Agree with carbs. Mine used to take a container of plain buttered pasta, it was fine at room temperature. Crackers. Dry cereal to munch on. Yogurt in an insulated container, with granola to mix in.

Anonymous wrote:I try to get my kids to eat mostly carbs before practice/games. Protein “energy” balls/bars are a misnomer. Protein does not provide energy.

This. Athletes need ample protein, but right before practice? Carbs, carbs, carbs. Protein after practice (and ideally with breakfast and lunch).

My son packs a pb&j every day.

I try to get my kids to eat mostly carbs before practice/games. Protein “energy” balls/bars are a misnomer. Protein does not provide energy.

Banana
Pb&j
Is she anorexic ?

Thanks everyone - lots of great suggestions in here for new things to try. Especially homemade protein balls, muffins - even trail mix - I can customize with ingredients she likes.

To the poster who flagged eating habits, indeed it's something we monitor closely. She's a great eater at home (carbs/proteins/veggies/fruit) since I cook and stock things she likes. We have family meals, so it's easy to ensure she's fueling herself at home. But school then sports make a long day out of the house, hence my continuous search for new things to pack.

PB&J

oranges

there are also tons of recipes for "no cook" peanut/almond butter energy balls that DC loves; if you keep them frozen and throw in a lunchbox in the morning, they will thaw before practice

I agree with PB&J (or just PB)

a banana

has she tried Larabars? They're one of the only bars I like.

I hate to be that poster, but are her eating habits OK? There are a few eating disorder red flags there -- not much for breakfast or lunch, picky about the bars, picky about the temperature. Teen athletes need a lot of food. I hope she's eating hearty dinners and maybe making up for some pickiness in other ways.

Peanut butter sandwich for sure

In addition to the options above, a granola bar that's largely nuts/not too sugary.

Homemade beef jerky.

Homemade muffins

PB&J, or peanut butter crackers
Trail mix

Cheese sticks (unless they're sitting outside all day and it's 90 degrees, they'll be fine)
Lower salt nuts
Pretzels/graham crackers

What do your HS kids eat before after school sports practice? My DD doesn't eat much for breakfast and lunch, so really needs a snack before after school practice. Any suggestions for energy boosting snacks that can be packed in the AM? Haven't found a granola/protein bar she likes...refrigerated items don't stay cool enough for her, even if insulated/ice pack. Welcome any/all ideas as fall practices ramp up.