If you’re a busy mom, dad, grandparent or coach, the summer can be a difficult time to eat healthy meals. That’s because oftentimes you’re rushing around picking up the kids, driving them to practice or a game — and you still need to find the time to figure out how to keep good nutrition a focus for both you and them.

With all the unhealthy choices at the concession stand, slipping into some poor eating habits can easily happen. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make your meals much healthier when you’re at the ballpark. Here are a few ideas: 

Bring your own snack. When it comes to youth sports, there’s usually no rule that says you have to buy your food at the game. That means your best option is to bring sliced fruits and veggies, which are healthy and will give kids the energy they need.

Want a few ideas? Strips of red, yellow, orange and green peppers are a great portable snack. Whole bananas travel well, and orange wedges in a baggie will also provide an excellent snack while watching the game. Here are other good, portable options:

• Cherries
• Grapes
• Melon cubes
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Cherry tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Celery with peanut butter

A great trick with fresh fruit is to freeze it. It’s an especially refreshing treat in the summer heat!

Drink lots of water. Be sure to bring your own water in a reusable bottle rather than buying bottled water if you can, and avoid soda or sports drinks. Despite what some commercials might tell you, children don’t need a Gatorade™ or other sports drinks after a practice or a game, and water is always best. If you’re looking for another healthy option besides water, low-fat chocolate milk can be a good choice.

Use the red/yellow/green light system. Classifying food into groups based on nutrition can be an easy way to gauge how healthy you and your kids are eating. Here’s an example of how that might work:

• Green Light: water, sparkling water, low-salt pretzels and popcorn, fruits
• Yellow light: hamburgers, cheese pizza, low-fat ice cream
• Red light: nachos and cheese, hot dogs, candy bars, soda, sports drinks, chips, French fries

The best advice is to eat before you actually get to the park, but especially if you’re on a tight schedule, this is easier said than done. But if you’re responsible with your food choices at the ballpark, you won’t just save money — you’ll also help make you and your family healthier.

If you’re looking for more advice that will help keep your whole family healthy, be sure to check out our blog for regularly updated content.