As a child, my mother was a single parent for a time, juggling full-time work and raising me. I can only imagine how scarce free time was for her. Many evenings, we resorted to TV dinners, sitting on our TV trays and, you guessed it, watching television. I had a soft spot for those Swanson’s dinners. My mom had mastered the art of cooking them—overcook, and the brownie would burn; undercook, and the mashed potatoes would solidify into an angry square. I can’t say whether she was aware of the preservatives and sodium in those meals, and honestly, I didn’t care.
Recently, I learned that Kraft plans to eliminate artificial preservatives and synthetic colors from its mac and cheese by early 2016. This means we’ll have to say goodbye to that signature bright orange hue. Trisha Carter, Kraft’s marketing VP, mentioned that “Consumers, especially parents, have been telling us they want to feel good about the foods they eat and serve to their families.” Well, Trisha, I’m not on board with this change.
I cherish mac and cheese just the way it is. I love the orange goo that clings to me while I eat. There’s a certain joy in perfecting the water-to-powder ratio, resulting in pure orangetastic bliss. That vibrant color is part of the experience, and without it, my beloved mac and cheese will lose its charm.
As a married mother of three, I don’t feel guilty about serving this dish to my kids. My husband and I work full-time and lead busy lives outside of our jobs and children (cue gasps). Sure, I whip up home-cooked meals packed with wholesome ingredients on many nights. I genuinely enjoy cooking. But there are evenings when a box of mac and cheese or a Totino’s Party Pizza is just as satisfying.
Are those the healthiest choices for my family? No. Do they contain preservatives and saturated fats? Absolutely. But when I have just 34 minutes to feed my family before dashing off to hockey or soccer while the youngest watches Peppa Pig on our iPad, it’s what I can manage. Could I have woken up early to prepare something healthier? Sure. But sometimes I need those extra minutes of sleep, or I’m spending time with my husband, or perhaps I just didn’t want to go the extra mile after a long day.
I know many parents believe it’s our duty to shield our children from every harmful product out there, insisting on serving only organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. While that would be ideal, I don’t think my kids will develop lifelong health problems from occasional orange noodles any more than a child raised on whole foods will from indulging in an entire box of Skittles dipped in Nutella when their parent isn’t looking.
As a society, we seem to be swinging too far in the other direction. Yes, it’s vital to be informed about our food. But parents shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying a cozy evening with their kids while sharing a pack of Oreos (with organic almond milk, of course).
All you balanced parents out there, let’s unite: Leave our mac and cheese alone!
For those interested in exploring other parenting topics, check out our post on at-home insemination kits here. For more insights on fertility, visit Medical News Today.
Summary:
Kraft’s decision to remove artificial ingredients from its mac and cheese has sparked a debate about food choices. The author reflects on her childhood experiences with TV dinners and the joy of serving classic mac and cheese to her kids amidst a busy family life. While recognizing the importance of healthy eating, she advocates for enjoying simple, comforting meals without guilt.