If you’re a parent, you can probably relate: I can’t keep enough food in the house! The kitchen is a revolving door, and the fridge is a pit stop. Welcome to the world of growing kids.
I have 14-year-old and 7-year-old sons. They are eating machines right now, and we’re having a hard time keeping the shelves stocked for their ever-hungry tummies. Not to mention, food prices are out of control, and what used to cost half the price is now double or triple, and the amount of food is increasing as well.
Even if we do a big grocery run, stock the shelves, and make plenty of food to have leftovers for days, the leftovers are gone, snacks have diminished, the fruit bowl is empty, and someone’s asking if there’s anything else to eat.
What is causing the hunger?
- Growth spurts: Kids, especially tweens and teens, are growing at lightning speed. Their bodies need fuel in the form of food, and lots of it.
- Activity levels: Sports, playing outside, running around, and just being a kid burns a surprising amount of energy and calories.
- Boredom: We’ve all eaten out of boredom. Kids are no different. Redirect their focus on something else, and they’ll probably forget.
Tips we’ve found helpful
- Stock smart snacks: Keep healthy, filling options like cheese sticks, yogurt, fruit, and protein-rich items.
- Set snack times: Curb the constant grazing with designated snack times. They have no choice at school when they eat — maybe follow the same time schedule.
- Get kids involved: Let them help plan and prep snacks and explain the nutrition aspect of snacks.
- Buy in bulk: Warehouse stores are your friend — stock up on things you know they eat a lot of and buy larger quantities for less cost.
- Make a grocery list: Avoid impulse buys and wasted food by making a grocery list ahead of time.
It can be overwhelming (and expensive), but it’s also a sign your kids are healthy and thriving. One day, you’ll miss the sound of the fridge opening every five minutes. Or not!
