Here's how to to help kids eat well and stay well hydrated during hot weather!
If you struggle to get your kids to eat enough during a heatwave or really hot weather, then first of all, don't worry you are not alone!
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Why Kids Often Eat Less During Hot Weather
Just like us, children can often feel less hungry during warm weather as their bodies are working harder to stay cool.
Big meals can feel uncomfortable and hard work for them. Naturally they will prefer lighter meals, cold foods or "picky meals".
Remember, fed is best!
What Are The Best Foods To Feed Kids During Hot Weather?
Serve up lots of fruits and veggies with a high water content. Some great options include:
Fruits & Veggies
- watermelon
- cucumber
- strawberries
- celery
- courgette
These are all good foods for keeping kids hydrated during hot weather.
A great idea is to make up a Snackle Box filled with fresh chopped fruit and veggies for the kids (and myself!) to snack on!
Yogurt, Ice Lollies & Smoothies
Use greek yogurt and granola to make this Breakfast Frozen Yogurt Bark for a really fun breakfast for kids on hot mornings.
All the benefits of fruit, protein and filling granola but in a format that the kids will love.
Ice Lollies don't have to be unhealthy! Check out these 15 Healthy & Kid Approved Popsicles for some great ideas.
Make up your own Smoothie Bags to have in the freezer for a really easy hot weather breakfast idea for the kids that is healthy, packed with protein and will fill them up before a day at school.
Or try this Costa copycat Strawberry, Watermelon & Mint Refresher. Super hydrating and packed with nutrients.
And if you've got a Ninja Creami, then now is a great time to get it out and try some of these Easy Ninja Creami Recipes
Pasta Salads
Most kids love pasta, and I've loads of Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids, but possibly not when it's so hot!
So try making a pasta salad instead.
This Pizza Pasta Salad is always a hit with my kids. All the flavours of their favourite pizza, in a cold pasta salad. Perfect for sending in lunchboxes or for an easy hot weather dinner.
Or try these:
My Tips For Feeding Kids During A Heatwave
Front-Load Food
Try front-loading their food. By the afternoon and early evening it's quite possible that the kids will be too hot and tired to eat much.
I've been finding that my two are eating more at breakfast when it is still a bit cool. Encourage them to eat a little more at breakfast and this will help to balance out their overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Snack Plates
When it's hot, other than breakfast, our meals often pretty much go out the window. My kids have preferred to eat snack- style, or picky bits instead.
Snack plates are a great way to serve up lots of the high water content fruit and veggies I mentioned above.
Add some protein (cheese, eggs, cooked chicken, etc) and some carbs (toasted pitta bread, crackers, bagel, etc) for a complete meal.
Or just throw all the foods into a baking tray like I have here. It will feel like a fun meal for the kids and you'll be surprised how much they eat as they pick away at it.
Keeping Kids Hydrated During Hot Weather!
I've been more relaxed on allowing the kids to drink juices and squash durinng a heatwave or unusually hot weather.
I often water fruit juice down and also add in ice cubes so that they are getting some extra hydration in that way. But any drink is better than nothing so do what you have to do to get them hydrated!
If you are looking for specific tips on getting your kids to drink more water then check out my How To Get Kids To Drink More Water article.
Greasy or spicy foods can make children feel sluggish when the weather is warm so focus on the foods listed above instead.
These Chocolate Dipped Fruit Cones are a fun way to get some hydrating fruits into picky eaters. Or try something from this Healthy Summer Snacks For Kids collection.
Important: If you are worried about your child, and in particular your baby or toddler, being dehydrated then please do seek immediate advice from your GP, Paediatrician or Health Worker.
MY FUSSY EATER APP
If you like my recipes then check out my App. Over 500 kid-friendly recipes with a meal planner and shopping list too.
Download Here:
OTHER RECIPES FOR KIDS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Easy Summer Snacks For Kids - Perfect For On The Go!
Our easy summer snacks for kids are perfect for packing into lunch boxes and picnic baskets in the summer holidays and taking on days out!
Snackle Box Fillers & Ideas
Packing up a Snackle Box for days out with the kids over the school holidays? Then check out our Snackle Box Fillers & Ideas.
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