By blog team member, Kiran.To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!
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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!!
Dana says
We encountered this at kindersoccer...The coach asked if we wanted to do a snack rotation and I spoke up immediately and said absolutely not. I don't have time to worry about kids potential allergies, likes and dislikes, and the big factor...people offering crap for snacks. all the other parents agreed it was easier just to pack your own snack for your child (they were 3 years old for petes sake!). I did a lot of sports growing up and we never had someone bring us mid workout snacks! We drank water and had a snack when we returned home. Plain and simple!
Tanya says
When I was a kid and played soccer we had orange slices and water. That was it.
Melissa says
I am so happy to hear that others feel the same way that I do! My boys are very active in sports in our area, and it seems that every team has snack at the end of each game. To make matters worse, my two are usually offered snack at their brother's game. I am continually amazed at the junky snacks that people provide for our kids. I have been bringing healthy snack when it is my turn, but that is only one week of many. I wish more parents would take the initiative to provide healthy food for our kids.
Amy says
I was so thrilled to read this post. I don't feel like I'm the only one now. My 10 year old son plays basketball and every kid on his team has a sports drink. He's the only one on the bench drinking water and I don't understand it. When he was 5 parents would bring cookies, chips and even soda after the games. I felt so out of control and just went with most of it because I didn't want to be THAT parent. I don't feel that way anymore but it's hard to stay strong in your food beliefs when you are surrounded by others that think otherwise. I constantly struggle with food/treats provided at school. It feels like an ongoing battle!
Cindy says
I know that this has been said many times, but thank you so much for this post!!! We copied this list of better snacks and send it out to the parents of our son's baseball team. Looking forward to healthier options after games!!!!!
Jennifer K says
I guess I really hadn't thought about the snacks after soccer games before - but this season, my son was diagnosed with allergy to corn, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts - which has really changed how we've all thought about the soccer snacks. Most of the other parents have been very supportive as well.
Phoebe says
I am so glad that you wrote this blog. When my daughter played soccer for the first time, I was floored when some of the parents would bring boxes of doughnuts after the game on Saturdays for their snacks. And one of the coaches always brought boxes of ice cream sandwiches, fudge pops, and such.
Kimberly says
I love the idea of healthy snacks but I struggle with it as well. I do not mind sending my kids out with a snack, but when it comes to providing healthy snacks for everyone, my problem begins.
First, junk food is cheap. At a local discount grocery store I can buy a bags of pretzels for $1 for a 12 oz bag. However apples for example (not even organic) are $3 for a bag. I could buy 3 bags of pretzels that they will devour for the same price as one bag of apples that not everyone will eat.
I like to provide my kids with healthy snacks. I don't even mind providing healthy snacks for others if they are willing, but often the other kids turn up their noses at the healthy choice and won't even try it if it is not junk.
How would you deal with a situation like that?
Kim says
I am SHOCKED that parents of seven-year-olds would give their children, and the children of others, Gatorade or similar drinks. They are nothing but chemicals. I was so happy when my oldest asked his pediatrician about drinking a sports drink and the doctor backed me up saying that the sports drinks were no better than a soda. All they should be drinking is water, milk and an occasional juice.
Christina says
I am so excited to read this today because I am assigned to bring snacks this Saturday for my son's soccer game. I already bought bottles of water, and I was contemplating on what other item to bring. I will certainly look for bags of carrot sticks and raisins.
I totally agree that the snack choices of most parents are interestingly unhealthy ~ last week they had Capri Sun and a bag of Goldfish!
Sharon says
I also took issue with the junk food snacks when my kids started playing sports. These snacks were particularly bothersome after an early morning game or after a night game when the kids would be going to bed soon after. I did bring the healthy snacks a few times and I had many non-takers. One child even complained to my son that the snack was not good. Since then, I have suggested to a few coaches that we bring orange slices for half time and skip the after game snack. I presented it as a cost savings that many families would be glad to have. Many parents were actually glad to be relieved of the snack obligation.
Suzanne says
I find this article interesting as I am a soccer mom myself (and a baseball, basketball, wrestling, dance & theater mom too!) Our soccer club does snacks for the U6 level, but starting at U8 we no longer do snacks for the kids. We make sure they're hydrated during the games, but don't feel kids need a snack in the hour they are there. Nobody has ever complained, and coaches and kids can focus more on the sport than the snack. If parents truly want their kids to have a snack after the game, they can furnish their own, and don't have to buy for everyone else.
Susan says
Although my daughter is well beyond the school sports days, I appreciate anyone who tries to counter the snack food trend. My friend and nutrition professor, Cynthia Lair, wrote a wonderful book titled "Feeding the Young Athelete" which also addresses nutrition for kids who do sports. My daughter paid her way through college with a rowing scholarship (keeping strong with healthy eating)so good nutrition has many payoffs!
judi Willard says
Kiran,
Good for you for taking action! When my kids were really little I never thought to take issue with something like this. We ate well at home and we just did the best we could outside the home. Most of the moms on your team, are probably thrilled that their kids will be eating healthier snacks.
Judi
Shannon Johannessen says
Love this post! Thanks for the info. For popcorn, I use melted red palm oil (not palm oil) for the butter substitute. Due to the carotene it has the color of movie theater butter, has a great buttery nutty flavor and is super healthy!! (I found it at the natural grocer. It's a little pricey, but you only use a tbsp. at a time, so it lasts!)
Linda Hopkins says
BTW, the kids were all starving after the games and practices. They shoved all that junk in their mouths on the way home. Then try to get them to eat a decent dinner. Didn't happen.
Linda Hopkins says
I started out raising my son to be virtually sugar free. I gave him very little processed foods. He ate a lot of fruits and vegetables. Then when he was about five he started Little League. OMG. Every game or practice he came home with a paper lunch sack full of junk food and candy. We had so much in the cupboard because there was no way that he could eat all of it. It was required for us to donate the same junk. I was furious. Since then he has been hooked on junk foood and sugar. He no longer likes the vegetables he once loved. Sugar and processed foods ruined his love of fresh fruits and veggies. Of course, it was any better in school. The teachers ate more junk than the kids and shared it with them. There were parties full of junk food and candy for rewards. I couldn't keep it away from him. Why are people poisoning our kids with sugar when they could be feeding them fruits and vegetables.
Dana Trumpower says
I have one middle schooler in a sport right now and we don't do snacks, thank God! I hated when my two girls did basketball in elementary school and they were "rewarded" with Doritos and Gatorade. It is so DUMB and counter intuitive! I am so glad you went to the top to make change. GO GET 'EM!
Angie says
My daughter just had her first soccer practice yesterday (she's three) and her coach handed out baggies with Capri Suns, colored goldfish, and cheap off brand squeeze applesauce and fruit snacks. It made my heart drop. Can you please share the letter that you sent to your association? I'd love to see exactly what you said and how you handled it. If it worked for you, maybe it will work for me! Thank you so much!
Jamie says
We've dealt with this problem also. I have been the mean mom at times that told my kids not to take the snacks. BUT, I also have a snack box at home (of mom approved snacks that we don't normally have) that I let them choose something from when they choose not to take the snack offered. When it was my turn to bring snacks we chose organic cheddar crackers and organic juice box. Another great idea that one of the refs suggested that I absolutely LOVED was a simple craft kit that can be sent home in place of the snack. I agree they don't need anything besides water but I am not going to be the only parent that doesn't provide snack. The parents on our teams have always tried to outdo each other so by the end of season the kids are given a bag with several "goodies". It is ridiculous!!
Molly says
Definitely agree with you and this issue. I think the best option is to eliminate the snack completely. We have had several teams that the coach choose to not have snacks, which I loved. Each player would have their own water bottle and the parents could decide to bring a snack or not. It was perfect. The thing that frustrates me the most is when unhealthy foods and snacks are sold as fundraisers at the sporting events and summer camps. I'm hoping the norm will change with snacks and kids events. Thanks for bringing awareness to the issue!
Yanisa says
Love your post! And not just because our daughters are in the same class. :). Waiting to hear back from the YMCA if they will distribute your article and list to all coaches. It's comforting to know we're not alone in our quest for real food/snacks regardless of event. Thanks for all you do!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Oh, I love it Yanisa! Fingers crossed that the YMCA is on board ... proud of you for reaching out to them. Keep us posted!
Angie says
Could you please share the letter you sent to initiate the change? Would love to see your approach. My daughter just started soccer this week and I was so disappointed when she left her first game with a bag full of goodies (caprisun, cheap applesauce and fruit snacks, and colored goldfish). I want to reach out to our YMCA, but would love to see how you did it first. Thanks
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Hi Angie,
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!
Tracey says
Serving snacks have made my husband and I crazy since T-ball days over 5years ago! NOT necessary! The point is to get your child exposed to a new activity(such as soccer) or continue one that he/she enjoys. It is also about socialization and team work. It would be fine if oranges were served but it is starting to be about soft pretzels and cheese curls. yuck! When I was a competitive athlete in high school and college in 80s and 90s, we got oranges!! We are survived and learned zbout the the game which is what we were there for!
Amy says
I completely agree. It baffles me that the snack almost always consists of processed junk food. I give my kids the choice to not eat it and then to get a non-processed, homemade snack at home. 95% of the time they choose the homemade snack as they understand what the chemicals in processed foods do to their bodies and minds from the education in healthy living that my husband and I make of point of teaching them. When I bring snack it's always something healthy, and yes, sometimes I have kids that aren't interested in it but that is ok with me.
Jennifer says
I've always taken the approach that I'm teaching my son how to politely say "No thank you" when offered something he doesn't need. I love the suggestion above that everyone should just pack their own snacks. That does solve the problem completely.
Stina says
Wow, thank you sooooo much for posting this article!! I have 3 kids in sports, 2 in soccer and my youngest who just started baseball this season and I hate to admit I was one of those Mom's that brought capri suns and chips for a snack (sad face). About 1 month ago my employer brought a nutritionist to my place of employment to teach the employees on nutrition and through this class I have learned so much. My outlook on eating better for my family and myself has changed in many ways. Through this class they referred 100 days of real food, a plus! I also find very helpful the popcorn trick and 85 other snack ideas in your article. I am going to take a copy of your article to the team mom today at baseball practice :). I feel so many people aren't educated enough about food, especially processed food(me being one of them), the more help we can get out there the better for our children and ourselves. Thanks again, many blessings to you! :)
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Good for you, Stina. Keep us posted and good luck!
Donna says
i'm in NZ and common practice I still see when I do go is oranges and juice or water
the rest is unneeded and just marketing empty foods to children
Mom of Four says
How about each kid brings their own snack. Problem solved.
Pauline says
OMGosh don't get me started. I HATE that the kids are given crap after games... after practices, you name it. My husband coaches too & he's also anti snack. He doesn't bring it up about bringing snacks, but there's always a mom who wants to "organize" it all - so he feels obligated to let her. When it's our turn I too bring something healthy - or at least healthier than what most bring. I like the idea of going to the association & just may do that. Thanks for that suggestion! It only takes 1 to try to make a change.
Danielle says
It seems to be a common theme when it comes to children’s soccer, my kids would receive things like Doritos, Oreos, and juice that had nothing but food coloring, flavoring, and HFCS. One year I finally had enough and asked that if we must provide snacks could we please choose something healthy. Most parents agreed, although the catty ones made rude comments, and people tried to make better choices. My son now plays club volleyball and I am happy that our team did not choose to do the “group†food like other teams do (where parents go out and buy mass quantities of processed foods and set up a table for all the choose from) my child gets to choose what he wants in his cooler for the tournaments.
Stephanie Abramowitz says
Thank you for this post! I live in Australia and it's the norm to give kids processed ice blocks (neon colored popsicles) and lollies (candy) after a sporting practice or match. I HATE this accepted practice and am hoping to change the way my son's team eats after a soccer match. I'm the manager of his team this year and instead of signing up to bring 'lollies' for after the match, I'm going to suggest signing up to bring a 'healthy after-match snack'. I'm sure I'll hear the whispers behind my back, but I don't care. I'm taking a stand!
Laurie says
At first I was very put out by your title and initial message that kids don't need snacks at soccer practice, because my child is thirsty at half way point and starving at the end of the game. She would miss the snacks because she needs it. But I wholeheartedly agree that my definition of snacks may be different than other moms. I am much more in favor of healthy food and don't even buy chips and soda for my kids. Ever. I guess I am a mean mom. Or I could be a pediatric nurse and know that sugar in our drinks and food is causing diabetes in children to increase dramatically. So I appreciate your list of healthy snacks and will definitely serve items off that list at our practice. Will I pass the list around to other moms? Well, it would probably be better to give it to the coach or association so you don't start any dance mom, I mean, soccer mom wars. You can lead a horse to water....
Shannon says
I love this topic, but have to add my additional personal angst with the amount of plastic bottled water being consumed during all of this recreation. Last year, my neighborhood swim team even REQUIRED each participant to supply the team with a CASE of plastic bottled water for the season for THE ADULT volunteers (can't we adult volunteers bring our own water?). I also have to recommend the documentary "Tapped": http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1344784/
Yukti says
I am inspired and start by emailing our coach and then see if i cna talk to someone in our soccer association.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
LOVE IT! Good luck, Yukti!
Cynthia says
I am also referred to as the Food Police....there's no judgement about what other people choose to do, but I try to educate families as much as possible
Cynthia says
I have all boys and between lacrosse, soccer, football, t-ball, etc this always comes up...I always slice fruit, have 100% fruit juice/water for my kiddos or pretzels after a game. I can assure you that with all the proliferation of crap that is offered to kids after games, my healthy options are generally not as well received, sadly! The Doritos, HFCS drinks, Gatorade, cookies are much better received. I never will apologize for providing my children with healthy food, but I just wish parents realized that we are not starting our kiddos out on the right foot by offering up junk after exercise
Marielle says
There was a party at my sons's school and I brought fresh fruits and water. I guess I was the "party pooper". Some parents even laughed at me when I told them that juices were as bad as soda, and kids did not need them. I am discouraged!
DeAnn says
My youngest child will be 18 next week...but it is not any different now than when mine were small. I will say, if they have water and oranges during the game...then the snack after is merely a "prize" for playing, you are rewarding with food. They simply don't need it. I agree with the thought that if they are still hungry, go eat lunch...or each parent can bring their child something to have on the way home if needed.
Nickie says
Great information!! My daughter is in kindergarten and will have soccer evaluations this Saturday. Snack were already a concern of mine as I signed her up! Very helpful! It only takes one person to start making a change and I will gladly do that for my daughter's health!
Jaclyn says
I always felt this way so when it came time for my husband and I to bring snacks for his kids after baseball we did orange slices and water bottles. I honestly did not care what anyone thought and told the parents that I wanted to bring them something healthy. Most parents said they just get what's easy because its cheap and fast and they didn't care what their kids had. Makes me sad that we are too busy to care about what our kids are putting on our bodies. I hope more parents stop and think about what they feed their kids and other kids more often. My question is what do you tell your kids when all the other kids are being handed junk and you do not want you kid to have it?