When I was a kid, my mom was a single parent for a time, and I can only imagine how precious her free time was while juggling work and raising me. Many evenings, we settled down with TV dinners on our trusty TV tray, engrossed in whatever show was on. I had a special fondness for my Swanson’s dinners—my mom could work magic in the microwave. Overcook it, and the brownie turned to coal; undercook it, and the mashed potatoes were a rock-hard square. I can’t say if she ever considered the preservatives or sodium content; honestly, I didn’t care much either.
Recently, I read that Kraft plans to eliminate artificial preservatives and synthetic colors from its macaroni and cheese line by early 2016, meaning goodbye to that iconic bright orange hue. Trina Lawson, Kraft’s VP of marketing for meals, stated, “Consumers, especially parents, are telling us they want to feel good about the foods they eat and serve their families.” Look, Trina, I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not on board with this change.
I love my Mac and Cheese just as it is! That orange goo that gathers at the corners of my mouth is pure delight. There’s nothing quite like achieving the perfect balance of water to cheese powder, resulting in a mouthful of orangetastic goodness. If you take away that vibrant color, it just won’t be the same.
And you know what? I don’t feel guilty about serving it to my kids. As a married mom of three, my husband and I both work full-time and lead busy lives. Sure, there are nights when I whip up wholesome meals from scratch, and I genuinely enjoy cooking. But there are also evenings when cracking open a box of Mac and Cheese or a Totino’s Party Pizza feels like a victory.
Are these the healthiest choices for my family? No, not at all. Do they contain preservatives and saturated fats? Yes, they do. But when I’ve got a mere 34 minutes to feed everyone before darting off to hockey practice, soccer, and keeping the youngest entertained with Peppa Pig on the iPad, it’s the best option I have. Sure, I could wake up early to prepare something nutritious in the crockpot, but sometimes I just need those extra minutes of sleep or a little time with my husband. Or maybe I just need a break from the chaos.
Many parents argue that it’s our responsibility to shield our kids from every harmful substance out there. They insist on only serving organic fruits, vegetables, and ethically sourced meats. While that is a noble goal, the reality is that my kids won’t face lifelong health issues from indulging in the occasional box of orange noodles, just as that health-conscious child won’t suffer lasting damage from a quick sugar rush from Skittles dipped in Nutella.
I believe we’re swinging too far in the other direction. Yes, we should be informed about what we consume. But we also shouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying the occasional cookie or a family dinner featuring Mac and Cheese. So to all the moms out there in the middle, let’s unite and say it together: Leave our Mac and Cheese alone!
For more on the challenges of family cooking, check out this post on 10 Reasons Cooking For A Family Sucks. And if you’re exploring home insemination options, consider visiting Make A Mom for reputable syringe kits, or listen to the insightful discussions on pregnancy and home insemination at Cleveland Clinic’s OB-GYN Time podcast.
In summary, while the desire for healthier options is understandable, let’s not forget the joy and convenience that comes from an occasional indulgence. Sometimes, it’s okay to embrace the comfort of our childhood favorites.
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