Parenting is a journey filled with “shoulds.” I should read more with my little ones, limit their screen time, practice math facts more often, clean the toilets—oh, and let’s not forget about keeping up with personal grooming. The list feels endless.
Right at the top of my shoulds: Eat healthier. Our pantry should be stocked with granola instead of chips, our fridge should overflow with apples rather than cheese, and our dinners should revolve around quinoa instead of pizza.
But you know what? Forget the shoulds and the quinoa.
Tonight’s dinner was yet another mix of leftovers and random pantry finds. My husband and kids enjoyed cheeseburgers while I opted for a black bean burger. We snacked on baby carrots, sliced a nearly overripe avocado, and some tomatoes. And of course, I indulged in half a bag of barbecue kettle chips.
I know this meal doesn’t fit the health-conscious mold, and I can almost hear some judgmental sighs from those who pride themselves on their wholesome meals. But honestly? I’m not bothered.
Most of our meals are (somewhat) healthy, and our family stays relatively active. We exercise regularly, and the kids are always outside, swimming, playing sports, or biking around the neighborhood. Overall, we’re doing fine.
However, we do have a soft spot for junk food. No amount of coconut water or kale can change that. The truth is, junk food brings a kind of joy that superfoods simply can’t match.
I can’t relate to someone who thinks a treat is a brownie made from prunes instead of enjoying Oreos. I remember visiting a friend’s home and spotting a bowl of Halloween candy on her kitchen counter—not the cheap stuff, but Nestlé Crunch bars, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats. It blew my mind. How could someone resist that for an entire month? She seemed to embody the ideal healthy lifestyle, and I couldn’t wrap my head around it.
That’s just not me.
Sure, I strive to eat well. I make sure there’s something from the produce section on my kids’ plates—even if they sometimes ignore it. As a vegetarian, my diet includes plenty of veggies, paired with a fair share of cereal and chips. My meals are a mix of simple carbs and hope.
My husband and I occasionally discuss our supposed “shoulds.” He worries our kids are slipping into unhealthy eating habits, which sends me into a mild panic—not because I fear their complaints, but because I know I’ll be the one whining.
We all know moderation is key. So I plan healthy meals some nights and hit the McDonald’s drive-thru on others. Parenting can be exhausting, and sometimes you just need to find ways to cope.
Junk food might not be nutritious, but it has its own kind of superpower. A spoonful of cookie dough can feel like a comforting hug. A fluffernutter sandwich brings back fond childhood memories. Eating French fries dipped in ice cream feels like indulging in a little rebellion. And on tough days, a bowl of Doritos can be a welcome escape from it all.
Honestly, a world devoid of junk food, chocolate, and candy is not one I want to inhabit. After overcoming an eating disorder that stripped joy from food for years, I understand the value of enjoying what I eat—even if it includes a bit of junk food.
I want my kids to develop healthy eating habits, and I do my best to model a balanced lifestyle. But I also want them to experience the delight of chocolate melting in their mouths and orange fingers from Cheetos. There are more pressing matters in my parenting agenda than eliminating trans fats or artificial colors. Sometimes, you have to choose your battles and give yourself a break.
When you’re running low on patience, a junk-food-free diet is often one of the first things to go. I refuse to hide in the bathroom to eat a Chewy Chips Ahoy! cookie (or five). I’d rather share the joy of it with my kids.
I’ll admit, my family could eat a bit healthier. We’re all trying our best. But life is fleeting, parenting is challenging, and I absolutely will hand out Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles to keep mornings from turning chaotic.
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In summary, while I acknowledge the importance of healthy eating, I also embrace the joy that comes from indulging in the occasional treat. Parenting is a balancing act, and sometimes a little junk food can make all the difference.