How to Help Big Kids Get the Fuel They Need

Kraft-Heinz sponsored this post, but the opinions are my own.

I used to think my toddlers were busy but as I watch my tween boys I know they’ve taken active to an entirely new level. My big kids are on the move from the second they wake up and with friends, sports, and play keeping them running all over the place, I know I have to make sure they have the fuel they need.

These boys can eat all day long. I’ve learned that if I don’t make sure there are protein packed options they will never get full so I try my best to have some good snack options to tide them over between meals.

With a new school year just around the corner, and fall sports starting back up, I know we need to up our snacking game.

Before we get into our favorite snacks, here are a few snacking tips we like to follow:

• Offer snacks throughout the day. If kids wait to eat until they are starving, they won’t make good food choices and they will be tempted to overeat. Offer high protein snacks in between meals so your kids have the energy they need to keep going.
• Keep cut fruits and veggies in the fridge. For the tween and teen age group, I find that they go for the path of least resistance. If I have good food options ready to go and where they can see them, they’ll get eaten!
• Plan ahead. Most of us plan meals out for the week. Add some snacks in there. Kids are going to snack so having a plan in place and adding some great snack options to your grocery list will make your week go so much smoother, especially once all the school activities and sports start back up.

My boys can eat so much food, especially when they are staying active with sports or activities with friends. I’ve found that some snacks just don’t hold them over as well so I’ve learned to make sure they have plenty of good choices that will give them the energy they need.

Best snacks for active kids

Active kids need snacks that help keep them going and keep them full until their next meal. These are our go-to snacks when we are on the go with sports or after school activities. I always keep my fridge and car stocked with these.

• Cut fruits and veggies – focus on water heavy fruits that can provide a bit of extra hydration
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Beef jerky – this is great to keep in the car
• 100% fruit juice
• Cheese sticks

We just discovered the new P3 Portable protein packs from Planters at our local Walmart and they are definitely going to be our new go-to. With 13 grams of protein and a shelf stable package, these are perfect for keeping in your car or park bag.

Pair it with the new CapriSun Sport, an electrolyte enriched beverage with 25% fewer calories than regular sports drinks and you’ve got the perfect snack for your kids on the go or an easy option next time you are team snack mom. We stock up every time we head to Walmart so we know we have snacks in our car and in the house so they are ready to go when kids start asking for snacks.

My kids like variety so I love that Planter’s P3 Protein Snacks include three different snacks in one easy package.

We are about to jump full swing into football season (or flag football in our case) and I know we have hours and hours of sitting in hot parks in our very near future. I’m often running late and scrambling to get things done before we head out the door for practice or a game so I love that these are such easy snack options.

We can all use a little more easy in our life.

It helps that my kids absolutely love them and I know they are getting the fuel they need.

After participating in sports or playing with friends, my kids are always staving. It’s so much easier on everyone if I have snacks ready to go.

What are your go-to snacks to help your big kids get the fuel they need?