We are big advocates of our children being involved in team sports.
We love that Henry is interacting with other kids from around our town that he might otherwise not ever know. I love the social interaction, the competition, the exercise.
The only thing I don’t love about it is the junky snacks that they get after their games. Sure, it’s just once a week, but last week I tried not to gag while watching my kid suck down a grape-flavored Capri Sun and a package of ultra-processed, artificially flavored crackers like his life depended on it.
But I let him have it. And I may come under fire from the natural community for that.
But in my opinion, there is a bigger picture here.
When you choose a lifestyle that is “different” you have to consider that your children didn’t choose it. I won’t even go into the fact that what is “weird” in America, is very normal in many other, much healthier countries.
Henry understands the basics of nutrition, but to ask a four year old boy to be the only one who doesn’t get the treat after a soccer game is not something that my husband and I want to do.
Plus, I really think that never allowing your kids to indulge often leads to an out-right rebellion and complete rejection of a healthy lifestyle in the future.
There is also the issue of the message it sends to the other families. I personally don’t wan to snub the food that another parent so kindly purchased or prepared for the group. I don’t judge other people for their eating habits, and I feel that saying “no” sends a “your food isn’t good enough for my kid” message.
I just want to be grateful and loving, and I feel that once a week, or at birthday parties, friends’ houses, etc., he can indulge. And be fine. After all, the rest of his life he isn’t consuming this stuff, so I believe that his body can handle this every once in a while.
Please remember, this is just my opinion.
So, this Saturday it is our turn to bring snacks. My first inclination was to slice organic apples and bring little jars of my all-natural sports drink for everyone.
But I compromised with these:
Sure, they are organic, but they are still junky. White flour and sugar, and some other filler stuff. But I feel like this is a decent compromise. It’s not great, but it also isn’t GMO-filled cookies and artificially colored non-juice.
It is something that the kids can enjoy, that looks similar to what they are getting every other week, and a snack that my son will feel excited to share with his friends. If I had a bit more time on my hands I would have made cookies for everyone…maybe next time.
Alright, I want to hear from you. How do you handle the “team snack” dilemma?
live well. be well.
