Hi Reader,

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There are very few moments when I’m genuinely scared of my children…but there’s one that haunts me.

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It’s the after-sports hangry meltdown.

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They’re the dangerous combination of tired and ravenous, where they’re SO hungry that they get feral. Like I’m pretty sure I’ve been hissed at.

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It goes without saying that I try to avoid this at all costs because once they go to that place…it’s like climbing a mountain to bring them back.

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And it’s not their fault, I don’t blame them! I can’t expect them to stay on top of their fuel needs. That’s my job.

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So today I’m sharing my favorite tips to keep your active kids fed, happy, and meltdown-free—because nothing kills post-game vibes faster than a hunger-induced scream-cry.

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Top Post From Mama Knows
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​ON THE BLOG

The Best Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes

This post is a great read if you have a kid who is playing sports multiple days a week!

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Electrolyte drinks: fad or legit?​
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If you’ve wondered whether you need to add electrolytes to get properly hydrated, the short answer is no! Adequate water + a normal diet is usually all you and your kids need.

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When are they helpful? After intense, prolonged exercise, in hot and humid environments, or after significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. If your kid isn’t good about drinking water during a long day of games or practices, it can definitely be helpful to add in electrolytes to help prevent dehydration.
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Can you overdo it? Yes, especially if the electrolyte drink/powder you choose has a lot of sugar and/or a lot of salt. People tend to already get too much of these in their diet, so you don’t want to unnecessarily add even more!

Kids Sports Hydration Faves

1. Practices and games are the right time to pack the large water bottle. Especially when it’s hot out. They need it to stay hydrated! This is one of my faves for sports. For younger kids, this size would be perfect!
2. ​Zarbee’s Hydration Pouches come in two great flavors and a great way to replenish electrolytes in a delicious snack that’s easy to keep on-hand. (These are amazing for sick kids, too!) They often don’t NEED electrolytes, unless it’s super hot or they’re playing multiple hours, but sometimes kids aren’t great about drinking enough while they are playing. So using something like these pouches can help them catch up on their hydration more quickly!
3. ​Kinderlyte electrolyte packets are tasty, easy-to-mix and another great way to help properly hydrate your little one when they’re sweating in the heat.

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Post-Sports Snacks

Here are a few of my go-to snacks I like to give my kids post-practice:

1. A smoothie! This easy chocolate smoothie is a favorite in our house, and bringing this to the end of a practice is a sure-fire way to ensure they refuel with some great nutrition after working hard.
2. ​Chobani Strawberry Banana Greek Yogurt Drink – When you don’t have time to make a smoothie, this is a great alternative for something quick and nutritious that they can gulp down!
3. I love Clif Nut Butter Bars because they’re packed with protein and healthy fats to quickly get calories in them.
4. My kids always love a Pretzel and Hummus Snack Pack.
5. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial for back-to-back game days, I just discovered (and love!) these protein uncrustables!​
6. And if they’re in the early sports era where they’re doing more standing around picking flowers and noses, a fruit popsicle is a great post-practice or post-game treat!
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These Are Always in My Car on Game Days

Nothing worse than sweating your butt off on the sidelines, or getting an achy back on uncomfortable bleachers!

1. If you’ve been around for a while, you know I love my Neck Fan. Not only for watching sports, but even walking the kids to school on a super-hot day! It keeps me so comfortable.
2. If you have the pleasure of sitting on hard bleachers, then keeping this Bleacher Cushion in your trunk is the best gift you could possibly give yourself. And it has back support!!
3. Have you tried Frog Togg Chilly Pad Cooling Towels yet? Their marketing is clever, but more importantly, the towels are a game-changer. All you have to do is wet the towel and it cools super quickly, keeping you and your athletes comfortable in the heat. (I know some people who love taking them to amusement parks, too!)
4. ​This one is a brand new find and it’s a great alternative to the Frog Togg if you want something more compact! We had a soccer game in 100*F last week, and these stayed cool the whole time! I had the girls put them on when it was their turn to sit on the sidelines.

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Do you have any sports-related snacks or products that help keep your family happy? I’d love to know what works for you…I’m always looking to add more tricks to make sports days more comfortable! Reply to this email to share your tips with me. :)

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I hope you have the best week,

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Disclaimer: this message contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.​
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