I have a never-ending list of “shoulds” that seems to grow longer by the minute. I should read more with my children. I should monitor their screen time better. I should practice math facts regularly, clean the bathrooms more frequently, and yes, even keep my eyebrows in check. The list goes on.
At the top of that list recently? Eating healthier. Our pantry should be stocked with less junk and more wholesome snacks. Our fridge should be filled with fresh fruits instead of an excess of cheese. Our dinners should feature less pizza and more quinoa.
But you know what? I say forget the “shoulds” and the quinoa.
Dinner tonight, like most weeknights, was a mix of leftovers and whatever we could find in the kitchen. My husband and kids opted for cheeseburgers while I settled for a black bean burger. We had some baby carrots on the side, and I sliced up a nearly overripe avocado along with some tomatoes. And to top it off, I polished off half a bag of barbecue kettle chips.
I know our meal defied nearly every guideline on my list, and I can almost hear the disapproving murmurs from those who pride themselves on their healthy eating habits. But honestly, I couldn’t care less.
The majority of what our family consumes is (somewhat) nutritious, and we stay relatively active. My husband and I exercise regularly, and our kids enjoy swimming, sports, and biking around the neighborhood. For the most part, we are healthy.
We also have a fondness for junk food that won’t be going away anytime soon—no matter how many people remind me that coconut water is the elixir of life or that kale possesses magical powers. The truth is, junk food brings me a happiness that those superfoods can’t match.
I genuinely struggle to understand people whose idea of a treat is a brownie made with prunes, or who can resist a binge on Oreos every now and then. A few years back, I visited a friend’s house and noticed a bowl of Halloween candy on her kitchen counter. We’re not talking about the dregs like SweeTarts or stale Laffy Taffy; this bowl was filled with Nestlé Crunch bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and Butterfingers—pure gold.
It was late November, and I was astonished. How could someone maintain a bowl of candy without devouring it for an entire month? Was this woman a myth? She probably wore her pre-pregnancy jeans home from the hospital, too.
Needless to say, I am not one of those women.
Sure, I attempt to eat healthily—I really do. I try to ensure my kids’ plates include something from the produce aisle (whether they actually touch it is another story). As a vegetarian, my meals inherently involve a fair amount of veggies, alongside a lot of cereal and potato chips.
My current diet could best be described as simple carbs and a dash of hope. Occasionally, my husband and I discuss how we can improve our eating habits. He expresses concern over our kids’ dietary choices slipping into unhealthy territory, and I panic—not because I’m worried about their grumbling over healthier options, but because I know I’ll be the one complaining the loudest.
We all accept that moderation is vital—finding balance and all that. So, there are nights when I plan nutritious meals, and other times when we make a McDonald’s run, and I sneak cookie dough in the bathroom. Parenting is challenging, and I’m exhausted.
Junk food might not be a superfood, but it possesses superpowers. A spoonful of cookie dough feels like a warm hug and a pep talk wrapped in sugary bliss. A fluffernutter sandwich embodies the essence of childhood. French fries dipped in ice cream represent a rebellious spirit. And on particularly tough days, a bowl of Doritos can feel like a grand “forget everything.”
Honestly, a life devoid of junk food, chocolate, and candy is not one I want to inhabit. After overcoming an eating disorder that stripped food of its joy for years, I truly value the experience of enjoying what I eat—even if it includes a fair amount of junk.
Of course, I want my kids to cultivate healthy eating habits, and I strive to exemplify a balanced lifestyle. However, I also want them to savor the delight of chocolate melting on their tongues and experience the joy of orange-stained fingers from Cheetos. There are far more pressing matters on my parenting agenda than strictly avoiding trans fats and artificial additives. Sometimes, you simply must choose your battles, give yourself a break, and ignore the “shoulds.” When you have limited patience left, a junk food-free diet is one of the first things to go. Plus, I refuse to hide in the bathroom every time I crave a Chewy Chips Ahoy! cookie. I’d rather share the experience with my kids.
I admit that my family and I could make healthier choices, and I’m actively trying. But life is fleeting, parenting is tough, and you better believe I hand out Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles when we’re racing out the door in the morning to keep our sanity intact.
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In summary, while I strive for healthier eating in my family, I recognize the importance of enjoying food and embracing life’s small pleasures. Balancing nutrition with indulgence is key, and as a parent, it’s crucial to choose joy over perfection.