Favorite Snack?

I agree, oatmeal is a safe bet, carrots and oranges are pretty good anytime snacks for young athletes as well.

It seems a little silly that snickers bars could be considered a good snack for sports, but I agree, despite the fact that they are a candy bar, I think they seem to be the "lesser evil" among candy bars and pack protein and energy. Payday bars are pretty good, almost all peanuts, less sugar.

I have my son eat a protein, a carb and a sugar about an hour before football practice everyday. For example, he'll eat a hard boiled egg, some pretzels and cheese and an apple. He's usually hungry after practice, but this combination is healthy, easy (not cheap), and fortifying for him. Some protein ideas we use: lunchmeat, turkey sticks, cold chicken, turkey or ham, cheese sticks or cottage cheese, peanut butter. Carbs include crackers, bread, hot pretzels, noodles and sometimes chips. Sugars include all fruits, juices. Sometimes he can do a fruit roll up or brownie, but I discourage (and do not stock) those items because of the slump that follows empty carbs.