7 Healthy Snacks for Kids Playing Sports

If you're a parent of a student-athlete, you are likely always on the hunt for new and inventive high-energy snacks for kids. Providing the right game time snacks can mean the difference between athletes who are fueled-up and ready to play and those who are bogged-down and ready for the bench. Snacks are an important part of a child's diet and help active kids in several ways including providing necessary nutrients for growth and development, supplying energy to power muscles through exercise and promoting recovery after a vigorous workout or game.

From pick-me-up snacks for football players to snack ideas for kids' soccer games, we've rounded up some of the best sport snack ideas that will please your growing athlete.

1. Mini Whole-Grain Bagel with Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese

A snack that combines a protein and a carbohydrate will provide longer-lasting energy and keep your athlete from feeling hungry. This snack idea is versatile because you can change up varieties of bagels and flavors of cream cheese based on seasons—think pumpkin spice cream cheese for a fall soccer snack idea or strawberry cream cheese for summer baseball snacks.

2. Individual Milk Cartons with Bags of Cereal

For sports that have regular early morning tournament games, like basketball, snacks can be a bit of a challenge. Some kids may not feel up to eating early in the morning but it is important that they fuel their body with nutrients so they're ready to play. Individual bags of whole-grain, low-sugar cereals and individual cartons of low-fat milk deliver a perfect protein and carbohydrate combo in a fun and exciting way.

3. String Cheese with Mini Pretzels

Another take on the protein/carbohydrate pairing, this is a great half-time snack idea. Individually wrapped, reduced-fat string cheese and individual bags of mini pretzels offer a quick and mess-free protein and carbohydrate boost.

4. Rainbow Fruit Skewers

If you're looking for a fresh team snack idea, take a stab at fruit skewers. Fruit packs a double punch by providing hydration with its water content and reenergizes with its carbohydrates. Stack strawberries, mandarin slices, pineapple chunks, honeydew, blueberries and grapes on wooden skewers for a colorful grab-and-go snack.

5. Vegetable Roll-ups

For a light, post-game snack, spread hummus along vertically-sliced cucumber strips, lay matchstick carrots and thinly sliced bell peppers on one end, and roll the cucumber up. Vegetables provide your student-athlete with nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin A and hummus provides protein to help muscles recover.

6. Whole-Grain Granola Bars

Granola bars are a perfect pick for soccer game snacks for the same reason they make great snacks to bring to school: They don't require refrigeration or utensils. Granola bars can help replace muscle fuel lost during exercise and won't ruin your athlete's appetite for their next meal. Look for whole-grain varieties that are low in sugar and high in protein.

7. Water with Lemon Slices

A necessary part of the snack equation is a refreshing beverage. Water is the best option for hydration as it does not have added sugars or empty calories found in sports drinks that can have a negative impact on your child's health. Slicing lemons and adding to bottles or pitchers of ice water gives the drink a refreshing burst of citrus flavor as well as a fun pop of color.