Looking for easy and healthy sports snacks for your kids? Here’s your dietitian-approved list, free from diet culture!
Is it just me, or did hockey season JUST end, and without even blinking, we’re headed into two very busy months of driving kids to and from the soccer field? This year, believe it or not, I have three (that’s right…THREE!) kids in soccer, so every weeknight evening will involve taking kids to soccer.
This means rushing home from work, quickly feeding the kids, uniforming-up and heading out again. Yikes! This means that you’ll have to be extra organized and either have leftovers ready to heat up or super easy weeknight meals. Quick and easy is key. You want to make sure these meals are balanced and nutritious to keep your kids energized for practice. Speaking of fuel, you’ll want to check out my complete guide to sports nutrition for young athletes.
Start with Food Neutrality
Sports snacks can be a hot topic. While I understand the frustration of seeing kids handed snacks that aren’t always the most nutrient-dense, it’s essential to approach this from a place of understanding and food neutrality. Kids look forward to snacks as a fun part of the game, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to a variety of foods that fuel their bodies.
Sports Snacks Support Recovery
Why even bother with sports snacks? Providing snacks that support our kids’ activity levels and overall well-being is important. Snacks after practice can help maintain their energy levels and support recovery. It’s not about labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” but about offering a variety of options that contribute to their growth and enjoyment of the sport.
The purpose of the post-sport snack is to:
Provide energy to keep muscles working throughout the activity
Keep the body hydrated and cool (especially during the summer months)
Provide nutrients for growth and development
Encourage recovery after the game
My Favorite Nutritious Sports Snacks for Kids:
Follow your child’s Lead
Last year, I sent these yummy egg mini-muffins with some cheese, grapes, and strawberries. Let kids pick and choose their own combination. Remember – it’s your child’s responsibility to choose “how much” they eat. Providing a variety of options allows them to listen to their hunger cues and eat what feels right for them.
In Summary
Embracing a flexible, food-neutral approach when it comes to sports snacks helps create a positive food environment for our kids, fostering a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Let’s focus on nourishment, enjoyment, and the energy needed for them to thrive on and off the field!
