Healthy eating for kids before and after sports practice, games

A healthy diet keeps your child’s body and mind functioning at their best. For young athletes, healthy eating is essential to maintaining energy and focus for practice and games as well as replenishing nutrients afterwards.

Before you head to the drive-thru or pack sweet treats and Gatorade for the team, check out these simple, healthy alternatives for healthy eating before and after sports:

Before Practice and Games
Sports practice sometimes conflicts with the usual family meal time, but you’ll want to feed your child before heading over to the field. Healthy carbohydrates are a smart choice to give kids energy. If kids are eating roughly an hour before playing, include some protein to help keep them from getting hungry again too soon. Examples:

• Whole wheat crackers
• Popcorn (plain, no butter or additives)
• Blueberries
• Raisins
• Peanut butter sandwich with banana
• Yogurt cups or tubes with fruit and/or granola
• Grapes and cheese

Some healthy foods can actually upset stomachs when kids are active. Avoid vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers right before games and practices.

After Practice and Games

Foods that help replenish lost fluids and energy should be consumed after practice and games. Items that are easy to have on hand as you watch the next game or leave the field include:

• Pre-cut orange slices
• Watermelon triangles
• Grapes
• Banana
• Applesauce packs
• Pretzels or whole grain crackers
• Graham crackers
• Cheese stick
• Homemade trail mix of whole grain cereal (such as Cheerios) and dried fruit

Of course, these suggestions aren’t the only foods you can serve your young athlete before and after practice and games, but it is helpful to remember that athletes may have special nutrition needs. Many experts recommend a pre-game and post-game plate that is 50-60% carbohydrate, 25-30% fruits and vegetables, and 15-20% protein.

Stay Hydrated

Water is the best drink before, during and after practice and games. If your child needs convincing, or you want to make it extra special, add some fruit such as lemon or orange slices, strawberries or watermelon.

Generally, it is best to avoid sports drinks, because they contain a lot of sugar. Experts recommend using them only when both of these criteria are met: (1) your child is engaged in consistently vigorous exercise for more than 60 minutes and (2) it is hot and humid.

Energy drinks are not sports drinks and should never replace water during exercise.

You might also like:

• 10 Ways to talk to children about food, healthy eating
• 30 Easy, healthy snack ideas for kids
• Things to know about sports and energy drinks