by Leah Zabari
When the hot sun is blazing down on the world and with knowing the importance of children staying hydrated, I’ve found some great healthy, fairly cheap, super easy drink options for my own kiddos that provide all kinds of benefits without the added sugars. The recipe below is what I like to call “The Chicka Boom Boom” (based on the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, of course!). The coconut, orange and lemon juice in the drink give children a boost of energy and essential vitamins they need to stay healthy and hydrated.
The Chicka Boom Boom
Ingredients: (for a single serving)
- 1 cup of coconut water
- ½ of an orange, peeled
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- A pinch of mineral salt (or pink Himalayan salt)
- 12-14 ice cubes
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender* and blend well. Pour the liquid into a cup or sports bottle and enjoy!
*If you don’t have a blender, no worries! Just put the ingredients in a cup and stir them together or shake them in a cup with a lid (the amount of ice will depend on the size of your cup or bottle).
If you see children experiencing fatigue, confusion, or irritability it could be because they are dehydrated. Please exercise caution when playing out in the heat and make sure children are drinking enough of the right fluids (water or a drink like the one above which provides electrolytes) to protect them against dehydration.
Check out this link to learn more about the health benefits of coconut water.
Check out this link for fun coconut-themed lesson plan ideas for preschoolers.
