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!!
Sarah says
But why is it an issue? I mean, I understand wanting kids to eat healthy but how often are these games anyway? Once a week? Does it really hurt the kids to have a bag of chips and a fruit punch once a week?
April says
The problem is that its not once a week. Its every sports game, every kids birthday in their class, every minor celebration, every tiny accomplishment that gets met with junk food as a reward. The amount of times that a kid gets fed "treats" outside the home that aren't a part of their meals in a week or month is HUGE.
Kelly says
lisa, I completely agree!!!!! I have been through this with my five children and would cringe each week at the garbage that was brought (with good intentions) for them to eat. Always fruit for half time, and chocolate covered granola bars/rice krispie squares or freezies. It just doesn't make sense to have your child engage in activity to stay healthy and then immediately feed them sugar. Also, gatorade drinks are made for adults, with electrolytes levels aimed at replenishing ADULT level electrolytes. Also filled with so much sugar and food colouring. Not healthy for kids in any way. Thanks Lisa for your article!
Kelly says
Oops sorry- thanks Kiran!!!!!!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
;) Thanks for recognizing it, Kelly!!
~Kiran
ido says
Fruit kabobs and mini bottled waters...
I think parents should bring their own snacks for their own children, then if they want their kiddos to have snacks, they will, and they will have control over what they put in their mouths. Then maybe have 1 party at the end of the season.
I totally agree with your article! We have seen MEGA sugary, MSG containing, processed food snacks at games.
Tina S. says
We are on our 3rd soccer player, who is a 12 year old boy. I absolutely agree that they do not need processed snacks after a game. My husband is his coach, and he always brings a cooler filled with water for each game. The only time we feel snacks are needed is when they play tournaments. They can play 3 games in a day, and their bodies do need nourishment. We carefully choose the kind of snacks they will get. One more thing...the article mentions a "friendly" game of soccer, as if it is not very physically demanding. These kids, especially the older ones, can run several miles during one game. Please, don't underestimate the physical strain of a 1 hour game. Most of us adults would never make it. I know I wouldn't;)
Sue says
Why can't parents just provide a snack/drink for their own kid? I don't want my kids having to deal with unhealthy snacks nor do I want ungrateful kids to rudely comment about my healthy snacks. I have three kids, two that have various food allergies. It's just easier for me to provide their snacks myself. Let's just go back to providing our own kids with snacks and water.
Holley says
I agree! I have to pack a snack for my kid in case it is something she cannot eat due to allergies or she just doesn't like it (like pretzels).
Christine says
When my daughter Aimee was a Popwarner cheerleader I used to hate the processed, fatty snacks & sugar drinks they would give our girls! My daughter actually had a weight issue back then. It was always so hard to discourage her from eating them because the other girls were allowed to eat that nasty stuff. I applaud you for doing something about it! When I see over weight kids I don't think " chubby" I say fat! It's is sad to see.
Jneane says
My son has been playing soccer for 6 seasons. He is always hungry when he walks off the field. I don't mind giving him a snack, but I agree, donuts, Doritos, cheese its etc are an oxymoron to me when kids just played a sport for an hour. It's confusing for kids if you ask me. I try to be "team mom" as often as I can and suggest appropriate snacks. Sometimes it works. I'm not sure I understand this association between food and fun. It's fun food for after a fun game? People should have a snack of carbs and especially protein after a sport. Not 55 grams of sugar to eat with a 65 grams of sugar drink. This is why obesity and type 2 diabetes are an epidemic in children. In fact I just learned chocolate milk is better for rehydration than Gatorade and water.
Jane says
For us, the games are at an awkward time, 5:30 or so. We try to feed our kids dinner beforehand, but they aren't very hungry at that hour (we usually eat at 6:30). So, we do get them to eat something ahead of time, but they're usually hungry for something afterwards.
I like the idea of fruit and cheese. Clementines and small apples are easy, especially for weeknight games. I like the idea of popcorn too. I think you have to pick healthy things that most kids will eat. Just don't go overboard and offer kids kale chips or grape nuts. Be realistic and compromise where you can. I will probably bring the things I mentioned above and Gatorade.
Don't turn your kids into the ones who sneak off to friends houses to eat fruit snacks! LOL
Lisa says
All I can say is that after a workout, I want protein! Yes, a citrus/electrolyte drink helps, but food-wise, could you go with a dip, instead? Guacamole? Cheese dip? Greek yogurt? Bean dip?
Monster cookies can be made with sun butter to make them nut-free. Here are some other ideas:
Beef jerky
String cheese
Baby Bel cheese
Gorp: pepitas, raisins and M&Ms
KEYA says
Thank you for the healthy suggestions. My son had his first soccer game yesterday and I was not happy about the processed snacks he received but I just counted it as his once a week sweets. Unfortunately, it looks like I may have to do something since the games are twice a week.
I will definitely bring healthy snacks and water for the day I volunteered for but I may have to swap his unhealthy snacks with a healthy option for the days the other parents provide snacks, especially on the school night games in which I don't want him eating sweets before going to bed.
Marta says
A squeezie applesauce? BABYFOOD for 7 year olds? Why on earth? Besides, sugar is sugar. Let the kids eat a fun snack. Me? I'm bringing doughnuts tomorrow, I can't make everyone's kids healthy in one snack. Game day is fun day.
Colleen says
Gogo squeezes are an easy portable snack for all ages. My 6,9, and 11 year old all like them. They're easy to throw in lunches where you don't have to worry about a spoon. Definitely not just for babies. Fruit sugar is not the same as doughnut sugar. Also, I'm all for fun yummy treats every now and then, but once I started being more aware of it, I noticed junk food for my kids was EVERYWHERE they went between school, parties and sports. Plus, with three kids, they would often get a snack at a siblings sport event in addition to their own event. And, depending on your sport (like baseball), there are multiple days when they have games and often during the week. There have been several season where my kids have had two baseball games a week and are handed a bag of junk at the end around 6:30 or 7 at night. No one needed a snack at that point, they needed dinner! So no, you can't make everyone's kids healthy in one snack. What really needs to happen is our society needs to get rid of snack bags and just let people feed their own kids however they want once the game is over.
John Doe says
You are overthinking this. Just give the kids a snack.
Brei says
Hello, Thank you so much for writing this very important article. My daughter has played soccer since she was 2 years old. Now 4 years old, the concept of ending the game with snack has been introduced. I was met with the same situation...oreos were today's snack. I took your advice and wrote to the organization, asking that they review a healthy snack suggestion list that I could provide. Their response was positive and they welcomed the feedback. I'm creating the list for their review..hope I get this right! Thanks again!
Hails says
Um, in NZ it is traditional to give cut oranges half way through the game. Usually taken to game in an ice-cream container. Don't know why its oranges. Sometimes mandarins.
sheri says
at my daughter's school, we girl moms have really stepped up to the plate with healthy snacks! Our rotation also includes fresh fruit at half-time (apple slices, peeled or unpeeled cuties, fruit sticks, etc.), and after game snacks include homemade granola, homemade granola bars, hummus and pita (well, full disclosure, that was not very popular), and I am famous for my pumpkin muffins made with whole wheat and flax seed. I throw a few chocolate chips in those puppies and they are a massive hit! No drinks, as the girls always have their refillable bottles of water.
Also, as we are a campus that tries to reduce waste, I would suggest just bringing a big tupperware container filled with your snack--no need for individual plastic baggies!! Such a (literal) waste! Or, if you must, Whole Foods has individual wax paper baggies, which is a good alternative to plastic. Or, I have individually wrapped homemade granola bars in wax paper--super cute!
shawn says
Sounds great!! I agree and love that you are reducing waste :).
Chris says
Hi Kiran,
18 months late, but very happy I came across this article. I am coaching a flag football team for 5-6 year olds and the league suggests we make a snack schedule available so parents can sign up to for weekly games. The games are only 24 minutes and are back to back, so less than an hour of total activity (much less if you consider who plays offense vs. defense). Ok...to my point.,,the last thing I want is for the kids to offset the physical activity of running and playing football with potato chips and sugar filled drinks afterward. When passing out the sign up sheet I let the parents know to please bring healthy snacks (oranges, apple slices, etc) and that drinks were not necessary (everyone should already have their own water bottle). I was preparing to send a follow up email to the parents this morning but wanted to include a list of healthy ideas that didn't include too much prep. To my surprise it was more challenging than expected to find one of these until I stumbled across your article. Thank you for sharing your concern, your list of healthy snack ideas and the link to 85 snack ideas for kids! This will help make it easy for other parents.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
I am glad that you found it! It's never too late to make a change:).
Kiran
Kari says
I've had the same problem. Last season I gave out frozen grapes. They were a hit in the heat!!
Esmeralda says
I have been playing soccer since I was 5 and that snack after the game is a tradition. It's expected by all ball chasers . It baffles me that some parents are trying to petition this. I know it's a hassle and an added expense. Suck it up! I do agree that some parents are literally giving candy as a snack. My son got sugar sticks once. I was baffled and threw away immediately. As aware parents we need to educate other parents and the league of what a healthy, small snack should consist of before this tradition fades away.
Erin says
My daughter starts Kindergarden soccer in a few weeks. The tradition is for parents to rotate popsicle duty. It bothers me that we think we should give our kids a sugary treat like that after they run around for an hour. Im thinking I may take your letter inspiration and use it in my town!
Jane says
How about a fruit kebab? they get the same "food on a stick" feeling, but it's healthy! Also watermelon sticks!
http://www.simplysated.com/cut-watermelon-sticks/
Wendy says
I feel the same way about snacks and soccer. Had a chat with our coaches and some parents and decided fruit at halftime and water after were plenty. I have first snack this weekend and have a very large watermelon to be cut into triangles. I'm sure they will love it.
Jane says
Have you seen this?
http://www.simplysated.com/cut-watermelon-sticks/
Wendy says
Looks like a great idea! Thanks!
Shalimar says
I made suggestions to two different coaches and was told by them that they didn't want to tell parents what they could or couldn't bring. Trying to be an activist and got shot down. I did provide healthy snacks when it was my turn, and we politely took other snacks but didn't consume them. Gonna try again with upcoming softball season!!
100 Days Admin says
Sorry to hear they aren't cooperating. The only thing you can do is continue to provide healthy snacks during your time and try again! Here's hoping they'll eventually come around. :) - Nicole
Gary says
I started bringing these little packs of sliced fresh sliced fruits called BFFs - Bites of Fresh Fruits to our games. They are great the kids love the variety especially ripe pears! Who would of thought that we could get ripe pears year round already sliced up and ready to go!
Dee says
I just proposed providing a water jug and asking boys to bring their own bottles to refill. Also, I asked respectfully if team snacks could be re-thought. This is for 13 year olds who all should be having dinner before a 6:00 game and are old enough to pack their own snack and beverage. But no, I've now ticked the coach off since this is the way he's always done things and I have gone and stirred the pot. Two parents are required at every game- one to bring a team snack and one to bring beverages. No mention of a "healthy" snack even or even water. I really do not understand why parents or TEENS can't be responsible for their own food. My son is has raging ADHD with insomnia. I will have to endure another year of watching him wash oreos down with gatoraid right before bed. Or, storm the bench and take it away in front of his team, that's always fun. :( I am not sorry for making the proposal however.
LisaB says
I agree -- unless the kids have genuinely had a long, hard game, team snacks are not necessary and frequently introduce highly processed snacks that compete with the dinner I've fed or am about to feed my child. Half the time, my child doesn't even eat the snack provided.
If other parents prefer their children to have post-game snacks, it absolutely makes sense for them to bring one and make it available. It does *not* make sense to get indignant and guilt everyone else into providing it for them. My exception to this would be if you're participating on a team with low-income families who genuinely have a hard time providing quality food for their children. But for most of the folks I know, the snack equals additional food for kids who are often already eating too much.
Michelle says
I would like to piggy-back on the above comment and reiterate the two important points being made here:
1) recovery - after an hour to 90 minutes of soccer play, especially on a hot day, there is absolutely a recovery period where the body needs to be replenished. so YES, the kids do need a snack or some sort of replenishment;
2) quality - agreed, the quality of the snack is important. Doritos, cheetos, and the like are not appropriate. Believe it or not, a chocolate milk is a great recovery beverage, especially in a tournament situation where there are back-to-back games.
Katrina says
Sadly not every child is fed a healthy breakfast or lunch before playing a game. Offering a healthy snack after a practice or game gives children excellent exposure to quality healthy snacks. We can be an example to the youth and other parents by bringing healthy snacks.
Ashley says
I was so upset the other day and everyone thought i was blowing it out of proportion. My kids went to religious education class and the teacher handed out twinkies and capri sun?? Really!?? So unnecessary. And my kids do eat sweets on occasion but This made me mad.
Gregory Walker says
Kiran-
As a practicing pediatric sports medicine physician, I am encouraged to read your article. What you bring about is two separate arguments on nutrition for young athletes: 1. Quality of the nutrition (carrot slices vs Cheetos, for example) and 2. Timing of the nutrition (immediately following exercise vs delayed). Your argument on the quality of the nutrition is spot-on. It is unarguable that the quality of snacks available to our youth have plummeted over the past 30 years. To give our children ultra-refined processed food and drink is a shame. However, on the timing argument, it is important to recognize that the body is optimally 'primed' to receive carbohydrates within the first 15-20 min following exercise. It is through this pathway that we can bypass insulin-mediated movement of glucose into cells. Obviously, if the child has spent 30 min sitting on the bench, an immediate snack does not make sense. However, if that child has been engaged in exercise, the post exercise snack (with hydration) is an excellent way to replenish glucose stores, rehydrate and avoid the insulin-mediated post meal 'crash' at the next meal. Thank you for your article.
Kiran says
Gregory,
I appreciate your professional insight. And I agree with your thoughts. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation; the degree of activity varies greatly. For those who are engaging in very active sports, yes, they will need to replenish. As stated in the post, I am not a professional on the topic, but I've been active/an athlete (in my own mind, at least):) all of my life. I replenish after a 5-mile run with a banana and water, or dates with almond butter, etc. I get it. My problem is the "reward" idea that our kids get, and as we agree on, the quality of the snacks provided. And in my case (with my daughter), the level of exercise was honestly not that high. She would have been fine with oranges and water and heading home to have lunch.
All in all, it sounds like we are in agreement and again, I appreciate your input!
Kiran
Sylvia Seal says
I really believe in eating good, healthy food. I disagree somewhat with the idea that you don't need snacks after exercise: it's not a one size fits all solution. I agree you should have better choices for after exercise that chips and sugar filled drinks. I was diagnosed with low blood sugar as a child and had to eat every 2 hours. Even as an adult, if I don't eat after I exercise, I will be on the floor. So, I like that you provided a list of healthy choices for those children and adults who can't abide by the "no snacks after exercise" rule.
Jill says
I couldn't agree with you more! The whole snack situation has me baffled and to be honest, very agitated. I cannot understand why parents feel the need to bring a snack for every game and practice. Last fall, during fall baseball, I ran into this same exact problem. Practices and games were always at 5:30, so the kids would be eating dinner right after; therefore, no snack would be necessary. Several parents stood up and announced that a snack schedule was necessary. Unlike you, I was the nasty mom who opted out of the snack schedule. I told them I thought it was ridiculous and that I would not be participating in the schedule. I told my son that he didn't need the snack because we would be going home for dinner after the game/practice. He was actually okay with that, surprisingly so, and was also perfectly fine drinking the water from his water bottle. I am so glad to have read this article!
Stefan Steiner says
I agree with your feelings about processed snacks after a game but a number of your suggestions are just largely sugar but in a fruit disguise. My kids are in high school and have played sports since they were three. The thing that we found that satisfy them the best after games and practices is water and chocolate milk. Choco milk quickly replenishes them with much more than sugar. Fat and protein are two key things along with other things. Applesauce, oranges and dates, even organic, are mostly just sugar and just make the kids hyped up and wanting more. I'm not the only one who feels this way about chocolate milk. It's kind of the magic after sports drink :-)
SHAWNA says
How do i get a copy of your letter you turned into the soccer organization to use to turn into our military family sports diretor?
Kiran says
The link is above - but you can read our correspondence here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Soccer-Snack-Post-Follow-Up.pdf
Good luck!
Stephanie says
I'd love to read the letter you sent to the parents. Can u post it????
Kiran says
Hi Stephanie,
It is posted above. See above where it says:
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!!
LMK if you can't find it!
Brianne Dorr says
I am a Registered Dietitian, you can find my name in the national database. I commend you for doing your best to provide your family with good nutrition and exercise. However, I do not agree with your stance. Children absolutely do need snacks, they have high energy needs and only little bellies. Healthy, well-balanced snacks are best along with good hydration especially if they are playing sports. I would imagine a game of soccer for a 7 year old is pretty vigorous, sprinting back and forth down the field. Much more intense than just a 45 minute run on the treadmill for an adult. After a 45 minute run, aren't you pretty hungry and thirsty? I am sure they are, especially if it is hot out. The "snack" of 1 maybe 2 slices of orange during a break is not enough, probably less than 25 but no more than 50 calories if they are able to eat 4 slices, but perfect to give them a little glucose and potassium without overloading their tummies before running again. So, a post game snack is essential because let's be realistic that they are probably not going to get lunch within the hour after packing up your things, walking to the car, driving home, cleaning up, making a healthy lunch and then finally sitting down to eat. Honestly, nutrient need wise, baked cheese crackers and juice work well to replenish glucagon, sodium and potassium. Are there better, chem-free snacks like organic crackers/bread, organic nut butter with salt, and an organic apple and local spring water obtained in a glass jug and portioned in mini mason jars, but let's be realistic again because you then run into the child with a nut allergy. I believe in moderation. A suboptimal snack once or twice a week is really no big deal. You could just provide the snack every week, but let's be realistic, right.
Joey B says
Kid's do not need snacks after a game...period. As a coach I may have a different perspective than some of the other commenters. I grew up playing sports and yes, there were occasional seasons with orange slices at half time and everyone had water or gatorade during the game. But sometime in the last 30 years the necessity of snacks after the game has been perpetuated by overzealous parents trying to give the kids a reason besides the sport to stay on the team. It is very frustrating. At every level you want the kids to have fun and part of that is developing as a player and a person. Every game is a unique opportunity to surface strengths, weaknesses, and areas to get better. The ten minutes after a game are a fleeting opportunity for coaches to recap what took place, what everyone should be proud of and what we need to work on as a team at next practice. But snacks quickly become the focus and you might as well be herding cats as trying to keep their attention away from the mystery cooler on the sideline. I'd much rather my kids and parents walk to the parking lot discussing post game take-aways than looking for a place to throw away their wrappers and empty bottles. Frankly it doesn't matter whether it's organic squeezable apple sauce or double stuff Oreos. Leave the snacks out of it.
Kelly says
It strikes angst in nearly every parent who's "turn" it is to bring snack. And with all of the different food preferences, diary systems and allergy concerns among children, I feel it's best to have each family bring their own snack, if one is necessary, for their own children. That being said, as a nutrition educator, and mother of a high school wrestler, I often bring a myriad of healthy snacks to tournaments for our team, as otherwise, they are left with very unhealthy snack bar choices. I'v been thanked by both the coaches and wrestlers for making whole foods snacks available to them during very long and tedious tournament days.
Renee says
I agree. When I played soccer as a kid we had orange slices or apples and water. That was it. Never the junk in a bag. WHen my son started to play sports it bothered me that kids were given capri sun (just the packaging is enough to say no to this product and should be banned from the earth), cookies, brownies, chips, etc. This is not food and when I brought my oranges and apples kids asked where the cookies were.
Sue says
My favorite was sugar free Popsicles after the game (cooler with ice...no problem keeping them cold). The kids would always spend a few minutes joking around with each other after the game. I loved it and so did they!
Michelle says
While I understand where you are coming from, I don't see what the big deal is for once a week after the game. To have a snack and juice/Gatorade. My 9 year old son plays soccer 2x a week + game. All the boys are running hard during the game and are hungry afterwards. They need to replenish. That's what I am told after the gym and a hard workout.
David says
So you want them to replenish with sugar, salt, sugar, chemicals, and more sugar, and transfats. And then they'll magically learn to eat healthy... or, they will become some of the 70% who are overweight and I'll have to pay for their health insurance. Brilliant. Don't you think we have gotten to a point where we need to do some things differently?
Brittni says
I understand the argument against snacking after the game, but from what I read in your post, it seems like you are fine with snacking after the game, if and only if, those snacks are whole foods. Which is fine.
You don't really seem to be against the act of snacking, but are actually against the crappy processed foods that are being provided for your child.
Kiran says
Brittni,
Everyone's level of play is different. I am referring to rec sports - which in our case, was 45-60 minutes of recreational play. Right before lunch.
I see nothing wrong with rehydrating with water and oranges during/after the game, and if they need it, another piece of fruit. I just don't see the need for junky snacks. Plus since lunch was immediately following, I feel like they can go home and have lunch. Again, this was our situation and time of day. Even if it was in the afternoon, a piece of fruit would probably suffice. Again - my opinion!
Brittni says
Hey, I totally understand! That's the point I was trying to make about your argument. That you were all right with snacks, but against processed foods for snacks. I'm in total agreement with you. No child needs cheez-its after playing soccer or any other rec sport. No nutritional value whatsoever and does not help with energy replenishment.
Kiran says
You got it! We are on the same page!! ;)
sarah says
I read your post and shook my head yes yes yes. I totally agree with you. If kids are fed properly before a game or practice, no further food should be required. My daughter's baseball team asks parents to sign up for not just snacks but,get this, MEALS. They say its a great way for the girls to bond!!!! UM isn't that what they do while playing on the field???
SD mom says
I completely agree kids don't need a post game snack, as each individual family eats differently and we can all take care of it for our own kids. I had never thought about challenging this tradition though. What I did do, is volunteer to be the coordinator of game day snacks! I figured that way I would be in a position to gently influence what kind of snacks are brought. However, it turned out I didn't even need to be concerned, as I guess this soccer organization already encourages healthy snacks like fruit. Yay! Who knows, maybe it's because what you started when you talked to your sports organization has spread to others. :)
Kiran says
That is great news!! Thanks for sharing! :)