“Can I have a glass of fruit punch?” my son asks, pointing to the carton in the fridge.
“Water,” I respond, steering him away from the sugary beverage.
“I’m so sick of water,” he counters, woefully accepting a bottle.
While staying hydrated over the summer months is incredibly important, it can also be a drag for little ones. We’ve all been told that water is the simplest (and most effective) way to prevent dehydration, but kids crave variety and often get frustrated when the only option for refreshment is plain old H2O.
However, what are the alternatives? Pop? Juice? Super sweet icy treats? They’re a favourite among kids, there’s no doubt, and they do offer hydration benefits… but they’re not ideal due to the high caloric and sugar content. I’m constantly looking for refreshing options that the kids will love while keeping them safely hydrated throughout the summer.
Introducing DeeBee’s TeaPops. TeaPops are the ultimate treat; created by Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker to satisfy her own kids’ cravings, each of the seven flavours are bursting with a delicious combination of organic super fruits and a heart-warming cup of organic tea. These tealicious treats are certified organic and vegan, non-GMO, kosher and gluten-free – for absolutely every taste out there!
TeaPops are low in sugar (all-natural and 7-9 grams per TeaPop) and have a low count of about 25-50 calories. They’re available in refreshingly delicious varieties such as Raspberry Citrus, Strawberry Harvest, Tropical Mango, Pink Lemonade, Berries ‘N’ Cherries, Chocolate Fudge and Toasted Coconut. YUM! I’m partial to Pink Lemonade and my boys love Raspberry Citrus. In between glasses of water, I feel good about serving TeaPops to my kids. Remember, children are at greater risk for dehydration as they actually require more fluids in relation to their body weight:
4-8 year old girls and boys: 5 cups
9-13 year old girls: 7 cups / boys 8 cups
14-18 year old girls: 8 cups / boys 11 cups
So, what are some other fun ways to up the quality hydration content? Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker provides these great tips:
1. Home made fruit lemonade: squeeze lemons into water, sweeten with a little bit of watermelon juice and add frozen berries, they hold a lot of moisture than fresh berries and will seep out all their delicious fruit flavor! This is not only tastes delicious, it looks delicious too!
2. Frozen fruit cutouts: use your cookie cutters creatively- cut out watermelon into shapes like teddy bears, stars, or any other cool shape you can find. Eat the watermelon fresh or stick the watermelon into the freezer to make them even more refreshing.
3. Rooibos tea cubes: jazz up your water with a splash of freshly squeezed orange, drop a few frozen rooibos ice cubes in and you have yourself an orange summer splash!
4. Healthy summer slushy: in a blender mix watermelon and ice cubes. Watermelon is composed mainly of water and contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene. You will have to cut them off after they have reached their quota because this slushy is so delicious!
5. Hydration packs are great! You can buy them as backpacks or clip on to attach to a pack you already have. These are perfect to use when you head out on a walk, hike or bike ride. Don’t forget to fill them with ice cubes so they stay nice and cool.
And, of course, try DeeBee’s TeaPops! They’re available at grocery stores (Whole Foods, Sobeys and Safeway) across Canada. Visit www.deebeesorganics.com for more information.
DARLENE WISSENZ
I am going to pass on this link to my daughter, sounds perfect for the grandkids
mrdisco
watermelon slushie sounds delish.
Debbie Bashford
I have got to pick up some watermelon!
kathy downey
What a wonderful post,thank sharing on FB for my family and friends.Watermelon slushie is sure to be a hit with the grandkids!
Judy Cowan
I so understand the boring water things, I too get bored of water. Good ideas and I am going to check DeeBee’s TeaPops out.
Florence C
I will check for DeeBee’s TeaPops. I am always looking for low sugar content in products I purchase.
kristen visser
wow this is amazing! I have never heard of this before. My oldest is still a bit too young but soon she will be the right age to try these. I will keep it in mind. thank you!!! so happy to have found out about DeeBee’s TeaPops
Susan T.
These sounds delicious and I don’t even have kids! Lol! I want Chocolate Fudge and Toasted Coconut all to myself! :)
mrdisco
i’m a new believer in water as the beverage of choice
heidi c.
I like the low calorie count of these treats. And, the lack of the sugar bombing!
Kristy
I didn’t realize how much more water boys require over girls. Good to know.
These TeaPops sound delicious! I may buy some for myself!
Stephanie LaPlante
These sound really good. Tropical Mango sounds delicious!
Caryn s
I gotta try these tea pops as I think my kids would love them and they are way better than freebies.
Cheryl
Sounds delicious and I love how low in sugar it is
La Cuisine d'Helene
A new treat to buy, I haven’t seen these before.
Debbie Sherrer
Sounds delicious! I will look for them! Thanks for letting me know about these!
Anne Taylor
These are delicious! We all love them and their tasty flavours!
mrdisco
is there anything Whole Foods doesn’t have?
Susan Hanley
I will be looking for these on my next trip to Sobey’s. Thanks for this great alternative to the sugary stuff the kids prefer.
Kathy Hyatt
Think I’ll try the rooibos tea cubes.
Charlene Lucas
Great information! I’ll be filing this away for my daughter to use for my granddaughters!
Kirsten G
These look delicious! Thanks for sharing.
John Bennett
might just learn to like watermelon!
Kelly young
Ohhh the water melon sounds delish
Leslie Crosbie
Thank you I will try them and maybe my kids will like them too!
Carole Dube
These looks delicious. I love the watermelon and ice Idea! Also will pass this on to my daughter.
Mary Anne LaRocque-Ouamar
My Mom and Dad would probably love them! Will have to seek and conquer!
Donna Wilson
Great ideas for healthy hydration!
Lynda Cook
I will have to look for these, they sound great and the perfect treat on a hot day!!
Mishelle
With the weather here as hot as it’s been these ideas sound great!
M
LisaM
I had forgotten how simple it as to just freeze some berries and add them to water :)
Gord
These sounds really good. As a tea drinker these will give me a different way of getting some tea into me.
kathy downey
I looked for these at Sobey’s in my area,but never did see them a shame because i am sure they are delicious
kathy downey
We finally got to try these and the watermelon slushie is so delicious!
kathy downey
The kids have been asking for watermelon slushie ‘s everyday here…they are addicting!
Debbie White-Beattie
They have so many great flavours and I bet they taste great