Healthy Meals & Snacks

The recent Natural Food Products Expo East gave Youth Sports Parents a chance to sample new products ranging from vitamins, sports drinks, granola bars and protein mixes, to muscle rubs, juicers, lip balms, and our favorite, snacks. Out of all of the snacks we tried, here are some of our top picks, all great, healthier alternatives to the usual doritos, fruit rollups, potato chips and candy. Put them in with your kid’s lunch, they won’t know the difference, but you'll know they will be eating healthy!

With the start of school and the fall sports season comes the usual scramble by parents to find a nutritious snack to throw in their child's backpack or sports bag before they go off to school.  We've reviewed 9 high protein options that will help ensure that your young athlete has a nutritious snack that will give her the energy she needs for after-school sports and isn't tempted to hit the vending machine in the cafeteria for the empty calories of a candy bar.

Here are some pre-game meal ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner before your child's big game.

One of the biggest challenges to healthy eating is between-meal snacking. Popcorn, a whole grain food that's low in calories, is a great snack food that's economical and also fun to eat.

As the summer kicks off and families get busier, parents need simple tips on ways to help kids make healthier snack choices and reduce grocery bills as summer snacking picks up with kids spending more time at home. In addition to the high price of gas, food prices rose 5 percent in 2007 and are expected to continue to rise another 4 to 5 percent in 2008. And with kids consuming an average of 840 snacks per year, busy families will surely experience a dent in their wallets. Whether it's sticking home and being lazy, taking a trip to the beach or a play date in the backyard, one thing remains clear: it is tough to save money and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet when kids are eating you out of house and home.

Sometimes, even after explaining all the benefits, it can still be hard to convince your kids to want to eat nutritious food, but it's not impossible, particularly if it's fun and delicious. Here are some great, soy-packed snacks you and your kids can make and enjoy together this summer.

A great first step to a healthier family is to include 5 to 9 servings of fruit and vegetables each day. A healthier family is also on the move, so include at least 30 minutes of moderate activity everyday, such as walking. These simple changes are easier than you think and help to improve your entire family's health.

Because most children and teens eat a lot of snacks, their nutrient content may go a long way in determining whether their nutritional needs are being met. Here are some healthy snacks to provide your child (or to encourage them to buy in a vending machine or at the local convenience store).