Snacks & Meals at baseball park

[cktajohns]

I have a 9 year old daughter who was diagnosed 1 month ago.  We also have a son who is 12 that plays on a competative baseball team.  Fridays - Sundays are crazy because we never know until Wed what time we will be playing. Many times we play back to back games and many times it over a meal time.  How do a feed a picky eater at the ball field?  I have tried to pack meals like I do her lunch but she usually wants whatever they have at the concessions stand which is usually hamb/hot dogs. The team usually goes out to eat after the game, so what do I do for her when we all are eating.

She also is always wanting to snack during the game like she did before being diagnosed.  I packed some of her snacks with me but again she would rather have something different and even if she does eat one that I have packed she is still hungry.  I welcome any ideas.  Thanks!

[haydenrowemom]

Does she like turkey bacon?  I bring cooked turkey bacon in a baggie that my son can munch on when he's in the car or at activities when can't eat any carbs.  Also cucumbers are a good alternative. 

She could eat the hot dog or hamburger and forgo the bun, or add it to her lunch carbs.  My son who's playing lacrosse and baseball this season and isn't on a pump can help us choose some options for him for the day ahead.  I have a cooler and a bad full of options for him and his sister's. 

It's tricky I know but after 5 months of his diagnosis, we have learned that planning his day ahead allows him to know what his food options are going to be, it makes for an easier day.

If you know what restaurant the team goes to, look up options thru calorie king or the restaurant's website for their menu and then she can choose what she would like before you arrive.  Planning ahead will make it easier for all of you!  Good luck!

[admin]

When I posted this question on FB I got a few responses I thought I would pass along:

Rick wrote: You have to remember that although your daughter may be diabetic, shes also 9. "Take me out to the ball game, buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks.........". Nobody should go overboard with what they eat, but on occasion, let her enjoy a dog or burger at a ball game. The rest of the time, make her eat healthy. One of the worst things about having ... See More diabetes at a young age is having to do everything different than your peers. It's all ready harder than hell for her. It's harder on her than it is on you. All she wants right now is to be "normal". On occasion, let her enjoy, within reason.

Christian wrote:

Get the carb info on the treats ahead of time. Most proteins are free food or at least very low on carbs. Bring a thermos with crystal light or propel water both are zero carbs. Also, diet soda is zero carbs. Bring a calorie king book w/ you and it really does help w/ the carb counting. If you have an iPhone there is an app called meals on the go ... See Moreand it has carb counts on pretty much everything. Good luck! My son is 6 and was dx'd 6 months ago the food thing does get easier. I let him have what he wants and just ration it based on how many carbs he can have for snacks or meals.

[Josiesmom]

We take baby kosher dill pickles, cheese (with or without a few crackers), carrots and ranch, nuts, ham rolls( I just roll the ham up with or without cream cheese) and sometimes with a whole wheat tortilla, for my daugter to snack on. If we have low carb snacks, then I may let her have a hamburger or hot dog for her lunch or supper.

[yareicats]

I was also going to say if you don't have the Calorie king Book.... GET ONE! It will help you a lot. I keep one in every car at all the grandparents houses and at his school. You can get one at your local Walmart for about $9. easy to read AMAZING Carb. counting book. Well worth your money. I too have a son that Loves baseball and during those days you never know when your playing or how many games. My other son that it T1 love so go just to eat.He is 8 and loves ballpark food as well. Heck He just loves food. but I carry things i know he can eat that are free and then he is aloud "X" amount of dollars to spend every game. Amazing how he know thats his money and he can either save it for something cool later "toy" or spend it then on food and mom already has free food in his bag. Usually we will give him about $3 a game. Sometimes he buys nothing at the park other times He has been know to walk around the outside of the ball field in hopes that he will get low enough to have a free snack. I'm not sure where he picked that up at. I just noticed that was what he was doing toward the last of last yrs season. Not something i incorrage him to do. Good luck finding what works best for you and your family.