At all day events or tournaments, stopping at a grocery or convenience store is usually a better bet than the concession stand, which typically offers foods that are high in fat, (e.g. nacho chips, cheese fries, and hot dogs) and are expensive. Many supermarkets have a soup and salad bar with a variety of healthy foods. With guidance from parents and coaches, young athletes can find healthy, high carbohydrate, low fat foods in every aisle of the store.

As a general rule, a snack that contains at least 4 grams of carbohydrate for every gram of fat is considered high in carbohydrates, and low in fat. For more information on specific foods, read the label.

Healthier	Not As Healthy
Snack Aisle: Chips	Chips
Among low fat crunchy snack choices are: Popcorn (air popped) (3.5 cups): 108 calories, of which 82% are from carbohydrates and only 10% from fat Pretzels (1 oz.): 108 calories, 83% from carbohydrates, 10% from fat	The following chips are high in fat: Potato chips (2 oz.): 306 calories, of which 38% are from carbohydrates and 58% from fat Corn chips (2 oz.): 306 calories, 43% from carbohydrates, 51% from fat Banana chips (1 oz.): 147 calories, 43% from carbohydrates, 58% from fat
Snack Aisle: Nuts/Seeds	Nuts/Seeds
Though full of nutrients, nuts and seeds are even higher in fat and calories than chips.	Peanuts (2 oz. roasted): 344 calories, only 15% from carbohydrates, 73% from fat Almonds (2 oz.): 352 calories, 13% from carbohydrates and a whopping 83% from fat Sunflower (2 oz.): 314 calories, 14% carbohydrates, 76% fat
Snack Aisle: Cookies	Cookies
Cookies provide lots of calories, primarily from fat and sugar. Healthy options include: Fig bars (2): 106 calories, 80% from carbohydrates, 17% from fat (a good sweet snack choice for calorie conscious athletes) Fat-free cookies (Snack Wells® etc.)	Chocolate Chip (2): 320 calories, 55% from carbohydrates, 41% from fat Oatmeal (2): 305 calories, 58% from carbohydrates, 38% from fat
Snack Aisle: Bars	Bars
Candy bars are, of course, a favorite snack choice. Most are high in simple carbohydrates and low in fat. Rice cake (1): 21 calories, 75% carbohydrates, 15% fat Granola, fat-free: 80% carbohydrates, 16% fat Breakfast, fat-free: 75% carbohydrates, 19% fat York Peppermint Patty® (1.5 oz.): 180 calories, 76% carbohydrates, 20% fat Milky Way®: 260 calories, 66% carbohydrates, 31% fat Hard candy, jelly-beans, gummy bears, candy corn and licorice provide mainly carbohydrate calories and little or no fat.	Snickers®: 270 calories, 43% from carbohydrates, 49% from fat
Bread Aisle: Pastries	Pastries
Most pastry items contain more fat than carbohydrates, because of the fat added in frying or in the fillings. Fat free raspberry Danish: 140 calories, 94% carbohydrates, 0% fat.	Hostess® donut: 115 calories, 44% carbohydrates, 55% fat Raspberry Danish: 220 calories, 49% carbohydrates, 49% fat
Bread Aisle: Bread
Because breads are low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates and B-vitamins, they are a good choice: Bagel: 81% carbohydrate, 3% fat English muffin: 77% carbohydrates, 7% fat Raisin bread: 67% carbohydrates, 25% fat
Cereal Aisle
Like bread, most cereals are low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates and B-vitamins: Raisin Bran®, Chex®, Wheaties®, Cheerios®, cornflakes
Dairy Aisle	Dairy
Low-fat yogurt with fruit: 225 calories, 75% from carbohydrates, only 10% from fat. Yogurt is a probably the best choice in the dairy aisle. Unlike ice cream, fruit bars and popsicles, yogurt is nutrient-dense and contains calcium, protein, and B-vitamins. Low fat pudding: 225 calories, 62% carbohydrates, 35% fat Low-fat cheeses and low-fat or non-fat milk are other healthy dairy snacks Ice cream sandwich: 167 calories, 62% carbohydrate, 33% fat Popsicle or fruit juice bar: 100% carbohydrate	Dove Bar®: 350 calories, 43% from carbohydrates and 51% from fat. Hagen Dazs® bar, low fat: 43% of calories from carbohydrates, 48% from fat
Fruits And Vegetables	Fruits And Vegetables
Fresh fruit is another healthy choice. Fruit is nearly 100% carbohydrate and supplies vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Banana: 120 calories Apple: 60 calories Orange: 60 calories
Cold Drinks	Cold Drinks
Fruit juice: 180 calories, 100% of which come from carbohydrates. Note: Your child should avoid fruit drinks or juices during sports, because they are too rich in carbohydrates, they are absorbed more slowly than water or sports drinks, and can cause stomach cramps, nausea, bloating and diarrhea. For tips on ensuring that your child gets adequate fluids while playing sports, click here. Sports drinks: look for ones containing 4-8% carbohydrates (about 36 to 77 calories per 8 ounces). Sports drinks, rather than fruit juices, are the best choice if the goal is rapid replacement of lost fluids, as they are better formulated to replenish bodily fluids rapidly.	Regular carbonated soda: 140-180 calories, 100% from carbohydrates. Note: Like fruit juices or drinks, your child should not drink carbonated soda right before, or during, sports. Diet caffeinated sodas are poor rehydration beverages because they are diuretics that increase urination.

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Article Updated: August 25, 2007

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Food On The Go: Strategies For Parents Feeding Athletes Away From Home
Tips For Healthy Dining At Ethnic Restaurants
Guidelines For Eating At Fast Food Restaurants
Low Fat Fast Food Choices

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