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Healthy Post-Play Snacks
  • Updated:Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:20:00 AM
Kids kicking a ballAs nearly 1 in 3 kids and teens in the U.S. are overweight or obese, it’s important for parents, coaches and others to make sure kids have access to healthier foods—including post-play snacks. All too often, kids are rewarded with unhealthy foods and sugary full-calorie drinks, but there are lots of healthier choices that not only taste great, but are better for them too!

So, the next time your child finishes their football game, ballet class or playing outside with friends, try giving them one of these healthy post-play snacks.

 

Instead of... Try... 
Sugar-sweetened beverages 
  •  Fat-free of 1% fat milk
  • 100% fruit juice
  • Low sodium vegetable juice
  • Water
Full calorie chips and crackers 
  • Unsalted sunflower seeds
  • Whole-grain crackers (fat-free or low fat)
  • Fat-free, 1% fat or low-fat cheese sticks
  • Unsalted rice cakes
  • Apples or orange slices
  • Bananas
  • Carrot or celery sticks
  • Unsalted walnuts or almonds
  • Plain, fat-free, 1% fat or low-fat yogurt
Sweets and baked goods 
  • Canned fruit in their own juice, with no sugar added
  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Frozen bananas or grapes
  • Raisins
  • Baked apples
  • Fat-free, 1% fat or low fat unsweetened fruit yogurt
  • Sugar-free ice pops

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