All parents of young athletes know the drill. When its your turn, you bring Honest Drinks, Rice Krispy Treats or small bags of Goldfish Crackers to your child’s soccer game as the post-game snack. Whether you love or hate the tradition, you participate because everyone else does, too.
In a recent study, 3rd and 4th graders were observed playing 189 games of flag football, soccer, baseball, and softball. Physical activity and snacks eaten after the game were tracked. Post-game snacks were provided by parents 80% of the time and 90% of the post-game drinks were sugar sweetened.
On average kids used up 170 calories per game but ate 213 calories in post-game snacks and drinks. Capri Sun and Kool-Aid Jammers were the most common drinks provided and baked goods were the most common snacks. In this study the average post-game sugar amounted to 26.4 grams, equaling almost 7 teaspoons of sugar. The study also showed that kids were less active than you might think, averaging just 27 minutes of activity during a game. Soccer players were the most active and softball players were the least active.
The
researchers suggested that water, nuts, fruits and vegetables would be better
post-game snacks than those traditionally offered.
