A letter from Sarah Hasselbeck, mom of three active school-aged children, all-American collegiate athlete and wife of NFL quarterback and pro-bowler Matt Hasselbeck.
Playing sports and eating healthy is part of my family’s DNA — we stay active and eat responsibly when we are on the go or at home. And, we all know that raising responsible, active, healthy kids is our goal as parents. That’s why I’m thrilled to tell you about “Eat Smart, Play Safe,” a new educational program launched by Pop Warner Little Scholars, a nonprofit that provides youth sport programs, and DSM Nutritional Products, one of the world’s leading vitamin manufacturers.
“Eat Smart, Play Safe” is geared toward busy parents of active kids. We lead hectic lives, and it can be hard to properly fuel our kids with healthy, nutritious food to keep them going through school, practice, games and other activities. This program shares tips on how to prepare easy and convenient meals that pack a nutritional punch and please even picky eaters. It also leverages Pop Warner’s dedication to sports safety and shares information on how to keep kids happy and safe when playing youth sports.
As some of you may know, my family has been involved with Pop Warner since 1986 when my husband, NFL quarterback and pro-bowler Matt Hasselbeck, started playing youth football and his team won the Pop Warner National Championship. Football, training, practices and games run in our blood! I’m an athlete myself — I’m in my college and high school halls of fame for field hockey, and my kids, who are ages 8, 10 and 11, play football, basketball and lacrosse. Our family loves sports and we are really active. That’s why I’m excited to talk about the “Eat Smart, Play Safe” program and share part of our experience with all of you.
I’ve learned the importance, on and off the field, of a well-balanced diet that includes vitamins and nutrients, like the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, vitamin D, calcium and iron. As you and your family gear up for back-to-school — whether it’s hitting the books or the field — I want to share a few “Eat Smart, Play Safe” tips with you:
- You are the nutrition gatekeeper for your family — stock your fridge and cabinets with only good, healthy choices.
- Fruits and veggies are quick and easy snacks throughout the day, and they’re great for the car.
- Set rules and stick with them. It’s important for you to be a good role model for your kids and to set boundaries when it comes to the foods they eat, the amount of exercise and playtime they get and the family schedule and bedtime routine.
- Ask your doctor about a children’s multivitamin, since most kids aren’t perfect eaters.
- Keep the family hydrated, especially when the kids are playing sports.
- Get enough sleep every night so you can perform your best every day
Here’s one of our favorite meals:
Hassel"comeback" Chili (white chicken chili)
Great for back-to-school and fall practice time! Make ahead and warm up when you get home from the fields.
1 large can (15-19 oz.) cannellini beans
6 cups chicken broth
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium onions, chopped (divided)
1 tablespoon oil
2 cans (4 oz. each) of chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1-1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups dried cooked chicken breasts (I cook them in boiling water on the stove and let them sit so you can pull apart with a fork)
3 cups freshly grated low-fat Monterey Jack cheese
In a large pot, combine beans, chicken broth, garlic and half of the onions. In a skillet, sauté remaining onions in oil until translucent. Add chilies and seasonings and mix thoroughly. Add to bean mixture. Add chicken and simmer 1 hour. Serve topped with grated cheese. Serves 8 to 10.
I encourage all families to “eat smart” by choosing healthy foods and beverages and to “play safe” by stretching, wearing proper equipment and following the rules. We can all inspire one another to live better, healthier lives.
Go team!
Sarah Hasselbeck
