Healthful Snacks for Kids
in Sports
by Anne
M. Fletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D.
 Healthful
snacks don't defeat the purpose of all that exercise on the field,
track, or court. Here are some ideas for children and teenagers following
games:
Healthful Snacks
(Combinations of any of the following would be
great, too—e.g., fruit and graham crackers, pretzels and cheese)
Fresh fruit: bananas, apples, berries, melon slices or cubes, sliced
oranges, grapes, plums, etc.
Other snacks:
- Fruit kabobs
- Cheese sticks, string cheese
- Yogurt in a tube (e.g. Gogurt, refrigerated or frozen)
- Pretzels
- Popsicles (e.g., made with fruit juice or frozen yogurt)
- Crackers with peanut butter or cheese
- Dried fruit (mixed with nuts)
- Graham crackers
- Pudding cups
- Rice cakes
- Non-sugared cereal/popcorn mixes
- Fruit bars (like Fig Newtons)
 Beverages
Most kids and teens playing recreational sports don't need special
sport drinks that are little more than sugar-water. And most
kids don't need the extra calories. The best way to quench
thirst is to drink water. If you do choose to drink fruit beverages,
stick with 100% fruit juices — not soda pop or fruit drinks
that are mostly sugar water.
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