8 Protein Snacks to Pack for After School Sports Practice

8 Protein Snacks to Pack for After School Sports Practice

As the new school year gets started, after school sports practices may start to be part of your family’s schedule once again. After a long day at school and time after school to do homework, it’s important for kids to be able to maintain the endurance to participate in evening sports activities. That’s why you should focus on providing wholesome snacks that are also good sources of protein. Protein has the power to boost energy and maintain proper blood sugar levels for growing bodies. Here are some snacks that are great for kids who play after school sports.

1. Jerky

Beef or turkey jerky is a great choice to get a substantial amount of protein quickly. Not only does jerky have lots of protein, but it is also easily packed or stored in a backpack for a quick snack during a break. It’s important to steer clear of jerky that has too much salt or sugar, which can negate any of the protein’s benefits. Better yet, try making your own version of beef jerky at home by slowly cooking the moisture out of the meat.

2. Pumpkin Seeds

Another quick snack that has more protein than people realize is a handful of pumpkin seeds. During the fall you can take advantage of the pumpkin harvest by roasting any leftover seeds from your Halloween decor. Choose your favorite seasonings to make them either savory or sweet, and slowly roast for the best flavor. Pack in small plastic sandwich bags for the easiest access during those busier times of the day.

3. Peanut Butter Crackers

The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich can be made more snack appropriate if you use crackers instead of bread. Rather than buying the prepacked peanut butter cracker snacks, effortlessly make your own. Try a natural peanut butter for an even healthier way to boost your child’s energy levels for those important skills on the field. Always make sure your child is allowed to bring peanut butter snacks to practice due to the high prevalence of peanut allergies in the recent decades.

4. Hard Boiled Eggs

Another great way you can get your child’s protein levels up to speed is by using a snack that incorporates eggs. While it’s not realistic for you to whip up your child a plate of scrambled eggs in between school and sports practice, you can quickly reach into your refrigerator for a hard boiled egg. Prepare a dozen or so ahead of time by boiling them all at once using the 5-5-5 method.

5. Greek Yogurt

Next, keep your refrigerator stocked with a variety of flavors of Greek yogurt. Stop buying the sugary kid’s brands of yogurt in the tube, and stick with the healthier Greek variety. Choose your child’s favorite fruit flavors that are blended into the yogurt. Your child will get a quick boost of energy just in time for the next activity.

6. Cheese

Most kids love cheese, so take advantage of this easy way to help replenish your child’s energy in the afternoon. Stick with the offerings from your grocery store deli, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss, instead of the prepacked variety. Prepackaged cheeses may not always be a true cheese product. Pair your cheese with a few plain crackers for a little bit of crunch on your snack table.

7. A Better Cookie

Cookies that have some protein in them are tough to find, as are cookies that are not simply empty sources of calories. The good news is that there are some cookies out there that can help a tired child get his or her second wind of energy. Try making your own cookies from Just Cookie Dough from hampton creek, which utilizes healthy sorghum flour in its recipe. This gives your kid a little more protein than the average cookie you find on the grocery store shelf.

8. Chocolate Milk

A nice big glass of chocolate milk is a great treat that most children would look forward to after school. This can be another way your child can get a little extra protein when he or she most needs it. Choose milk that is low in fat, and be sure to not load up your child’s beverage with too much sugar. That way your child can get the most benefits from the milk’s protein.

With busy after school schedules filling your child’s afternoons, it’s important to make sure you are providing the fuel that keeps him or her going. That way, your child can keep with the pace at school and on the field.