Finally, the kids are tucked in, and I’m curled up in my favorite spot on the couch. The house is blissfully quiet—unless you count my snoring dog sprawled out at my feet, which I definitely do not. To my left, the remote control beckons, ready for me to reclaim my TV time (at least for a few hours). And to my right? An open box of cookies, a candy bar wrapper, and the remains of some delicious cheese I couldn’t resist.
Don’t judge me. It’s late, and I’m beat. Life can be overwhelming.
I start my day with high hopes: breakfast is a simple piece of toast with a banana, lunch is a salad, and dinner is usually a bowl of soup accompanied by a biscuit or two (or maybe three). But once the kids are in bed, everything changes. That’s when I dive into the good stuff—frozen peanut butter cups, crispy fries dipped in ice cream, and bowl after bowl of sugary cereal. Oh, and let’s not forget the cheesy crackers.
I know I might be derailing my fitness aspirations, but I do hit the gym regularly and generally maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sure, I try to include fruits and veggies during the day, but if I want to indulge in some Tagalongs or munch on a bag of Cheetos after a taxing day, I absolutely will. I’m an adult, and I’ll devour a block of cheese if I feel like it.
Once upon a time, someone (probably a celebrity, right?) advised against eating after 7 p.m., and suddenly everyone jumped on the bandwagon, wagging their fingers at us nighttime snackers. Look, I appreciate all the wellness advice out there, but I’m calling nonsense on that late-night eating rule. Because let’s face it—parenting is tough!
The days can stretch on endlessly, and often, the thought of 9 p.m. is what pulls us through. It’s the moment we can finally relax, take off our bras, kick up our feet, and treat ourselves to a snack without tiny hands reaching for our goodies or little voices whining for a bite. Nothing kills the joy of a rich chocolate bar like a child’s disapproving look when you don’t want to share.
And let’s not forget Jillian Roberts, the fitness expert and all-around savvy mom, who reminds us that it’s okay to eat after dark. She gets it! This is the only time of day when we can indulge in some stress eating without having to sneak into the bathroom to enjoy our treats.
Being an adult comes with a lot of challenges, but one of the few perks is being able to enjoy ice cream in bed after a long day. Late-night snacking can be like a little hug for our weary souls. It smooths out the jagged edges of stress, so we don’t explode. Some people cope with yoga or meditation; others dive into carbs while chatting with friends. You do you, and I’ll do me.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a stash of M&M’s hidden in the freezer that’s calling my name!
For more relatable stories and advice, don’t miss out on our other blog posts, including one on the realities of parenting, which you can find here. And if you’re considering home insemination, check out Make a Mom for reliable kits. For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Rmany’s blog.
In summary, once the kids are in bed, it’s my time to unwind and enjoy my favorite snacks without guilt. Whether it’s indulgent treats or just a moment of peace, those late-night hours are a well-deserved escape from the whirlwind of parenting.