hit among kids.

5. Try Curd and Yogurt
Nothing better than curd or yogurt to beat the scorching summer heat. These contain probiotics that help in digestion and keep the body cool from within. Choose a plain yogurt and top it up with fresh fruits or honey.

6. Prepare easy-to-digest food
Avoid heavy, oily meal for kids during summers especially right before they venture out in the sun. This may leave them with nausea or uneasiness. Instead plan a simple, easy-to-digest food like dal-rice, etc and include a good serving of salad with cucumber, tomatoes, etc which are rich in water.

7. Increase the intake of water
Water is essential and it’s intake should be increased in summers. It helps to replenish the fluid level of body and prevents dehydration and fatigue. Always carry a water bottle for your child when outdoors.

8. Be creative with food
As important as it is to serve the right food it is equally important to present it in the right way. Children love food when presented in an interesting manner.

During the #TimeToGrow Event Lara Dutta mentioned, that she tries to be creative with the meals she prepares for her daughter and sneaks in all the healthy ingredients while making the food attractive! That’s one good way to deal with a fussy child.

9. Do not force feed the child
Never force the child to eat if he resists. Do not panic if the he doesn’t like the dish at all or wants to give up after two bites. Expert pediatrician Dr Indu mentioned during the event that it takes around 8-25 attempts for a child to develop a taste of any new food. So give your child some time and keep trying creative and innovative recipes.

A healthy diet has a profound effect on the overall growth and development of the child. Eating well leads to healthy weight gain, reduces the chances of obesity and inculcates healthy eating habits that help in the long run. Do not let the hot weather impact the health of your kids. Make right nutritional choices and let the season of summers be the perfect #TimeToGrow for kids.

Did you like these tips on right nutrition for kids in summer ? Do you have additional tips to share. Leave us a comment below.

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