Updated: Aug. 10, 2020 | Originally Published: July 19, 2016
I’ve got a never-ending list of “shoulds” that just keeps growing. I should read more with my kids. I should limit their screen time. I should practice math facts more often, clean the bathrooms more often, and maybe even wax my eyebrows. The “shoulds” just keep piling up!
At the top of my list lately is: Eat healthier. Our pantry should have fewer chips and more granola. Our fridge should hold more apples and less cheese. Our dinners should consist of quinoa instead of pizza.
But you know what? I say toss the “shoulds” and the quinoa out the window.
Dinner tonight was a mix of leftovers and pantry odds and ends, just like most weeknights. My husband and kids enjoyed cheeseburgers while I opted for a black bean burger. We munched on baby carrots, sliced an avocado on the brink of going bad, and I dove into half a bag of barbecue kettle chips.
I know this meal broke almost every rule on my “should” list, and I can just imagine the health-conscious folks shaking their heads or patting themselves on the back for their virtuous choices. But honestly? I don’t care.
Most of what our family consumes is (kind of) healthy, and we stay active. My husband and I work out regularly, and the kids love swimming, playing sports, and biking around the neighborhood. Overall, we’re pretty healthy.
Yet, we also have a soft spot for junk food. No matter how many people tell me that kale is a miracle worker or that coconut water is the answer to eternal youth, junk food brings me joy in a way those so-called superfoods simply can’t match.
I mean, come on. I struggle to relate to someone whose version of a treat is a brownie made with prunes, and who doesn’t indulge in Oreos now and then. A while back, I visited a friend’s house and saw a bowl of Halloween candy on her kitchen counter. Not just any candy, mind you—Nestlé Crunch bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats! I was shocked. How could someone resist that for an entire month? Who was this mythical woman who could pass by a bowl of deliciousness without caving?
Spoiler alert: I’m not that woman.
I genuinely try to eat healthily. I aim to include something from the produce section on my kids’ plates (whether they actually eat it is another story), and as a vegetarian, my diet does include plenty of veggies—along with a fair share of cereal and chips!
These days, my meals could be summarized as simple carbs and a sprinkle of hope. Occasionally, my husband and I discuss how we might better adhere to our “shoulds.” He’ll express concern about our kids’ eating habits, and I’ll panic—not necessarily due to worry about their complaints over a healthier diet but because I know I’ll be the one whining the loudest.
We all recognize moderation is essential—balance and all that jazz. So sometimes, I plan out nutritious meals, and other times, we swing by the drive-thru and I sneak cookie dough in the bathroom. Parenting is tough, folks. And let’s be real, I’m exhausted.
While junk food may not fit the superfood mold, it certainly has its own set of superpowers. A spoonful of cookie dough feels like a comforting hug. A fluffernutter sandwich takes me back to childhood bliss. Dipping french fries in ice cream tastes like a bold act of rebellion. On particularly challenging days, a bowl of Doritos can feel like a big “forget this!”
Ultimately, a life devoid of junk food, chocolate, and candy isn’t one I’m willing to embrace. After navigating through an eating disorder that stripped food of its joy, I cherish the significance of enjoying what I eat—including the occasional indulgence. I want my kids to savor the taste of chocolate melting on their tongues and the vibrant orange fingerprints from Cheetos. There are simply bigger priorities in parenting than stressing over every trans fat or artificial color. Sometimes you need to choose your battles, cut yourself some slack, and ignore the “shoulds.” When time and energy are limited, a strict diet is often the first to go. Plus, I refuse to hide in the bathroom when I want to enjoy a Chewy Chips Ahoy! cookie (or five). I’d much rather share a bag with my kids and relish the moment together.
Sure, my family and I could stand to be healthier. I’m making an effort; we all are. But life is fleeting, parenting can be demanding, and you can bet I’ll hand out Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles when it means keeping our mornings sane.
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Summary
This article highlights the struggle of balancing healthy eating with the joys of indulging in comfort food as a parent. The author reflects on her family’s eating habits, emphasizing the importance of enjoying food without guilt, while still striving for moderation. The piece ultimately advocates for a relaxed approach to parenting, food choices, and the necessity of savoring life’s little pleasures.