By blog team member, Kiran.To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!
Eating real food is important to me and just as important for my family. I know firsthand that this is not always easy, and it doesn't happen overnight. But as parents, I feel that it's our job to give our kids the knowledge of what healthy actually means—both in and outside the house.
Our First Soccer Experience
Last fall, my 7 year old joined the local soccer league - a very organized one at that. We're still in the stage of figuring out where our kids' talents lie, and for this season, it was soccer. One practice a week and one game on weekends...that I could handle. But the snack situation I could not.
The first game rolled around, and each girl was instructed to bring a water bottle. Super, I thought. They absolutely need hydration. The coach had brought a big bag of oranges, cut and ready to be consumed, which the kids ate during the 45 minute game. Awesome! I loved that they had a sweet, nourishing whole food snack and water to nosh on while taking a breather.
But then when they finished the game and were given a bag of Cheez-It's and a Capri Sun, I was baffled. Um, really? But what was I going to do, be the mean mom who wouldn't let my daughter take the snack? (I was not the mean mom this time.)
Shortly thereafter I received a sign-up sheet. Apparently this was going to be the norm. Each parent was to sign up to bring cut oranges for one of the games, and on that same day they were responsible for supplying the snack.
Snacks vs. Soccer
My first issue is this. When it comes to recreational sports for kids, they don't really need a snack afterwards. If they are fed a good, solid breakfast prior to the game and then they hydrate and eat oranges during, do they really need something else right afterwards?
I'll admit that I don't have a degree in sports nutrition, so I reached out to an expert on the subject. Nancy Clark is a registered dietitian and best-selling author who is known for her book, Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook. She concurred saying,
"The determining factor is how hard the kids have played. If they have gone all out and done exhaustive exercise or if they will be playing again in 6-8 hours, they need to rapidly refuel. However if they just played a friendly game of soccer and are hungry afterwards, they can go have lunch. Kids bodies are very good at regulating; they know when they are hungry and know to eat when they are. If you put Cheetos in front of them, they will eat them just because...but they'd probably be fine heading home to have lunch."
I also have an issue with kids getting unnecessary snacks because, once again, I feel that we are programming our kids to think that you always get something when you do something. In this case, the kids were more excited about the snacks than the actual game.
Whatever happened to just being proud of playing and feeling good about what you just did? When did we lose this simplicity?
During our soccer season, these are some of the snacks my daughter received:
- Cheese-Its and Capri Sun
- Doritos and Gatorade
- Cheetos and a juice box
- Chex Mix and a juice box
- Potato chips and a Gatorade
- Pretzels (made from refined white flour) and a Powerade
I have to admit that I had angst for a few weeks before it was my turn. As the soccer team was poisoning (Okay, okay. Maybe that's a strong word. Brainwashing?) my daughter into thinking she'd have these highly processed snacks, what could I bring that would satisfy on all levels?
I opted for squeezable applesauce and whole wheat pretzels. And water. For Pete's sake, what's wrong with just some water to drink afterwards??!
I had two non-takers; I'm not going to lie. But most left feeling happy, especially my kids (I had brought extra for my three other children). And me. It was a win, and I'm not talking soccer.
What Can We Do About It?
I realize that I'm not going to change every sports association out there. Though I'm really, really hopeful (hint, hint) that some of you will read this and take action, I'm sure that snacks of some sort will continue.
So I've included a list of better choices in case you have to sign up for snack duty for your child's sports. And note that I realize many organizations probably won't let you make your own goodies to bring, though how great would that be??
Healthy Sports Team Snack Ideas
- Carrot sticks (in baggies*)
- Apple slices (in baggies*)
- Mini apples
- Whole-wheat pretzels
- Lara Bars
- Dried whole grain cereal (such as puffed brown rice or organic corn)
- Bananas
- Squeezable applesauces
- Unsweetened applesauce cups
- Dried dates (in baggies*)
- Strawberries (whole with tops cut off, in baggies*)
- Oranges
- Bags of popcorn made using The Popcorn Trick
- Small bag of almonds (Trader Joe's sells these) - not suitable for those with nut allergies
- Raisins
For more ideas check out our list of 85 snack ideas for kids and adults!
*A great alternative to regular plastic bags are these bio-degradable monster bags.
I'm not the only one who is fired up about this. Sally from Real Mom Nutrition has a great post that includes all the tools you need to be proactive about being a "snactivist" when it comes to sport snacks. School Bites has another great post on the topic.
Please share your thoughts. Have you encountered this? And if so, how did you handle it?
March 7, 2014 update:
I am ecstatic to share that I took some of the commenters' advice. A few of you had suggested not just talking about it, but doing something about it. So I reached out to our local soccer association who was 100% on board with it.
They had me put together a letter to go out to all parents regarding the topic, along with suggested snacks (above), though it's up to the coach to decide whether or not they want to implement a snack rotation. I was sure to suggest oranges and waters for during the game. They also are including this information on their website.
To be exact, below was their response:
"Thank you for your passion and efforts. Think this is a big issue and will support you in this."
You can read the entire correspondence with the team here if you'd like.
Thank you for encouraging me to reach out to them - and now it's your turn to also do so. Together we can make a difference!!
Susan Miller says
This drove me crazy when my girls were younger. And yes, I was the bad mom who wouldn't let her kids have the junk food.. I brought my own healthier post game snacks. It was a crazy battle but now my girls 12 & 13 understand. They see how many of their sports friends have bulked up and realize that junk food is not a "reward" and exercising doesn't give one an excuse for consuming as much junk food as you want. Funny thing is that now we are running into parents who no longer bribe with snack but have shifted to monetary bribes for participation/performance! So sad that exercise and competition has come down to this for our kids.
Sea Elle Are says
This article is spot-on. However, you should write a letter to ban all snacks, not make them more healthy. I can't afford to feed the whole team fruit and water after a short game. I have food at home for my family. This article doesn't take into consideration food allergies. I don't like feeding other people's children due to rampant allergies these days. This needs to stop. Kids should play and go home and eat. It's not a party, it's a sport.
Snacks after 1 hour of sports makes me crazy. Fortunately, it's usually done at younger ages and ends as the kids get older and become more serious about sports. I am a single mom and have a hard enough time getting my 2 kids (that play every sport well) to all of their activities let alone feed the team. I've also told my kids it's ok to experience a hunger pain every now and again and it won't kill them.
Wendy C. says
This will be my second year coaching soccer for my youngest son. I sent all parents an email last year saying that there will not be a snack responsibility because in the past the snacks provided were large muffins and cinnamon rolls (among other things). I said if the parents wanted to bring a snack for their own children, they could do so. I had parents after several games ask if they could bring snacks if they were healthy. I don't understand why kids have to have snacks. Water, sure. Snacks, eh. I agree that a healthy breakfast and hearty lunch afterwards should suffice. I'll be doing it again this year because it keeps me from having to tell my kids that they can't have what others are providing.
Sea Elle Are says
We wonder why obesity is such a problem.
Mel says
Kudos to you for setting a good example to other kids (and parents!)regarding whole food snacks. Also, I think it is great you reached out to the league. It's obvious you did so in a friendly, approachable manner based on their response. Would you mind sharing your letter as an example for those of us who would like to do the same in our communities?
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Hi Mel,
Lisa is going to put up a pdf of the letter soon - but in the meantime, email me at kiran(at)100daysofrealfood.com and I am happy to share!
Jen R says
I totally agree on this, we always did oranges and water for my brothers soccer games back in the 80s. Last year, my daughters team did snacks and the other parents mostly brought cookies or chips. I bought pre bagged apples and oranges, they loved them!
Anne says
Thank you!! Would you be willing to share the letter you sent to parents (or excerpts)? I am so encouraged by your post and am hoping to take on our basketball league, where we have an equally unhealthy situation, yet I will admit I'm a bit nervous about possible backlash. I'd love to read the tone of your letter, since it sounds like it was well received, and I hope to glean insights to set the right tone for some skeptical parents.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Hi Anne,
Lisa is going to put up a pdf of the letter soon - but in the meantime, email me at kiran(at)100daysofrealfood.com and I am happy to share!
Nichole says
We are not a 'real food' family by any means (yet!), but I've also struggled with this. What I've found during numerous seasons is that if I sign up to bring the snack to the first game, and its a healthy one, parents usually follow in my footsteps. I have had some fails (most kids pased on bananas, and only about 1/2 took the pre-bagged apples). However, the favorite snack every season are my watermelon 'Popsicles'. I cube a watermelon, put 3 pieces on a skewer, and freeze. Pair with a soccer ball shaped bottle of water and 6 year olds don't know what hit them! :). If I forget or run out of time, I'll bring real juice boxes and granola bars from trader joes - not great but better than chips and pop!!
Janice says
Thank you thank you thank you! Things need to change for sure. Kids are fed junk food at every type of event these days. Our PTO just had a candy bingo night (self explanatory right?) where some kids left with 5 or 6 full sized candy bars and last night my daughter went to cheer practice and got a huge donut afterwards bc it was someone's birthday. It was 830 pm and she's only 8 so I told her she could have one bite and save the rest but what I really wanted to do was throw it straight in the garbage can! Grrr. I have been "the mean mom" before and my kids still love me!! Don't really care if other parents think I am "depriving" my kids of a treat, my job is to keep them healthy and teach them healthy habits to last a lifetime!
Dawn says
Love the fruit idea! My son has multiple allergies and the snack issue always comes up. We actually had someone bring cupcakes as the snack one week at soccer. I would have loved for someone to make this suggestion!
autumn w. says
I absolutely agree ! Good for you !
Peg H says
As I recall, when my children were of an age to participate in organized sports, it was around the time that razor blades, needles, etc. started showing up in Halloween candy and homemade treats. Coaches of their teams started telling parents to bring pre-packaged snacks that were factory-sealed, which pretty much pre-empted bringing healthy snacks like orange or apple slices, carrot/celery sticks, etc. Bottled water had not yet been introduced (yes, I'm older than dirt) and Gatorade was pretty new & not available in the individual sized bottles we have now (it may not be the most healthy beverage but I'd much rather see a kid drinking Gatorade than soda or sugar water disguised as juice). I feel this started us all down a very unhealthy path. I hated that my kids got cans of soda and bags of chips after their games and usually had healthy snacks on hand for them. I believe the current snack trend evolved out of an initial effort at keeping our children safe - from that, kids got used to having junk food after practices & games, and those kids grew up to be parents who gave their children what they'd been given (generally speaking). I applaud your commitment to real food and now to this challenge and will do whatever I can to help support this effort. BRAVO!
Lynn says
I deal with this same thing every week for my kids' weekday church classes they attend on Wednesday nights. Classes run from 6:30-8pm and each week the children are in a rotation to bring snacks (with 3 kids in different classes, I'm bringing treats almost every week). My first issue is that my kids eat a healthy supper right before they go to class. They are full when they leave the house & they do not need a sugary snack at 7:45pm right before they come home and go to bed. My second issue is the "List" of snacks I'm "allowed" to bring. Because one child in the building has terrible allergies, snacks need to be peanut, nut, milk and egg-free. While I'm totally ok with this, the list states: "*Please stick to the specific brands of snacks-other brands may not be safe and are not allowed* Ritz crackers, Premium Soda Crackers, Teddy Grahams, Mini Teddy Grahams, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Barnum's Animal Crackers, Fruity Cheerios, Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops, Alpha-bits cereal, Chex cereal, Life Cereal, Gummy Bears, Oreos, Kellogg's brand Fruit Snacks, Smarties, Dum Dum suckers, skittles, starburst and some brands of jelly beans" Not a fruit or vegetable on the list, b/c (when I asked) "kids will need dips for their fruits and veggies to coerce them into eating them...and those dips contain nuts or milks" I get so frustrated every week when I pick my 3 children up from church and see their blue-dyed tongue or cookie all over their faces. I get even more frustrated when I have to bring snacks and I have no healthy options. One week I brought raisins and bananas for my 5 year old's class, and when the leftovers came home, only one serving was gone...and it was my daughter's. I just wish they would do away with the snack bucket entirely. There is no need for a snack that late in the evening, let alone one that is entirely sugar filled.
Heather Ferber says
Agreed 100%! Back in the day when I was playing soccer, running track, taking ballet lessons, and more, you could always count on orange slices, banana chunks, and watermelon slices with bottle water at any and all sporting events. Now, so much has changed. The past few weeks I have watched my boys during basketball season and observed snacks such as Doritos, Cheeezits, Goldfish, pre-packaged muffins and chocolate bars that I cannot even identify because I don't buy them, Gatorades…and the list goes on…all served to my children after an 8AM basketball game where my child ran on the court for a total of 18 minutes. CRAZY! There's a chapter in my new book called "Take Back the Snack" and it's going to take more parents like us, taking action and leading by example. (The treat that I brought for my assigned week was organic apple sauce and prep-peeled cuties w/ water bottles - still a bit of sugar but nothing like what had been previously brought.) These young children are not elite athletes…and even if they were, it's still arguable that any processed sport food is needed. I did an Ironman 70.3 w/ sprouted nut butter and honey sandwiches and my homemade electrolyte water!
Angelica Hedges says
I completely agree with the snacks. When my oldest played at 6 yrs old, it was a competition on who was going to bring the next best thing, amongst the girls. I was hesitant to sign up for the next season. So I was cautious of what I brought. Waters and apple slices and grapes, and oranges slices for the halftime. I didn't care if they took the snack afterwards.
keith says
In the age of participation trophies, it isn't shocking that parents treat a 45 minute rec league game for children as if it were a 26.2 mile marathon. Really, are more calories being burned, or energy expended here that it once was when we (parents) played outside for hours on end? Do we need to be concerned with the replenishment of nutrients for what equates to 3 minutes of running for an hour long little league baseball game - most of which is spent standing around with glove in hand? If we are honest, the answer is no; so whether Gatorade and orange slices or a bag of chips and a Coke - both combinations are more than a reward than a replenishment. And, in the age of participation trophies, we all know that we must absolutely find a way to reward effort in all ways possible in an effort to prevent any sort of real character building. That noted, I maintain that the message we send our kids in most of these instances (everyone is a winner no matter what the score, don't keep score unless you must, hard work and effort are equivalent to showing up and going through the motions, and each time you attempt to run you need nourishment replenishment) is far more dangerous than a small bag of chips and a cola.
Ree Mikkelsen says
My children are grown now but I remember "snack" duty when they were playing Baseball. Sometimes it was not only a nutritional nightmare but a financial burden to provide drinks and snacks for that many children. I never was too keen even back then to have my kids eating a candy bar and drinking a soda a 9:00 p.m. This trends needs to stop!
Francoise says
Thank you so much for taking action! When my daughter used to do soccer, most parents brought in junk for a snack, like cupcakes, chips, and "juice" with no actual juice. And it was lunch time. I was so annoyed. My boys are about to start soccer, and I plan on being more active, at least with their team. I just don't see why kids need to have anything other than water and fruit during or after a game. Most kids even headed to the snack stand afterwards, and enjoyed hot dogs and snow cones. And somehow, people stare at me, and don't understand why my kids barely have any junk. I really appreciate your website, and have used many of your real food recipes for banana bread, zucchini bread, and more.
Tracy C says
I have issues with this at every little thing we do, not just sports. When Scouts meet (girl and boy), even only for an hour, they think they need to fill 15 minutes with snack time. My kids have multiple food allergies, and if I forget to have something thrown in my purse, then end up being the odd one out. They do anyway, because they're eating something different than everyone else. It's a tiresome American trend. When I got the book French Kids Eat Everything, it helped me realize that it does NOT have to be that way, but Americans feel sure their kids will starve if they don't get something to eat every hour, and it saves those putting on a class, meeting, game, etc for kids from having to deal with that extra 15 minutes of programming. Annoying. Thanks for this article!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Sad but true, Tracy. Just let the kids out 15 minutes earlier instead of filling time with food. I'll be glad to bring them home and take them off your hands, right?!
Tracy C says
Yes, and if they'd just do snack at the end (like at Cross Country Ski Club), I WILL take them home early and do. But mostly, they do it right in the middle of the scout meeting or other event.
Kristin says
First off, i agree., it's not just sports but, scouts, clubs, etc. And the food it RARELY healthy! Last summer my daughters were an an art class from 10:30-11:00, that served powdered lemonade and called it "juice". What happened to plain old water and why do you need to feed my kids before lunch? Sports, was the same way! 6:00 or 7:00 games followed by a processed snack. Great load my kid up on refined carbs right before bed. I try to fight any and all snacks, though with little success. Why does everything have to be communal, can't we all just worry about our own kids. I too would gladly pick up my kids 15 minutes early to avoid the snack. It makes me be extra careful about what programs I am signing my girls up for this summer.
I too LOVED French Kid's Eat Everything as well! We didn't do much snacking before I read the book, but have since, cut out snacking completely as a family (can't do anything about those silly club, school, sports, snacks). I also make a point to make really satiating dinners (something the book talks about). I also loved that in French culture it was proper to ask parents permission before feeding their children! If never fails that the parent/s initiating the communal kids snack, has/have no concept of what healthy food is!
Jen says
...and I agree that it's not just occasional! If it were just once a week of junk it would be no big deal but it ends up being daily or more between sports, class parties, birthdays, the bank, doctor's office, grandparents,drive through etc!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Agreed. I feel like every time I turn around it's a snack or another toy, pencil, sticker, etc. But that's a whole different story:).
Shawna @zipzicles.com says
Great news! Glad you brought up the topic and that you reached out to your local league. Supplying teams with an easy (and fun) way to make healthy team snacks - even school bands - doesn't have to be hard.
Danielle says
Well I think giving kids all those nutrient lacking food after they have been running around is not a good idea. But a ton of ple do not understand food or proper eating,I try not to judge or make anyone feel stupid or in the wrong. Any way kids need fuel and oranges give them great game nutrients but post excertion food are nessesary also. Your body has a ton of repairing and hydratiation needs. A few carbs mixed with protein is ideal. Gatorate is just artificial sugar laden crap. There are plenty of other alternatives out there. Bananas and potatoes have more electrolites then gatorade. Long story short. No those choices are not wise and it does not teach the kids to enjoy the bounty of nature, artificial addictive flavor enhancers do the opposite.
Jen says
Great comments! When I played soccer in the early 80s, we had oranges at halftime and nothing else. I've struggled with my kids being offered junky snacks after games, and would prefer fruit or nothing (my daughter also has nut allergies, making anytime someone else feeds her scary). Kids are instructed to bring their own water bottles to practice and games. In the past I've tried to take the initiative with being the snack organizer and gone first to bring something healthy, as well as extra water bottles in case a kid forgot. I was thrilled when our park and rec district sent out a letter at the beginning of basketball season along with code of conduct info requesting healthy snacks after games (their examples were all fruit ) and debunking common snack misperceptions (ie: "kids need sports drinks").
Stacy@ School-Bites.com says
YAY, Kiran!!! So happy that you got proactive and spoke to your local soccer league--AND that you had a good result! You are making a difference!! Thanks for updating your story. It's great inspiration!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thank you, Stacy! I honestly didn't expect a response, nonetheless such support. I was and am SO excited - I just hope that others try reaching out, also!
olivia says
I have been taking my 3 kids to their sports activities and when it has been my turn to bring the after game snack I have always brought bananas (cheap, easy to carry, sweet tasting and most ppl like them) and water bottles. I have never had anyone be ugly to me about my healthy choice that I bring. And when other parents bring the junk snacks my kids know not to take them and I have their healthy snack in hand, banana or orange slices, so they don't feel totally left out of the eating scene. I almost always have a parent or two ask me each season per child why we opt for the healthier snack choices. They often think it's bc we may have allergies but I tell them no its so we can feed and fuel our bodies well. And I ask the parents what do they eat after they have done an exercise routine? I ask my kids what do they are me eat or drink after I come back from a jog? It isn't chips or cookies its usually an orange or banana and water. This always begins a great conversation with other parents and I tell them dont buy the junk and your kids will be fine. As we already know they will eat whatever is usually provided to them. I often get parents who want to come to my kitchen and see my pantry and I gladly have them over. Maybe in time we all help one person or family who then goes on to help another. Slowly it will get better I can hope.
Jennifer says
We always got orange slices. What good is a bag of chips if the snack should be to replenish the energy you just burned. Not to mention coaches should consider all parents and give something all parents would be happy with. Even chip giving parents would be fine with something heathy after the game.
Heather M says
I find it is of no use talking with other people about what is nutritious food. People just don't get it. I think everyone should bring their own snacks, period.
Shannon says
Last year I was Soccer Mom for my 12 year old sons soccer team. At your daughters age (7), they are NOT playing competitively, so YES, the snack is the highlight of the game. However, as these kids get older, the snack becomes a non-issue. Our boys last year played HARD. They were exhausted at 1/2 time, and after the game, and many of them were not even interested in snack. So that will change as your daughter gets older.
I started the season trying to control everyone as to what they should and should not bring for snack. Then I realized......who am I to dictate what other people do? It seemed kind of arrogant of me to force my eating ideals onto others. So, when it was my turn to bring snack, I brought fresh fruit, and organic granola bars. I did allow my son to eat what the other kids brought, but you know what......he wasn't interested most of the time! I always brought his favorite healthy snacks, which he ate in the car. I told him to politely accept the unhealthy snacks if he didn't want to feel different by not taking them. They were thrown away on the way off of the field.
My point is....we have nutritional ideals for our family, but to expect others to conform is not realistic. Take what you want your kids to eat. If your kids jump at the chance to eat junk food, then maybe you should ease up a bit, and allow an occasional junk food snack. Then it won't seem like such 'forbidden fruit' and your kids will be more adjusted and secure in saying no thank you, and opting for a healthier option.
Alissa says
My daughter started u9 travel soccer and we got the sign up sheet. However I was happy to realize it was a sign up for halftime fruit. I happily buy a bag of oranges for team, others have brought watermelon etc. Kids all grab at it happily at halftime. Thank goodness we are not dealing with after game snacks!
Tiffany says
I guess I'm one of the "bad" parents because I am always eager to sign up for snacks. I let my kids pick what they want to bring for after the game and pass them out, whether they choose a fruit snack, granola bars, or grapes in ind bags. They do drink water during the games but don't mind them drinking a small Gatorade after. With 5 children all diff ages and nieces and nephews who play ALL day, they do run around alot on the sidelines and stay active the whole day. My kids are happy, healthy, and love to be active outside. Matter of fact, my kids are a little on tiny side, but they are healthy, eat what mom cooks, and the usual after-game snack. At the same time, my kids would take the water bottle and raisins as they are not picky at all! To each their own, I guess.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Tiffany,
Please don't call yourself a "bad" parent, which I am sure you are not. I do not believe in labeling foods as allowable or not allowable at all. I just want my kids to enjoy the sport (or party, or event, etc.) itself instead of wondering what the snack or treat will be. I'd rather there not be a team snack, but if we want to do snacks, we do what we choose. And if there must be a team snack, I'd personally prefer if it was a "real" food choice. But as you say, to each their own.
Shelley says
My husband is a long time soccer coach. He finally cut out snacks. Most of the parents were relieved that it was one more thing they didn't have to remember.
Jodi says
This drives me insane! My daughter is just at the age for these activities so I'm trying to figure out how to navigate the waters without social suicide and making my daughter feel like an outcast?!
Sarah says
I have fought this every time my kids have been on a team. A couple of times I have been able to convince the team that we didn't need a snack sign-up. I came at it from the angle that we were all busy and didn't need another thing to do, like remember to buy a snack for the whole team (true but not the whole reason I hate this practice). I think it is up to each parent to decide IF their child needs a little something after the practice or game...and WHAT that something should be. Then no one has to worry about catering to allergies, etc. either.
Sue says
Totally agree they need real food snacks. Why do we need to have a "special" snack each time provided by one parent? Why not let each family feed their own child how they choose? My son has allergies as well so these needs to "party up" every event are difficult to manage. Good for you for reaching out to the association.
Art J says
I use this stuff during the summer when working hard, its the only sports drink my boys have ever had.
http://www.emergenc.com/products#specialty-formulas.electromix
Allergies are a mixed blessing in this way they are a win. They cant eat doridos, cookies etc and always end up with the healthy snack. When it is our turn we always have about 50% takers. Oh well.
Erin says
As a kid and later as a teen coach - we only had cut up oranges at half time and water. If parents wanted something for their kids after that was up to them. Why start bad habit like that so young that it becomes part of their eating patterns.
Susan says
Believe it or not, this snack and drink thing goes on all the way through high school. I am bringing Gatorade for 58 (yes, 58 middle school kids) to a track meet on Thursday. We are advised to send the kids with 4 bottles of water each for "during the meet."
My son works out 7 days a week is very skinny and very muscular. I don't buy cheetos or Capris Sun but...I'm also not a Snack Nazi. If my son wants to drink Gatorade after a meet, I certainly let him. He usually grabs the snack (chips or bad-for-you granola bars). He'll take a bite or two and throw out the rest. I'd rather give him the option to learn that it really doesn't taste that good anyway.
90% of the kids don't want the healthy snacks. When it's my snack day, I usually bring easy to peel oranges (if they want it) and I will also bring chips/cookies for the junk food kids. When I bring Gatorade for the end of a 2.5 hour meet, I also have plenty of bottles of water for the game.
Don't force your kids to hide their snacks because they know you hate cheetos. Let them learn on their own that they taste icky.
TriAthenaMAB says
I made copies if this article and strategically place them at youth sporting events where I know others
will read it. http://www.newsweek.com/giving-kids-candy-anything-sweet-116401
Dawn says
The USOC did a study on the best possible post workout snack. Guess what? Chocolate milk and a handful of raisins! Apparently it is just the right combo of protein, carbs, and hydration. The dairy coalitions put together a cute handout on this, so I made copies and put them in all the snack bags, and I always volunteer to bring the brverages. Milk boxes. DynaMoo, organic valley choc, strawberry or vanilla, and so on. And I was talking casually to a mom whose kids have been on our team for a few years. She's no purist, but guess what she said she now brings for her kids? Choc milk and a handful of raisins! Silent happy dance! Just keep working at it, and don't stop teaching you kids!
Kristin P says
TOTALLY AGREE!!! I have struggled with this ever since my daughter started soccer! And I too have not wanted to be the "bad" mom either. Thank you so much for your update. With soccer starting up in 2 weeks, I'm going to do what you did and email the soccer organization about this. Thanks for the inspiration! Now I have to try to change our Girl Scout meetings. :)
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
LOL - Kristen, if you have success with Girl Scouts - let me know. That's another one I have to try to tackle. But it's certainly worth a try! They have made better choices ever since I "taught" the healthy eating part. Give it a shot!
Jonna says
Ok Gatorade is like the worst thing ever just water and more water fresh fruit oranges and salty Doritos not so much my son 9 yrs old 130 lbs for tackle football never is allowed Gatorade it's so bad for them minimal amount of electrolytes and tons of sugar water water water