In today’s parenting landscape, the list of “shoulds” seems endless. I should engage in more reading sessions with my children. I should monitor their screen time more carefully. I should devote extra time to math practice, maintain a cleaner home, and even groom myself more regularly. The “shoulds” add up quickly.
At the forefront of these expectations is the imperative to eat more healthily. Our pantry should boast more granola and fewer chips, our fridge should contain an abundance of apples rather than cheese, and our dinners should feature quinoa instead of pizza.
But here’s my candid stance: I’m done with the “shoulds,” and quinoa can wait.
Tonight’s dinner—like many weeknights—was a mix of leftovers and random pantry items. My husband and kids enjoyed cheeseburgers while I opted for a black bean burger. We snacked on baby carrots, sliced an avocado nearing its expiration, and added some tomatoes. To cap it off, I indulged in half a bag of barbecue kettle chips.
I realize this meal likely violates every rule on my “should” list, and I’m aware that some might judge my choices or feel smug about their healthier diets. But honestly, I’m unfazed by their opinions.
For the most part, our family’s diet is (somewhat) balanced, and we maintain an active lifestyle. Both my husband and I exercise regularly, while our kids engage in sports, swimming, and bike rides. Overall, we’re relatively healthy—we just happen to enjoy junk food too.
Despite the well-intentioned advice about the wonders of coconut water and kale, the joy of junk food brings a happiness that superfoods can’t match. I struggle to relate to anyone who sees a prune brownie as a treat or who doesn’t indulge in Oreos from time to time.
A few years ago, I visited a friend’s home and was shocked to find a bowl of Halloween candy on her counter. Not the leftovers of low-quality sweets, but a treasure trove of Nestlé Crunch bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats. I was baffled by her restraint—how could someone resist such temptation? Clearly, I’m not one to take the same approach.
While I genuinely strive to eat healthily—ensuring my kids’ plates contain fruits and vegetables—I often find my diet leaning heavily towards simple carbs and occasional junk food. My husband and I sometimes discuss improving our eating habits, but my concern primarily revolves around my own potential complaints when faced with healthier options.
We all understand the principle of moderation; balance is crucial. Therefore, there are days when I prepare nutritious meals, and there are days when we opt for fast food while I secretly savor cookie dough in the bathroom. Parenting is demanding, and I often feel fatigued.
Junk food may not be a superfood, but it possesses undeniable superpowers. A spoonful of cookie dough can feel like a warm hug; a fluffernutter sandwich evokes nostalgic childhood memories. French fries dipped in ice cream symbolize a playful rebellion. On particularly tough days, a bowl of Doritos encapsulates my frustration.
Frankly, I don’t want a life devoid of junk food, chocolate, or candy. After battling an eating disorder that stripped the joy from food, I deeply value the pleasure it can bring. Yes, I want my children to adopt healthy eating habits, but I also want them to savor the delight of chocolate melting in their mouths and the messy fun of Cheetos-stained fingers.
There are more pressing matters on my parenting agenda than strictly avoiding trans fats or artificial additives. Sometimes, it’s essential to choose your battles, grant yourself some grace, and disregard the “shoulds.” When your patience is limited, embracing a junk food diet becomes one of the first luxuries you let go. I refuse to hide away when I crave a Chewy Chips Ahoy! (or five). Instead, I’d rather enjoy them alongside my kids.
I acknowledge that my family could benefit from healthier choices. We’re all working on it, but the reality is that life is fleeting, parenting is challenging, and yes, I will hand out Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles in the morning rush to preserve everyone’s sanity.
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In summary, while aiming for a balanced diet is important, it’s equally vital to enjoy the little pleasures life offers, including junk food.
Keyphrase: Parenting and Food Choices
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