Lemme just preface by saying this post isn’t about my snacking habits.
This time.
Before this summer, my kids weren’t super snack-y. I mean, sure — from time to time they’d request gummies or an apple. Nothing out of the ordinary and not super often. Little did I know that dark days were upon our household. Enter Summer 2018: the two and a half month period where my kids asked for snacks literally every ten minutes (no kidding — my oldest just came in and asked for a donut. UH, NO). I didn’t mind for about the first week. I’d simply throw them a banana or give them a bowl of grapes and some water and send them on their way. Then week two reared its ugly head; it was then that I realized my kitchen, nay, our LIVES would never be the same.
Now, in case the obvious has escaped you, my parenting style is “sasshole”. I haven’t always been this way, though. No, there was a time when you could see me frolicking through the tulips, singing songs from The Sound of Music. I’m done making apologies for that. My kids are great, but they’re challenging. It’s either be a sasshole or rock back and forth in a padded cell, and my insurance doesn’t cover that. My kids, on the flip side, are newbie SNACKholes. I mean, they could own Snickers commercials guys. “Hungry? Grab a case of Snickers.” Except don’t, because: diabeetus.
My boys could have feasibly rivaled any hongry, hormonal woman during her monthly visit from Aunt Flo this summer. Things got ugly, FAST. You’d think that after almost 5 and 9 years of me being their mom that they’d know better. Well, my children are smart, but no one has ever accused them of being Mensa smart. And so the Battle of the (Mom’s Trying to Keep You From Developing a Stomach) Bulge began. There were survivors — but only because I don’t do orange jumpsuits. Also, I’m not mentally prepared to be anyone’s cell wife.
Listen, I’m no skinny-Minnie. I’ve struggled with weight since I was a kid, partially because of a (legit) thyroid issue. And I say “legit” thyroid issue because it’s just that — legit. Not a, “I ate ten pies and a cake, and I don’t understand why my pants don’t fit” issue. But because thyroid issues run through my family (as well as diabetes), I try really hard to make sure my kids understand that it’s okay to enjoy themselves but to believe in portion control and self-restraint. My goal isn’t to be a party pooper, but for them to live their best lives — and part of that means self-control where eating is concerned. My boys are healthy and active, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change those qualities one day down the road.
It occurred to me that they could actually be hungry — they will be five and nine in the next week, after all. Of course, they could also be bored (unlikely) or dehydrated (more likely). So we agreed that they could have snacks if they A) had been largely active prior to eating a snack and B) had consumed x-amount of water prior to snacks. This wasn’t a huge deal for either of them because they are pretty much constantly active and they both drink water without complaint. I also told them that large amounts of junk food were out of the question and that our snack choices would be healthy. At first, they were worried that snacks would be gross. I distinctly remember Gabe saying, “Are we just going to eat lettuce all day? Because we don’t like lettuce.” And I get it — snacks are a part of childhood memories. I assured him he wouldn’t eat lettuce 24/7 and that I would find fun, healthy alternatives. He didn’t believe me.
Enter KidFresh Triple Cheese Pizza Bites. They’re packed with hidden veggies which include pureed carrots and spinach (joke’s on you, bud!) and made with whole wheat flour. There’s no high fructose corn syrup and nothing chemically engineered, so I feel totally cool with letting my kids nom on these! Bonus: my kids love them and never believe me when I tell them about the “hidden” veggies. And while KidFresh Pizza bites are considered a snack, I’ve even given them to my kids as lunch with a not-so-hidden vegetable and cup of applesauce. Winning!
My oldest starts school tomorrow and Connor begins a week after. I’ve already promised them that these will be in our freezer ready for a school-afternoon-snack the minute they walk in the door — give or take fifteen minutes.
Disclosure: The above opinions are those of my own; I am receiving no compensation from KidFresh brand, nor have I been approached by them to advertise. This is simply a product that we, as a family, have tried and have enjoyed. Any opinions given are given purely as personal recommendations to other parents and/or anyone interested in healthier snack options for little ones. The above image is linked to the KidFresh website; illustrations are not my own.
This gave me a good laugh. I feel them, I love to snack all day, too. Thanks for this review, I hadn’t heard of these, yet.
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I am a huge slacker! And also huge into pizza rolls (kid at heart). This look so good, yet so much better than the traditional rolls. I can’t wait to find them at the store to try.
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They’re great! I tried one before I gave them to my kids so I’d know what I was up against, and had to stop myself from eating them. Lol!
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I will have to give these a try!
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They’re pretty great! They have quite a few options — even breakfast!
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Isn’t it funny how much these kids eat? Some days I just want to pull my hair out every single time I hear the words “I’m hungry, can I have a snack?” And usually it’s like 10 minutes before we’re going to eat lunch or dinner.
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It’s so frustrating! I’m sure we did it to our parents, but still. Lay off, karma!! Haha
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Ok first off, Sasshole!! That had me cracking up 😂 My kids LIVE to snack so I think I’m going to see if these are available in Canada. Anything with “hidden veggies” is a mom win so thanks for sharing!
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Absolutely! Check out their website — they have available locations listed there!
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My little loves these! They’re definitely a healthier choice than some other brands. Good post mama!
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Thanks!!
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This post is so light and telling nothing but the truth 🙂 I guess kids love to snack because they are active, but I love to offer them a healthy snack, but sometimes they insist on that grilled cheese sandwich. I would love to try this product.
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Girl, I could kill some grilled cheese sandwiches. 🤣 I love this brand and they have so much to choose from — even breakfast options!
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Those look SO yummy! I would have loved them as a kid (and even now)! 😉
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They’re pretty great! I like them, and I’m a thirty year old woman. 🤣🤣
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Gosh I can relate to this! 3 boys in the house!!
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Three little vacuums, more like. Haha!
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Oh man, can I relate to this! We’re six days away from school starting back up and my wallet and food budget are thankful Summer is almost over!
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I’ve been at the grocery store nearly every week this summer. Haha! Walmart owes me a check! 🤣
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Those look great! My girls are always hungry! I need to find these!
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They’re great and there are a lot of options for snacks and light meals — even breakfast options!
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These look yummy – I haven’t seen them in stores, so I will have to look for them!
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Absolutely! Check out their website — I think they have a store locator tool. 🙂
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I will definitely have to trh these. Been seeing them around but hadn’t given it a chance. Loved this post and will be following!
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Thanks so much!! I hope y’all like them. 🙂
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I’ll have to try these! I’m always looking for new snack ideas for my girls!
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Same here. Especially searching for snacks that I don’t feel guilty for giving to my kids.
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I have a set snack time and they don’t get snacks unless it is that time. It helps them to know not to ask every 10min
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That’s a great idea to implement! Helps teach self-control as well as time management!
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