Let’s be real: Motherhood can feel like one long, grueling marathon. It’s a constant cycle of requests—fetching snacks, cleaning up messes, and managing the chaos—leaving you with little more than sleepless nights and endless whining. While there are those fleeting magical moments we cherish, the relentless nature of parenting is what truly wears you down.
And breaks? Forget about it. Even a trip to the bathroom is hardly a moment of peace. Meanwhile, our partners can leisurely lounge in there for ages without a care. Seriously, what’s the deal with that?
Almost every mother I know has her escape—a little vice that helps us carve out a sliver of calm amidst the chaos. Some might claim that a quick yoga session or a few minutes of meditation is all they need to recharge, but let’s be honest: when does that ever happen? Yoga requires dedication, and meditation often feels like just another task on the never-ending to-do list.
That’s why many moms turn to a comforting glass of wine or a steaming cup of coffee at the end of a long day. Both are affordable, readily available, and just strong enough to help us cope without leaving us incapacitated. Plus, they can be enjoyed in those brief moments of respite we manage to snatch.
But here’s my twist: I can’t do coffee or alcohol. My stomach simply won’t tolerate it—coffee leaves me jittery, and wine makes me feel dizzy and nauseous. However, before you feel sorry for me, let me share my secret weapon: Chocolate. Yes, you heard me right—delicious, decadent chocolate.
Every week, as I wrap up my grocery run, I find myself gravitating toward the chocolate aisle, selecting two bars of the finest dark chocolate. I’m talking about the good stuff, made from high-quality cacao, sweetened with evaporated cane sugar, and infused with pure Madagascar vanilla. I stash these treasures in a secret spot—one of the cabinets my kids haven’t discovered—so I can indulge in tiny bites throughout my day.
I often sneak a square while my preschooler munches on his lunch or during the 4 PM slump when I feel like a deflated balloon. And yes, I might even indulge at “wine-o’clock” after the kiddos are tucked in for the night. The best part? Unlike coffee, chocolate’s caffeine content won’t keep me wide-eyed into the night.
Not only is chocolate a delightful pick-me-up, but it also has health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants and flavanols that are believed to support heart health and improve blood circulation. But let’s be honest—the real allure of chocolate lies in its mood-boosting effects. Even toddlers instinctively know that chocolate equals happiness, and science backs this up: it releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones in our brains.
Of course, the only downside to this chocolate obsession is the potential for weight gain. There are certainly times when I might overindulge, but I try to keep my portions in check and aim for options with lower sugar content. Still, sometimes I indulge a bit too much, and my waistline bears the consequences.
But honestly, it’s worth it. Motherhood isn’t always glamorous, and sometimes we have to make less-than-healthy choices to maintain our sanity. So yes, I embrace my identity as a chocoholic without any shame—or sharing!
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In summary, while many moms might turn to wine or coffee for solace, I find my escape in chocolate. It’s my sweet vice that helps me navigate the trials of motherhood, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.