Calm Your Hangry Child With a Healthy Snack
By Donna Stark
Do your children come home from their after-school practices irritable, exceedingly grumpy, and completely out of sorts? Well, it may be because they haven't eaten for over six hours and they are hangry! Fortunately, there is something you can do to keep their emotions at bay and you wouldn't believe how easy it is! Just start packing them a high-protein snack to munch on before their activities and save everyone from the misery of future stomach pains.
Travel-Worthy Snacks for Your Young Athlete
Giving your children the energy boost they need before they exert themselves on the field or the court is an excellent way to calm the hunger pains for them. Here are some great suggestions on what to pack.
- Nut butter - Celery sticks filled with nut butter and topped with raisins is everyone's old standby, but what if your child doesn't like those stringy, green boats? Well, you can use apples too! You can also experiment with flavors by trying different nut butters (almond, cashew, and walnut).
- Trail mix - Trail mix that contains a variety of mixed nuts is an easy way to pack some extra protein and nutrition into your child's day. Be sure to include plenty of almonds and pistachios since they are higher in protein than other nuts.
- Vegetables and hummus - Remember those mason-jar salads that became so popular the other year? Do the same thing, but fill the jar with hummus and raw vegetable sticks. Spoon some hummus into the bottom of the jar, stand some vegetable sticks on top, and close the lid. It's a quick and easy treat that your kids will love!
- Turkey roll-ups - A sandwich without the bread! Grab a slice of turkey, place some vegetables on top, and roll it up. It provides a perfect boost of energy and is so easy to eat between school and practice.
- Chocolate milk - You certainly don't need a nutritionist to confirm that chocolate milk is a favorite among children, but there have been studies that show it is a great source of protein. So pack some chocolate milk with your children's snacks. In addition to the protein it provides, it is also another way to hydrate them a little bit more!
Get Rid of the Hangries
Nobody likes to be hangry, so give your children the nutrition they need to help ward off those hunger pains. High-protein snacks can provide the energy and nutrition required for their intense practices and will help them come home with a smile on their face.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Prosper, Tex.