As a parent, the list of obligations can feel endless. I should read more with my children, monitor their screen time, and ensure they’re practicing their math skills regularly. On top of that, there’s the ever-present pressure to eat healthier. Our pantry should be stocked with wholesome snacks instead of chips, and our refrigerator should overflow with fresh fruits rather than cheese. Our dinners ought to feature quinoa instead of pizza.
But honestly? Forget about all those shoulds and, yes, the quinoa too.
Last night’s dinner was a mix of leftovers and pantry odds and ends, as it often is during hectic weeknights. My partner and kids enjoyed cheeseburgers while I opted for a veggie burger. We munched on baby carrots, sliced up a nearly overripe avocado, and added some tomatoes to the mix. To top it all off, I indulged in half a bag of barbecue kettle chips.
I know this meal doesn’t align with the ideal healthy eating guidelines, and I can almost hear the disapproving clucks from those who pride themselves on their clean eating habits. But the truth is, I really don’t mind.
Most of our family’s meals are fairly nutritious, and we stay active. My partner and I exercise almost every day, and our kids are often found swimming, playing sports, or riding their bikes around the neighborhood. Overall, we maintain a decent level of health.
But let’s be real: we also love our junk food. No matter how hard we try, it’s unlikely that our preferences will change anytime soon—despite popular opinions promoting coconut water as a miracle worker or claiming kale will give you superhuman strength. The joy that junk food brings is something those so-called superfoods simply can’t replicate.
I genuinely struggle to relate to anyone whose version of a treat is a brownie made with prunes. A few years back, I visited a friend’s home and was shocked to see a bowl of Halloween candy sitting untouched on her kitchen counter. It wasn’t just any candy either; it was filled with Nestlé Crunch bars and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Who can resist such sweetness for an entire month?
Needless to say, I’m not cut from that cloth.
I do strive to eat healthfully—I really do. I ensure my kids’ plates contain something from the produce section, even if they often push the vegetables aside. Being a vegetarian means my diet includes a fair amount of greens, but it’s also filled with cereals and potato chips.
My current dietary approach might be best described as a balance of simple carbs and hope. Occasionally, my partner and I discuss making better food choices for our family. He often expresses concern about our kids’ eating habits slipping into unhealthy territory, and I panic—not necessarily because I’m worried about their complaints over healthier foods, but because I know I’ll be the first to whine.
We all recognize that moderation is essential, and balance is key. So, some nights, I plan nutritious meals, while other times, we find ourselves at the drive-thru, where I might sneak a few cookie dough bites in the bathroom. Parenting is no walk in the park, and I find myself exhausted.
While junk food may not be a health food, it possesses a certain magic. A spoonful of cookie dough feels like a comforting hug. A fluffernutter sandwich brings back memories of childhood joy. French fries dipped in ice cream evoke a sense of rebellious independence. And on particularly tough days, a bowl of Doritos easily captures the essence of “forget it all.”
Honestly, I wouldn’t want to live in a world devoid of chocolate, candy, and junk food. Having battled an eating disorder that stripped away the joy of food, I’ve come to cherish the significance of enjoying what we eat—even if that includes a bit of junk food.
Of course, I want my children to learn healthy eating habits, and I do my best to model a balanced lifestyle. But I also want them to experience the simple pleasures of chocolate melting on their tongues or fingers turning orange from Cheetos. There are far more pressing matters on my parenting agenda than enforcing a diet free of trans fats or artificial ingredients. Sometimes, you have to choose your battles and cut yourself some slack. When you have limited energy to spare, a strict junk food ban is one of the first things to go.
I acknowledge that my family could benefit from a more health-conscious diet, but the reality is that life is short, parenting is challenging, and I won’t hesitate to hand out Pop-Tarts and Eggo waffles on busy mornings to keep everyone sane.
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In summary, while striving for a healthier lifestyle is commendable, it’s essential to enjoy food and embrace the moments of joy that come with it—especially when it comes to treats.