When the kids have finally drifted off to sleep, I find my favorite spot on the couch, and the house falls into a peaceful hush. The only sound is my dog snoring softly by my feet. On my left rests the remote, which I’m ready to reclaim for the evening. And on my right? An assortment of indulgent treats: an open box of Girl Scout cookies, a Kit-Kat wrapper, and the remnants of a salty pecorino cheese that I just polished off.
No need to judge me. It’s late, I’m worn out, and life can be overwhelming. I start each day with the best intentions, but by the time dinner rolls around, I’m reaching for soup and a biscuit (or maybe three). Once the kids are tucked in, though, all bets are off, and I bring out the good stuff: frozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, French fries with ice cream, and bowl after bowl of Frosted Flakes, along with salty cheese and buttery crackers.
I know I might be undermining my health goals, but I exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet most of the time. I include a few fruits and veggies throughout the day, but if I want to devour a sleeve of Tagalongs or snack on fistfuls of Cheetos at the end of a tough day, I will. I’m an adult, and I can enjoy a block of sharp cheddar if that’s what I fancy.
The Myth of the Food Curfew
Once upon a time, someone (probably a celebrity like Oprah) warned against eating after 7 p.m., and now we late-night snackers are often shamed for it. I admire Oprah just as much as I relish a warm apple dumpling with ice cream, but I reject the idea that there should be a food curfew. Because let’s face it—parenting is tough. The days can be long, and sometimes the promise of unwinding at 9 p.m. with a snack is the only thing that keeps us going. There’s something blissful about being able to indulge in a bar of Godiva without a little one casting a judgmental glance for not sharing.
Moreover, Jillian Michaels, our fitness guru and a relatable mom, reminds us that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy food after dark. She understands that this is often the only time we can indulge without sneaking away to the bathroom to devour a Snickers or a slice of cheesecake we told our kids they couldn’t have.
The Comfort of Late-Night Treats
There are many burdens that come with adulthood, but the freedom to enjoy ice cream in bed after a long day is one of the few delights. Late-night snacking is like a soothing balm for a weary soul—it helps to smooth out the rough edges so we can avoid losing our cool too often. Some folks handle stress with yoga, meditation, and long strolls; others prefer comfort foods while chatting with friends. You do your thing; I’ll do mine.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a stash of M&M’s hidden in the freezer calling my name. If you’re interested in more on this topic, check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, for more authority on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. If you’re curious about the process of intrauterine insemination, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources.
In Summary
After a long day of parenting, indulging in late-night snacks can be one of the few joys that adults have. It’s a way to unwind from the stresses of the day and enjoy a moment of peace without interruptions.