Growing up, my mom was a single parent for a time, and I can only imagine how little free time she had while juggling work and raising me. I have fond memories of us enjoying TV dinners on our trusty TV tray while watching our favorite shows. My mom was an expert at preparing those frozen meals; she knew just how long to cook them to avoid a burnt brownie or a solidified lump of mashed potatoes. I’m not sure if she was aware of all the preservatives and sodium packed into those meals, but honestly, I didn’t care.
Recently, I saw that Kraft is planning to eliminate artificial preservatives and synthetic colors from its products by early 2016, which means the end of our beloved neon-orange cheese. Trisha Smith, Kraft’s marketing vice president, claims that consumers—especially parents—want to feel good about the foods they feed their families. Well, I’m not buying it, Trisha.
I adore Mac and Cheese just as it is, gooey orange and all. There’s something delightful about that cheesy goodness that clings to the corners of my mouth. The joy I feel when I achieve the perfect balance of water and cheese powder is unparalleled; it’s what makes the dish so special. Without that perfect orange shade, it just wouldn’t be the same.
And here’s a little secret—I don’t feel guilty serving it to my kids. I’m a married mom of three, and yes, I work full-time while trying to balance life outside of work and family. Some nights, I whip up healthy, home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients because I genuinely enjoy cooking. But there are other times when the convenience of a box of Mac and Cheese or a Totino’s Party Pizza is simply irresistible.
Are these the healthiest options for my family? Not really. Do they contain preservatives and other questionable ingredients? Yes. But when I find myself with just 34 minutes to feed my whole family before dashing off to soccer practice and hockey games, it’s the best I can do. Sure, I could wake up 30 minutes earlier to prepare something wholesome in the crockpot, but sometimes I just need those extra minutes of sleep. Other times, I might be sneaking in some quality time with my husband, or maybe I’m just too tired from parenting to put in the extra effort.
Many parents believe it’s our duty to shield our kids from every harmful product out there, insisting we should only serve organic fruits, vegetables, and ethically-raised meats. While that would be ideal, I don’t think my children will face lifelong health problems from the occasional orange noodle any more than a strictly healthy child will suffer long-term harm from sneaking a box of candy while their mom is distracted.
I feel like society has swung too far in the opposite direction. Yes, it’s wise to be informed about what we consume. But we shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying a box of Oreos with our kids every once in a while (paired with organic almond milk, of course).
So, fellow parents, let’s unite: Leave our mac and cheese alone!
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In summary, we all deserve a little convenience in our busy lives, and sometimes that means enjoying the simple pleasure of Mac and Cheese without guilt. Let’s embrace balance in our family meals!