Once the kids are tucked in for the night, that’s when I really kick back and enjoy the ‘good stuff.’ After a long day of parenting, I finally sink into my favorite spot on the couch, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the house—well, except for my dog, who’s snoring contentedly at my feet. On one side, I’ve got the remote, ready to reclaim my TV time, and on the other, a treasure trove of guilty pleasures: a box of Girl Scout cookies, remnants of a Kit-Kat, and the leftover bits of a rich pecorino cheese that I just polished off.
I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. It’s late, I’m wiped out, and let’s be real—life can be pretty overwhelming. I start the day with the best of intentions: a slice of toast and a banana for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and maybe some soup with a biscuit (or a few). But once the kids are asleep, all bets are off. That’s when I dive headfirst into frozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, French fries dipped in ice cream, and endless bowls of Frosted Flakes. Oh, and let’s not forget the cheesy crackers and salty cheese.
Sure, I’m aware that I might be undermining my fitness ambitions, but I stay active and generally eat well throughout the day. If I feel like indulging in a sleeve of Tagalongs or a mountain of Cheetos after a challenging day, I’m going to do it. I’m an adult, after all, and I can devour sharp cheddar cheese whenever I please.
The Myth of Late-Night Eating
There was a time when we all heard that we shouldn’t eat after 7 p.m., and everyone seemed to nod in agreement. I love a good Oprah quote as much as the next person, but I’m calling nonsense on that late-night eating rule. Because reality check: parenting is no walk in the park. The days stretch on, and sometimes the only thing that helps us get through is the knowledge that once 9 p.m. rolls around, we can ditch our bras, kick up our feet, and devour our favorite snacks without the little ones hovering around us. Because nothing ruins the joy of a Godiva chocolate bar quite like a five-year-old giving you the side-eye for not sharing.
And let’s not forget about Jillian Michaels—fitness expert and all-around incredible mom—who reminds us that it’s perfectly fine to snack after dark. She understands that this is our sacred time when we can indulge without hiding away in the bathroom to enjoy a Snickers or a slice of cheesecake we told the kids was off-limits.
Self-Care Through Snacks
Being an adult comes with many challenges, but one of the few perks is enjoying a bowl of ice cream in bed after a long day. Late-night snacking has become my form of self-care, smoothing the edges of a long, exhausting day. While some find solace in yoga or meditation, I find mine in carbohydrates and a good chat with a friend. To each their own; I’ll stick to my snacks.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a stash of M&M’s hidden in the freezer calling my name.
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In summary, once the kids are in bed, it’s my time to unwind and indulge in all the treats that make those long parenting days a little more bearable. Whether it’s chocolate, cheese, or a late-night binge of favorite snacks, I embrace it all because I’ve earned it.