Winter is waving goodbye, and that first glimpse of spring is on teh horizon, and that means time for spring sports. How can you make your little leaguer an All-Star? Fuel them with nutrient-rich foods, of course! Consider the typical post-game snack and see how it compares to chocolate milk and a piece of fruit:
| 20 oz. Sports Drink and 2 Cookies | 8 oz. Chocolate Milk and an Orange |
| 350 calories | 223 calories |
| 1.5 grams protein | 8 grams protein |
| 8.5 grams fat | 2.5 grams fat |
| 46 grams sugar | 34 grams of sugar |
| Low in nutrients | More than 9 essential nutrients! |
When your young athlete eats nutrient-rich foods, their body is going to perform better. Even though your child might just be playing t-ball and not running a marathon, the food you provide after a game or practice will impact how they feel and perform, both on and off the field (good grades, anyone?). Here’s five ways you can help your athlete excel.
- String cheese and raisins: Cheese provides many of the same essential nutrients as milk - including calcium, protein and phosphorus! Plus, this small snack will pack a large nutrition-punch for a small amount of cooler space.
- Pretzel sticks and low-fat yogurt: When it comes to kids, if it’s dippable, it’s edible! Pretzels are the perfect dipper for nutrient-rich yogurt.
- Chocolate milk and a banana: Chocolate and bananas just go together. An 8 oz. chocolate milk is perfect to deliver deliciousness and nutrition.
- Grapes with vanilla low-fat yogurt and peanut butter:Dip the grapes in peanut butter, then dip them in yogurt. Coolest snack ever.
- Graham crackers and strawberry milk: Find shelf-stable flavored milk if you don’t have access to a cooler.
When you see the joy on your child’s face as they round home plate, don’t you just want to give them the best? Fuel them with a serving of dairy plus a fruit or a nutritious whole grain.
