Team Mama Idea: Soccer Post-Game Snacks (NEW!)

Soccer season is here! It's opening day for No. 3's soccer league and we seriously could not have asked for more perfect weather. It's suppose to be 76 degrees today! Hello Spring!!!


I volunteered to bring post-game snacks (shocker, I know!). I always try and get my turn out of the way early. Here's what I came up with:

I bought Gatorade Zeros (aka sugar free!), Teddy Grahams, and fruit snacks. I had planned to get Cuties, but the ones at my local Target were looking a tad sad. Fruit snacks have to have a little fruit in them, don't they?!

I also made these fun labels.

They say "WAY TO GOAL!!!" with a soccer ball underneath. (Click HERE for the free, printable template.)


I put everything in clear bags. Bagging snacks makes distribution SO much easier! I then stuck the labels on.

That's it! Super simple, yet still special.

Cheers to the weekend, Sports Mamas!

GO PHOENIX!!!






*** Want more soccer snack ideas? I've got you, mama! Click HERE!

Team Mama Idea: Motivational Bananas For Game Days!

Happy Sunday, Sports Mamas! I wanted to share this easy, quick, FUN idea with all of you for the next time you have #snackmomduty.

Bananas with personalized messages on them! Seriously, how cute are they?! All you need are bananas and a sharpie. You guessed it, didn't you? I waited until a couple of hours before the game to write on them. They were 100% easier to write on than the mandarins I drew on a while back to make into mini basketballs.

Healthy and cute!

I also washed and bagged 500 grapes. Yep, I counted. And apparently I'm not the only one who does. I posted the same photo in the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group and one mama commented, "Just counted out almost 800 grapes! And I thought I was the only crazy one that counted them before bagging so all the boys get the same amount!!". HA!


Go Spartans!!!






*** Sports Mama Tip: Taking oranges for halftime? Click HERE for the absolute easiest and best way to cut them!

Sports Mama Review: Zipzicle Ice Pop Molds

Yep! I'm that mama who shows up to the field with treats for no real reason at all.


It's Thursday, I think I'll bake the team some brownies.


Didn't give up a single touchdown at yesterday's game? Let's celebrate with some donuts!


90+ degrees at practice? How about some ice pops!

I was recently given the opportunity to try Zipzicles. Zipzicles are DIY zip-top ice pop pouches that allow you to make your very own popsicles. Each pouch holds approximately 3 fluid ounces when filled to the recommended fill line. They are BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free.

Zipzicles can be filled with just about anything and everything you can imagine; fresh fruit purees, yogurt, even cocktails (umm, yes please!). I decided to fill them with some of our favorite sports drinks!

Filling the tubes was pretty easy. Once filled and sealed, it is recommended that you place the pops upright in the freezer. Unfortunately, this wasn't stated on the packaging and I laid them flat before sticking them in the freezer, causing them to leak.

Once I figured out the cause, I placed them upright in the freezer and kept them there until right before practice. Coach Hubby and I then transferred the Zipzicles into a large cooler, layering them with ice (ice, pops, ice, pops, ice).

The team (and coaches!) devoured them!

They made the perfect cool, post-practice treat on a sweltering hot day. Even the Varsity players wanted some. Ha!


Aside from the leaking mishap, I really enjoyed this product. I love the fact that you are in full control; you control the quality of ingredients, the flavors, the sugar content. They are easy to fill, transport, and open.


Zipzicles can be purchased directly through their website, on Amazon, and at Bed Bath & Beyond.


Fill. Freeze. Fun!








*** Disclaimer: Zipzicles was kind enough to send me their product, however, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own. ***

Team Mama Idea: Soccer Post-Game Snacks

Today was opening day for No. 2's soccer league! I'm super excited for outdoor sports again. Although the fact that it was flurrying and 40 degrees (brrr!) at game time had me wishing I had switched places with Coach Hubby and taken No. 1 to his four AAU games today.

I volunteered to bring halftime fruit and post-game snacks. If you've been following me for a while, you've probably noticed that I like to get it out of the way early in the season. With three boys, this is what works best with our (crazy) busy schedules.


For halftime, I brought oranges. I cut and bagged them last night, so that all I had to do this morning was literally grab and go.

I believe I cut up eight large ones and they ate every single one! Click HERE to read which oranges I use as well as my favorite way to slice them.


For post-game snacks, I kept it super simple; assorted chips, fruit strips, and sports drinks.

Another thing you may know if you've read some of my prior snack idea posts, is that I like to bag my snacks. The main reason for bagging is that it makes distribution both easier and quicker, especially when you're handing out more than one snack. Aside from the convenience factor, it also allows me to get a bit creative.

I used a black permanent marker and these cute soccer ball stickers that I found at Michaels and wrote "Way To GOAL!" on quart-sized baggies. Once they dried, I added a bag of chips and a fruit strip to each one.

Such an easy, inexpensive way to kick your snacks up to the next level- no pun intended. Okay, maybe a little.


We won 6-3, and my boy scored a goal!

Made sitting in the freezing cold all worth it!








9/9/18- Here's my most recent take on soccer snacks. I found the cute bags at Party City!

*** Click HERE for my most recent post-game snack idea. Have an early morning game this season? Click HERE for post-game snack ideas. Also, be sure to check out my Soccer Mama Survival Tips as well as see what I carry in my Soccer Mama Bag!

Sports Mama Tip: 15 Healthy & Energizing Snack Ideas For Youth Athletes

Youth athletes need proper nutrition to help them stay energized, focused, and fit. Their nutrition (or lack thereof!) can directly affect their performance, both on the field and off.


While it may be easier to grab a bag of potato chips on your way out the door, especially when you're running late because your kid can't find their water bottle (which for me feels like every other day!), they provide absolutely zero nutrition. Instead look for foods that are rich in protein and fiber, and avoid those that are sugary and over processed.


My boys always eat a snack about an hour to an hour and a half before their practices and games. Many times they will have another snack when we arrive back home.


Here are FIFTEEN healthy and energizing snack ideas to help your athlete play to their fullest potential:

1. Fruit (apples, bananas, oranges)
2. Greek yogurt (add fresh berries and granola for even more of a nutritional boost!)
3. Whole grain bagel with low-fat cream cheese
4. Nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews. Every now and then I'll even throw in some mini chocolate chips for a little added sweetness)
5. Granola bars (be sure to check the sugar content first!)
6. Boiled eggs (boil a bunch at the beginning of the week and keep them in the fridge until they're ready to be consumed)
7. Smoothie (there are a ton of easy, delicious recipes on Pinterest)
8. Veggies (carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices. Dip them in hummus or low-fat ranch dressing for extra flavor)
9. Popcorn (my boys absolutely love Trader Joe's Lite Kettle Corn!)
10. String cheese
11. Peanut butter (slab it on crackers, apples, or celery)
12. Sandwich (lean turkey meat and cheese on whole wheat bread)
13. Turkey roll-ups (they're like a sandwich, without the bread. Simply roll up slices of lean turkey, or their meat of choice. You can even roll them around cheese sticks!)
14. Applesauce
15. No bake energy balls (click here for my favorite recipe!) 

I hope you find this post helpful. I'd love to know YOUR athlete's favorite go-to snacks. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

FIVE March Madness Snack Ideas!

If anyone is looking for Coach Hubby between now and April the 2nd, don't worry, he isn't missing! He's sitting (sometimes jumping up and down!) on our couch, in front of the TV watching March Madness. I'm sure many of you Sports Mamas can relate, am I right?!


Today I'm sharing FIVE easy, basketball themed snack ideas (with links to the instructions) to make your March Madness a little sweeter!

1. Basketball Cupcakes

2. Basketball Brownies

3. Basketball Fruit & Donut Kabobs

4. Basketball Cuties

5. Basketball Sports Drinks

Who are you picking to go all the way?


Our family is going with UVA. Go 'Hoos!

Team Mama Idea: Post-Game Snacks for Early Morning Games

I was snack mama again! This time for No. 3's team. (Click HERE to see what I took last weekend for No. 2's basketball team.) No. 1's team doesn't do snacks, so I'm officially done for the season. SCORE!


His game was at 9am, Saturday morning. Yawn! I wasn't feeling 100%, so I needed something a little easier than the basketball breakfast kabobs I made last season.


Here's what I came up with:

As you can see, I went with a breakfast theme. I bought bananas, mini chocolate chip muffins, and apple juice. I placed everything in gallon sized plastic baggies and used a Sharpie to write different little sayings on the white label area.

Bagging everything together makes both transport and distribution a breeze. If you don't currently bag your snacks, I highly suggest trying it next time you're on snack duty. I promise you that the extra couple of dollars spent will be well worth it!

The team (and parents!) loved them!


GO SWISH!




*** Sports Mama Tip: I bagged everything except for the bananas the night before. I waited until the morning to add them to slow down the ripening process. Because nine year olds and spotty bananas...

Team Mama Idea: Basketball Post-Game Snacks (NEW!)

Basketball season is in full swing! No. 1 has two practices, one day of training, and two games a week while both No. 2 and No. 3 each have one practice and one game a week. In other words, if I'm not at home, I can be found at the court 99.99% of the time.


Tomorrow happens to be my turn at snack mama for No. 2's team. Here's what I'll be taking:

Each player will get a Gatorade, a clementine, and a pack of Goldfish crackers.


See the theme I'm going for here?? I'll give you a hint, it starts with an 'O' and ends with 'range'!


I found these cute, free printable drink wraps on Pinterest! They fit the smaller sized Gatorades perfectly! All I had to do was peel off the original wrapper and tape the new ones on. That's it!

I also drew lines on the clementines with a black sharpie.

How cute are these "little basketballs"?!


Finally, I placed everything into clear cellophane treat bags. They make passing them out SO much easier!

As always, I was also sure to pack some extras for siblings.


I love the way they turned out! I hope the team does too!


Go Marshmallows!!! (Yes, that is the name No. 2's team decided on. *insert overly exaggerated eye roll* lol.)






*** Want even more post-game snack ideas? I got you, mama! Click HERE and HERE for some of my past ideas!

Team Mama Idea: Basketball Breakfast Kabobs

I'm snack mama again, y'all! Being that today's game was at 9am (yawn!), I wanted to be sure that I included somewhat of a breakfast(y) component. Here's what I came up with:

Basketball breakfast kabobs! Strawberries, grapes, donut holes, and a marshmallowy treat...what's not to like?


Want to make them yourself? Here's all you need:

• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Donut holes
• Marshmallows (large)
• Orange color mist
• Black edible color marker
• Skewers

I did all the prep work last night (wash and cut the fruit, color the marshmallows, and draw on the basketball lines).

I waited to assemble them until about an hour before the game to ensure that the donut holes and marshmallows didn't get soggy from the fruit.


TADA!!

I also included a traditional snack as well as drinks to go alongside the kabobs.

They were a big hit with the team AND the parents! No. 3 even said that I was "the best snack mom". Totally makes the extra work worth it!

GO HOYAS!!!


***Click HERE to read my most recent early morning snack idea or HERE to read my previous basketball snack ideas, including a free printable!

Team Mama Idea: Basketball Post-Game Snacks

None of the previous basketball teams my boys have played on did post-game snacks, but both No. 2 AND No. 3's teams are doing them this season. Yay! This makes the sports mama in me VERY happy.


Here's what I came up with. Super simple, yet they look like I put some extra time and thought into them with the orange bags and labels.

I purchased the bags from Party City for about $3.50 and made the labels myself (click HERE for the printable template). They say "Way to Play!" with a picture of a basketball underneath. You can fill the bags with whatever you'd like, I went with orange (see the theme, here?) Gatorades and Oreos.

They're sure to make wins even sweeter and losses hurt a little less. I also threw a few extra Gatorades and packs of Oreos in my bag for siblings.

Go Warriors! Go Hoyas!








*** Have an early morning game? Click HERE for my basketball breakfast kabob recipe! Or click HERE for my newest post-game snack idea!