As someone who grew up with a single mother, I can appreciate the value of convenience in meal preparation. My mother, balancing full-time work and parenting, often turned to ready-made meals, particularly TV dinners, which we enjoyed while watching television. I fondly remember those Swanson dinners, expertly cooked by her. Too long in the oven, and the brownie was charred; too short, and the mashed potatoes resembled a hard block. I never considered the preservatives or sodium content back then, and honestly, I didn’t care.
This week, Kraft announced it would be removing artificial preservatives and synthetic colors from its products by early 2016, including the iconic bright orange hue of its mac and cheese. Trina Johnson, Kraft’s marketing vice president, stated that many consumers, particularly parents, want to feel confident about the foods they provide to their families. While I understand the intention, I have to disagree with this sentiment.
I enjoy mac and cheese just the way it is — the vibrant orange coating that leaves a delightful residue on my lips is part of the experience. The perfect combination of water and powder creates a flavor sensation that simply wouldn’t be the same without that signature color.
As a busy mother of three, I often find myself in situations where quick meals are necessary. My husband and I both work full-time and lead active lives; some evenings, preparing a wholesome dinner isn’t feasible. Sure, I love cooking from scratch, but there are times when a box of mac and cheese or a frozen pizza fits the bill perfectly.
Are these the healthiest choices? Certainly not. Do they contain preservatives and fats? Absolutely. However, when I have a mere 34 minutes to feed my family before rushing off to various activities, mac and cheese often becomes a lifesaver. Could I have woken up early to prepare a healthy meal? Yes, but sometimes I need those extra minutes of sleep, or I’m caught up in a moment with my partner, or perhaps I’m just not in the mood to go the extra mile.
Many parents argue it’s our duty to shield our children from every potential harm, advocating for only organic, non-GMO foods. While I agree that healthier options are ideal, I also believe that an occasional serving of orange noodles isn’t going to doom my children to health issues any more than a strictly healthy child will be negatively affected by a moment of indulgence.
Society seems to be swinging too far in one direction. While it’s essential to be informed about our food, we shouldn’t feel guilty enjoying treats like Oreos (maybe paired with some organic almond milk).
So, to all the parents out there in the middle ground, let’s unite and say it together: Leave our mac and cheese alone!
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In summary, while it’s important to be mindful of dietary choices, the occasional indulgence in convenience foods like Kraft mac and cheese should not be viewed with guilt. Balancing nutrition with the realities of busy family life is crucial for maintaining harmony and joy in the household.