Sharing soccer snacks is a common practice, either during halftime or after the game. On some youth soccer teams, parents take turns bringing snacks for all of the players. On other teams, you may only have to feed your own child. Choosing a healthy snack that doesn't make the kids turn up their noses helps refuel your child after playing soccer.
Fruit
Fruit helps rehydrate the soccer players after they've been running throughout the game. The water also means they get a filling snack without a lot of fat or calories. Whole, fresh fruit that the kids can eat quickly works well; try apples, bananas or grapes. Another option is fruit you can slice ahead of time for easier serving, like watermelon, cantaloupe or oranges cut into wedges. Kabobs made by sliding fruit chunks onto wooden skewers or coffee stirrers also make easy-to-eat fruit snacks for soccer players. Other ideas that incorporate fruit include individual cups of applesauce and frozen fruit pops made with real fruit.
Whole-Grain Snacks
Whole-grain snacks satisfy the young players' hunger from playing soccer. Whole grains stick with you longer than processed grains, making them a smart way to refuel. Whole-grain snacks also offer more nutritional value than crunchy snacks like chips. Try muffins, bagels, sandwiches, cereal or crackers made from whole grains. For more variety, combine the whole-grain crackers and cereal with dried fruit, pretzels and similar items to make a trail mix. Granola bars also work well as long as they aren't overloaded with sugar.
Dairy
Dairy products give the soccer players protein for their recovery after the game. Individual cups of yogurt make an easy serving option to incorporate dairy into their diets. Look for yogurt with a low sugar content for a healthier option. Combine it with fruit for a more substantial post-game snack. Cheese is another easy option; use individually wrapped string cheese for convenience. Combine the cheese with whole-grain crackers for a complete snack.
Beverages
Beverages play a significant role in recovery from the game. The kids need a drink that will rehydrate the body, especially on hot days. Small bottles of water provide an individual serving option that quenches thirst quickly. For parents who want to bring juice, look for individual containers of 100 percent fruit juice. Skip soda, which contributes sugar and empty calories. Sports drinks are also typically high in calories.
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