• Dried fruit slices: You can likely find them in the fresh produce area of your grocery store! Try the dried apples or bananas for a crispy twist on fruit. • Little Debbie anything: Zebra cakes and oatmeal cream pies are my favorites! Save it for Friday evenings as a special treat before dinner! • Cucumber slices and dip: Cucumbers are a super- hydrating food! Use cookie cutters to make them fun shapes and serve them with some dressing for a healthy and flavorful fill. • Granola bars without nuts: These are great because they are prepackaged and come in a variety of flavors! POST-GAME DRINK OPTIONS Keeping kids hydrated and replacing electrolytes lost is key after a game. According to Devin Pugh, Director of Community Outreach for the Annapolis Blues FC, “Kids want to focus on refueling, so consider drinks with lots of electrolytes!” Be mindful that many “sports drinks” have a lot of sugar and calories in them. Here are some after-sports drink options (healthy or not): • Propel: This is Devin’s favorite because it has zero calories and sugar, but packs a ton of taste and electrolytes. • 100% juice boxes: The “100%” means the drink is made with all fruit, with no added colorings, preservatives, or sugars. • Gatorade: The no sugar-ones can be a great option for parents looking to reduce their child’s sugar intake. Plus, it’s another great option for replenishing electrolytes. • Capri Suns: Who doesn’t love these? They’re great tasting and in a perfect pouch for the car ride home! • Chocolate milk or hot chocolate: Celebrate with chocolate. These make a great after-win beverage! Add marshmallows to the hot chocolate to up your “cool parent” points on those cold nights. • Water: This is an obvious and easy choice! Having some water bottles on hand is perfect if a kid, or parent, forgets theirs or runs out. This is the perfect option for some clean hydration. OTHER TIPS/TRICKS • If you want to be an MVP among the adults too, hand out some energy drinks and/or scratch-offs. • Don’t sign up for the first post-game or last slot. Pick a slot in the middle! Let the first person set the standard and expectations. But keep in mind, if you wait too long to sign up, all the good snack options may be taken. These best practices should put you in the best position for post-game snack duty. Now go forth and win!
WINTER 2025 | 21
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