Let’s be real: motherhood can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of demands. From fetching snacks to wiping bottoms and tidying up messes, you’re on call 24/7. What do you get in return? A whole lot of fatigue and a chorus of complaints.
It’s not just about the lack of gratitude; it’s the sheer relentlessness of the tasks. Sure, there are those magical moments that make it all worthwhile—I cherish them dearly—but the daily grind can feel like an irritating loop with no pause button. And breaks? Forget about it. Even a trip to the bathroom isn’t met with any peace. Meanwhile, our male partners can seemingly lounge in the restroom for hours without interruption. What’s up with that?
Most moms I know have their coping mechanisms—those little indulgences that help us carve out moments of tranquility, release stress, and, dare I say, find a bit of joy. Some might claim that a quick yoga session or meditation is enough to keep them balanced, but let’s be honest: when does that actually happen? Yoga and meditation demand too much effort and discipline to provide the instant comfort that we so desperately need.
That’s why many moms turn to their evening glass of wine or lukewarm coffee. Both are affordable, accessible, and mild enough not to leave us incapacitated. Plus, they can be easily enjoyed during those fleeting moments of free time we manage to snag.
I, however, have a troublesome digestive system that makes coffee and alcohol a no-go. Wine leaves me feeling dizzy and nauseous, while coffee sends my heart racing. So, what’s a mom to do? Thankfully, I’ve discovered something even better: chocolate.
Yes, chocolate. Dark chocolate, to be precise. Each week, as I wrap up my grocery shopping, I find myself drawn to the chocolate aisle, where I treat myself to a couple of premium dark chocolate bars—those that boast the finest cacao, sweetened only with “evaporated cane sugar” and infused with “pure Madagascar vanilla paste.” It doesn’t matter if it’s labeled a “superfood”; what matters is that it’s mine, and I stash it away in a secret spot (one of the cabinets my kids haven’t raided yet). Throughout the day, I allow myself little bites to savor amidst the chaos of motherhood.
I typically enjoy a square while my preschooler munches on his lunch, in between reheating his chicken nuggets for what feels like the hundredth time, and cleaning up the same mess for the umpteenth time that week. I often sneak a piece or two around 4 PM, when I’m utterly spent and my kids seem to need me to solve every problem in the universe or feed them for hours.
Sometimes, I indulge in a bite after “wine-o’clock,” once the kids are finally asleep. Unlike coffee, chocolate’s caffeine content doesn’t disrupt my sleep. It offers just the right balance of energy without the jitters, plus it has health benefits—when consumed in moderation.
Chocolate is often hailed as “heart-healthy,” packed with antioxidants and flavanols that can lower blood pressure, boost blood flow to the brain and heart, and even aid in blood clotting. But let’s face it: the real allure for moms like me lies in its mood-boosting properties. Even young children understand that chocolate equals happiness, and research supports this: chocolate triggers the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones in the brain.
I know I could use all the endorphins I can get, especially when my child decides to run around the house with a pair of pee-soaked underwear on his head (true story!). The only downside? The potential impact on my waistline. There are times when I may indulge a bit too much, which is why I try to stick to small portions and choose chocolate that doesn’t come loaded with excessive sugar.
Honestly, though, it’s all worth it. Motherhood isn’t always glamorous, and sometimes we have to make less-than-ideal choices to maintain our sanity. So yes, I proudly embrace my chocoholic status—no apologies here, and definitely no sharing!
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In summary, while many mothers turn to wine or coffee for a bit of respite, I’ve found my solace in chocolate. It offers me a sweet escape amidst the chaos of daily life, allowing me to savor small moments of joy throughout my hectic days.