Early to rise, long road trip to the athletic facility, long day in the athletic facility, long road trip back home, late to bed. Rinse and repeat.
This is the life of a Soccer Mom, Hockey Dad and Basketball Brother or Sister. During these trips we often find ourselves succumbing to the drive-thru window or eating too many meals from the snack bar.
Don’t let the circumstances add inches to your waist line. Plan ahead and use these tips to avoid the bleacher butt.
Plan your low-calorie snack ahead
Before you head out for the day set yourself up with nutritious snacks in your purse, a small bag or cooler.
Chrisanne Urban, a registered dietitian at Marshfield Clinic suggests low-calorie snack foods high in fiber. Shoot for snacks that average 150 calories or less and contain a minimum of 3 grams of fiber. Some options include:
- Individually packaged prunes.
- String cheese.
- Low-sodium beef jerky.
- 20-25 almonds.
- Whole-wheat crackers with a nut spread such as Nutella.
- Clementine oranges.
- Low-fat biscotti.
- Individually wrapped dark chocolates; aim for 60 percent or more cocoa and limit yourself to one or two.
Tip the snack bar
Booster clubs and athletic programs depend heavily on the revenue generated at their concessions stand and generally frown upon carry-ins. Be a good sport and offer a small tip or a donation to the club to show your support if you decide to carry in food.