Dylan's Lunchbox: Summertime Slurpees

School is almost out for the summer and the sun is starting to get hot. It is important to stay hydrated, keeping our bodies fully energized. Dehydration, or, not giving our bodies enough water for it to run properly, is dangerous and can be avoided by drinking water throughout the day. Aside from water, there are a number of other thirst quenching options that are both great tasting and healthy!

Instead of drinking pre-made slurps, try making them at home with organic, healthy, and pesticide-free ingredients! Here are some of my favorite summertime slurps that are easy-to-make in your own kitchen! After a long day spent outside in the sun, try these yummy drinks:

Lemonade: Lemonade is a summertime classic. Nothing feels more refreshing than an ice cold glass of lemonade with just enough sweet and sour flavors to please every one of our taste buds! Lemonade, when store bought, is often loaded with sugars and chemicals, fake “lemons” and other preservatives. If possible, homemade lemonade is the best option and I recommend it every time. You’ll need some fresh and juicy organic lemons, a bag of ice, a jar to hold the lemonade, water and organic sweetener. Instead of sugar, try some calorie-free, organic sweeteners that taste just as good, like “Truvia” or “Sweetleaf”. These 100% natural sweeteners are great tasting, and will make your lemonade extra mouth-watering! Mix it all together with a few ice cubes and you’ve got yourself a healthy glass of lemonade!

Fruit Smoothies: Fruit smoothies are another favorite of mine. Organic fresh fruit smoothies are a great energy booster and taste awesome after a hot day in the sun. Brands such as “Naked” and “Odwalla” deliver 100% pure fruit smoothies that can be bought at a number of supermarkets if you are on-the-go. If you’ve got enough time, homemade fruit smoothies are always the best option. Depending on your favorite, fruit options are endless and combinations like strawberry-banana-berries and mango-peach are some of the most popular. If you make yours with fat-free, organic yogurt, you’re also adding antioxidants and minerals to your smoothie. The yogurt adds protein to your shake giving you energy, and re-fueling your body after a hot day outside. Fresh and organic fruits are a better choice than frozen fruits. Smoothie and frozen yogurt cafes such as Jamba Juice serve healthy drinks too, if you don’t have the time to make these slurps at home. Boosts of different nutrients are free of charge and these “boosts” include options such as: energy, vitamins, omega-3 and more! Check out their fat-free options that taste just as good!

Iced Tea: Iced tea is great drink after a long day, and is definitely another favorite of mine. A healthy way to make iced tea is a recipe known as “Sun Tea”. The only ingredient besides water and ice that is needed is tea bags. There are dozens of different types of teas out there. The healthiest tea options are green and white teas. Green tea is filled with antioxidants and nutrients to help our body run properly. The amount of bags depends on how many friends and family members you are willing to share this delicious slurp with. To make a jar for you and your peers, put 4-6 tea bags in a 2 quart container filled with water. Leave the container of tea and water in the sun for about 3-5 hours. Then, take your jar, (be careful it could be hot), and move it to the refrigerator. Add some organic sweetener to your tea, and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. Then, serve your iced tea and you won’t see anything less than smiles from the drinkers! These are just three of my favorite summertime slurps- although there are a number of other options, these are my personal faves. Check em out, and enjoy the mouth-watering goodness!