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Yanny Peñaloza
On why water is the original magic potion - and how one children's book is quietly changing the way families think about hydration
Water isn't boring. You just forgot what it does.
Who is our guest?
Yanny Peñaloza is a Venezuelan-born ingenier, health educator, athlete, and mother of two living in Germany - on a mission to turn healthy habits into bedtime stories kids actually beg for.
Why are we interviewing our guest?
Because hydration is one of the most overlooked health habits of our time - and Yanny found a way to make kids ask for it. That's a superpower worth talking about.
What to expect
Honest talk about the healthy habits kids already get right and adults are still learning, what your energy levels are actually telling you, and why water might just be the most underrated drink on the planet.
The interviewer
Oliver Wegner
After 25+ years in tech, I'm dedicating my time to something that truly matters: water, our planet's most vital and overlooked resource. 💧 I'm driven by curiosity to meet changemakers whose insights and stories might inspire us all to reconnect with water.
You grew up in Venezuela, trained as an athlete from age three, and now you're raising two kids in Germany. What was the moment you realized water was actually the key to everything?
During my 12 years as a professional athlete in Venezuela, I learned that water was essential for physical performance. However, the real change came when I became a mother.
That’s when I truly understood its power: water helped me cope with the pain of childbirth, stay strong during times of physical and emotional stress, and regain my energy. That’s when my eyes were opened, and I realized that water wasn’t just important - it was essential for everything. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to learn more about its benefits and pass that knowledge on to my children.
In the book, Toni thinks Max and Ela have a magic potion. Why do you think both kids and adults have stopped believing water could be enough?
We live in a world where the internet and advertising have led us to believe that we need complex products to stay healthy and have energy. Both children and adults have been influenced by sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods that promise more than they actually deliver. This has caused us to forget the basics: our bodies need simple things to function properly, and water is one of them. Over time, we’ve lost faith in the essentials, because simple things no longer seem enough. Regaining that belief isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to return to healthier habits.
Your kids are 3 and 6 - and you told me they naturally drink water and even ask for it themselves. Where does that come from and what do you notice when you look at other families around you?
Children learn through repetition and mirror their parents' behavior. At home, my children see water as something natural, which is why they ask for it without hesitation.
Habits are formed through daily example. However, when I observe other families, I notice that drinking sugary beverages is very common. In many places for children, such as parks or swimming pools, these options are primarily offered, and plain water without artificial flavorings is rarely available. This directly influences their preferences. I often receive criticism for limiting other beverages, but for me, it’s a conscious decision: prioritizing health over social pressure. I believe that when children grow up seeing water as normal, they don’t need anything else.
The book includes a recipe for kids to make their own healthy drink at home. Have families or readers shared how that landed in their kitchens and what reactions have surprised you most?
The recipe was included to teach families how to make mineral-enriched water in a simple and fun way. The problem isn’t just drinking too little water, but consuming it without the essential minerals that benefit the body. Plus, the recipe creates a special moment of family bonding, where everyone participates in a healthy activity.
The reactions have been very gratifying: several parents have shared that their children loved the story behind the recipe. Children are drawn to experiments, so they see it as a fun activity they can do every day. This has led them to drink more water, as they feel proud of having prepared it themselves, which even improves their perception of the taste.
Interview break
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A lot of young people live on energy drinks, iced coffee, and flavored everything. What would you actually say to a 19-year-old who thinks water is boring?
I would tell them that water isn’t boring - it’s essential. If they want more real energy, better focus, and to perform better in sports or their studies, they need to stay properly hydrated.
We often think we need caffeine or energy drinks, when in reality our bodies are dehydrated. I’d also show them that they can make water more interesting by adding minerals or natural flavors. Once they start noticing how their energy and focus improve, they’ll stop seeing it as boring and start seeing it as an advantage.
Your book exists in three languages. What does that tell us about your mission?
My mission is to reach families around the world. I’ve learned that many health issues in children stem from habits passed down at home, which is why I want them to learn to take control of their well-being from a young age. Through the book, I not only teach them healthy habits, but I also give them practical tools - like the recipe - so they can put them into practice on their own or with their parents.
The fact that the book is available in three languages reflects that this message knows no borders. I want it to reach as far as possible, impacting different cultures and generations. I also aim to support parents by simplifying the information through a children’s story, so that adopting healthy habits as a family becomes easier and more natural.
Imagine you could speak directly to Gen Z and Millennials in Europe and America. What would your recommendation, or wish for them be?
Taking care of your body is a daily investment that's always worth it. Energy, mental clarity, and well-being don't come from quick fixes, but from simple, consistent habits. The more respect and care you give your body, the more it will respond with strength, focus, and vitality.
And remember: you only have one body for your entire life. The way you care for it today will determine how you feel in the future. It's not just about avoiding illness - it's about being able to enjoy life with energy, freedom, and joy. Loving your body isn't a trend; it's a decision that transforms your present and your future.
Key Takeaways & Quotes
What stayed with us from this conversation.
Water isn't boring - it's essential. From a Venezuelan athlete to a mother of two, Yanny shows how simple hydration habits, built early and modeled at home, can transform energy, focus, and well-being.
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