As soon as my kids are tucked in for the night, I settle into my favorite spot on the couch, relishing the peaceful stillness of the house. Sure, the dog is snoring at my feet, but I’m not counting that noise as part of the chaos. To my left, I have the remote, ready to reclaim my TV time for a few blissful hours. On my right lies the evidence of my late-night indulgence: a half-empty box of Girl Scout cookies, an empty Kit-Kat wrapper, and the remnants of a deliciously salty pecorino cheese I just polished off.
Don’t judge me; it’s late, I’m worn out, and life can be overwhelming. I start my days with all the right intentions. Breakfast consists of a slice of toast and a banana, followed by a salad at lunch. Dinner is typically a bowl of soup accompanied by a biscuit or two. But once the kids are asleep, all bets are off. That’s when I dive into the “good stuff”: frozen Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, French fries with ice cream, endless bowls of Frosted Flakes, and a heaping of salty cheese with buttery crackers.
I’m fully aware that this late-night snacking might be a setback to my fitness aspirations, but I do exercise regularly and try to maintain a balanced diet throughout the day. If I want to devour an entire sleeve of Tagalongs or snack on Cheetos after a long day, so be it. I’m an adult, and I’ll savor a block of sharp cheddar if that’s what I desire.
At some point, someone—probably a well-meaning celebrity—declared that eating after 7 p.m. was a no-go, and suddenly, late-night snackers were seen as the villains. I have a lot of respect for that advice, but let’s be real: parenting is tough. The days feel endless, and knowing that at 9 p.m., I can kick back, take off my bra, and indulge in Entenmann’s treats without little hands reaching for them is a lifesaver. Nothing ruins the joy of a Godiva chocolate bar like a curious child’s inquisitive gaze when you refuse to share.
Even Jillian Michaels, the fitness expert and tough-love mom, acknowledges that it’s perfectly fine to eat after dark. She understands that nighttime is often the only time we can enjoy a snack without sneaking into the bathroom to enjoy a Snickers bar or a slice of cheesecake we claimed was “off-limits” for the kids.
There are plenty of downsides to adulthood, but the ability to enjoy ice cream in bed after a long day is one of the few perks. Late-night snacking serves as a balm for the weary soul, smoothing out the rough edges of a tiring day. Some folks cope with stress through yoga or meditation, while others prefer indulging in comfort foods while venting to friends. Whatever works for you, I say.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a stash of M&M’s calling my name from the freezer.
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In summary, once the kids are asleep, many parents find solace in late-night snacking as a way to unwind after a challenging day. It’s a guilty pleasure that provides a much-needed escape and an opportunity to indulge without interruption.