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My Soccer Mom Snack Rant
writes, "We sign our kids up for different sport activities so that they can develop healthy habits around fitness. So why do we think it is okay to teach them that an hour of exercise deserves a sweet, colorful (and devoid of nutrition) treat?"
Many kids are back to school again next week and after school sports are gearing up for the fall season. It doesn't matter if your child plays football, soccer, La Crosse, basketball, baseball or some other sport, typically the parents are responsible for bringing an after sports snack.

Unfortunately, cheese puffs, chips, doughnuts, Oreo cookies, and sugar-laden sports drinks or juices have become the norm (just take a look at the sidelines and you'll see what I mean!) in place of the fresh fruit I remember receiving as a kid. Our kids no longer see these "food-like substances" (to quote Michael Pollen) as treats, but rather as what is expected. We sign our kids up for these activities so that they can develop healthy habits around fitness, but why do we think it is okay to teach them that an hour of exercise deserves a sweet, colorful (and devoid of nutrition) "treat?"

Many parents rationalize that unhealthy eating around sports is okay because our children are "working it off." Did you know that during an hour-long game an 8 year old child only burns on average around 150 calories - yet they are given a snack that is equal to 300-500 calories? Many don't even break a sweat. There are a few things wrong with this picture. Besides the high fructose corn syrup, sugar, trans fats, artificial colors and extra calories and fat our kids are consuming, they are also learning that consuming junk food is okay. Why not teach them instead that real food is what fuels our bodies for the best performance both on and off the sports field?

As for sports drinks, an 8 oz. Gatorade has 14 g. of added sugar and 110mg of sodium. Unless you are vigorously exercising for an hour or more, children are not losing electrolytes. Rehydration is important, but water provides all that kids need. By feeding our kids processed sugary snacks and sports drinks, they are developing a taste for sugary, salty flavors and raising their sugar and salt thresholds. This influences what other foods they will accept at other meals as their taste buds and palates now expect that hit of salt or sugar.

In an ideal world parents would bring back the orange slices or other fruits and that would be the only after-sport snack option so kids wouldn't know any different. But this is not likely to happen unless parents feel comfortable taking a stand for healthier snacks. So, next time I want you to reconsider the phrase "everything in moderation" and think about providing real food for our kids. Change happens one small step at a time. You can start by sending this video (by Real Mom Nutrition) out to your child's team and asking for healthier snacks this season. http://tinyurl.com/7q8jfl2

Think about it...our role as parents is to teach our children healthy habits. Is this a habit we want to stick with them for life?

Emily Barker, CHHC
Eat to Thrive Health Counseling



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