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I Don’t Do Wine or Coffee. I’m a Chocoholic Mom.
Updated: Jan. 7, 2023
Originally Published: Jan. 3, 2023
Let’s be real: Motherhood can often feel like a relentless cycle of demands. From preparing meals to wiping tiny behinds, it can leave you sleep-deprived and surrounded by a chorus of complaints. Sure, there are those magical moments that make it all worthwhile, but the never-ending nature of the daily grind can be exhausting.
And breaks? Forget it. Not even a trip to the bathroom comes with a guarantee of peace and quiet. Meanwhile, our partners seem to enjoy uninterrupted bathroom retreats without a care in the world. What’s the deal with that?
Like most moms, I have my own little indulgences—those fleeting moments of solitude that help me regain my sanity. Some may claim that a quick meditation or yoga session is enough to keep them grounded, but let’s be honest: when does that actually happen? Yoga and meditation require far more discipline than we can muster amidst the chaos of parenting.
That’s why many mothers turn to their evening glass of wine or lukewarm cup of coffee. Both are easy to access and relatively harmless, allowing us to sneak in a moment of enjoyment while juggling our responsibilities. However, I’ve been dealt a tricky hand with my sensitive stomach—it just doesn’t play nice with coffee or alcohol. Wine makes me feel dizzy, and coffee sends me into a jittery frenzy, completely negating any potential benefits.
But don’t feel too sorry for me! I’ve found something even better: chocolate. Yes, that delightful treat made from cocoa beans (or cacao, if we want to be fancy). Each week, as I check out at the grocery store, I make a beeline for the chocolate aisle and select two bars of high-quality dark chocolate. I splurge on the good stuff, the kind that claims to be made from the finest cacao, sweetened with “evaporated cane sugar,” and laced with “pure Madagascar vanilla paste.”
Whether or not it’s a “superfood,” it’s mine—and I hide it away in a secret spot (one of the cupboards my kids haven’t discovered yet). Throughout my day, I sneak pieces of my chocolate bars, savoring a square while my preschooler munches his lunch or during the seventh microwave trip for his nuggets. I usually indulge again at 4 p.m. when I’ve deflated like a balloon and my kids have decided they need me to cater to their every whim for hours on end.
Sometimes, I’ll treat myself to a bite of chocolate at “wine-o’clock,” after the kids are finally asleep. Unlike coffee, chocolate’s caffeine content won’t disrupt my sleep. Plus, it provides just the right amount of sugar and caffeine to lift my spirits without sending me into a panic.
But let’s face it: the real reason I’m a chocoholic is for the mood-boosting benefits. Even toddlers understand that chocolate equals happiness, and science backs this up. Studies show that chocolate consumption releases endorphins in the brain, making it a delicious way to elevate one’s mood.
Of course, there’s the little issue of those extra calories affecting my waistline. There are definitely times when I indulge more than I should, and that’s why I opt for chocolate with less sugar and all that other calorie-laden nonsense. But sometimes, I go overboard—and my body pays the price.
Honestly, though, it’s worth it. Motherhood can be messy, and sometimes you’ve got to make choices that prioritize your sanity. So, yes, I’m a chocoholic—no shame here and definitely no sharing.
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In summary, motherhood can be demanding and thankless, but finding small pleasures—like indulging in chocolate—can make all the difference in maintaining a sense of sanity and joy amidst the chaos.