As parents, we’ve all been there. Shoving a couple cookies in our mouth when our kids are playing outside or eating an extra snack after bedtime. These ‘Secret Snacks’ or ‘Revenge Meals’ are very common for parents to engage in and don’t have to be a source of shame.
While there can be a certain mental health aspect to these ‘Secret Snacks,’ as long as you are eating a balanced diet throughout the day, sneaking in some unhealthy snacking can be a reward for getting through the day as a parent!
Judgement-Free Eating
These ‘Secret Snacks’ or ‘Revenge Meals’ typically take place away from children and other family members. That’s because, naturally, one is alone and away from prying eyes and ears about what one is eating.
A new article highlights how these meals can be seen as a negative side effect of exhausting parenting, but in reality, it is an act of free will and control during a time when both of those things can be lacking as a parent.
By allowing yourself to have a ‘Secret Snack’ or ‘Revenge Meal’, you can control your environment and what you eat. You are not bound to eat what your children are being given for meals and snacks, as to set a good example, and as a parent, you should have the right to eat what you want. After all, you’ve earned it! You are not alone in your quest to eat an unhealthy meal or snack now and again, as many parents wind up doing the same thing during downtime in between parenting.
When Do ‘Secret Snacks’ or ‘Revenge Meals’ Become A Problem
There may come a time when these secret food outings can become detrimental to a parent’s health, especially if they are being used as a coping mechanism for a lack of eating opportunities during the day.
Some experts go as far to say as these ‘Secret Snacks’ and ‘Revenge Meals’ are a form of disordered eating, by compensating for feeling ignored and undervalued at home with all the work being done to fed one’s kids healthy and balanced meals, but forgetting or not having the time to feed oneself.
There is validity when it comes to parents not taking enough time for themselves during the day, so naturally, when nap time or bedtime comes around, this may be one of the first times that a parent has time for themselves. Again, it’s natural to want to be able to make your own choices for yourself, and if that is in the form of a ‘Secret Snack’ once in a while, there is nothing inherently wrong with that.
It becomes an issue when these ‘Secret Snacks’ and ‘Revenge Meals’ are supplementing your entire diet and feelings of shame accompany these times of snacking.
Parenting Self-Care Is Important
‘Secret Snacking’ or ‘Revenge Meals’ can be viewed as a form of self-care for parents at the end of the day, when practiced in moderation. Much in the same way as wind downs with a bubble bath or a face mask, sometimes self-care looks like eating some ice cream in front of the TV after the kids have gone to bed or finishing off the rest of the cookies in a package while doing the dishes.
Not all ‘Secret Snacking’ has to be seen in a negative light, especially when it comes to fueling your body. Most experts agree that a diet high in sugar is not beneficial for anyone, including children and adults; however, occasional snacking is unlikely to impact your overall health significantly.
Instead of always engaging in enjoying these snacks in secret, you, as the parent, are allowed to make these choices in front of your children. As an adult, you can explain to your children why you are eating what you are snacking on, and that if they also eat a balanced diet, they can have a special treat as well. There does not have to be shame associated with ‘Secret Snacking’. Instead, it can be empowering to take back some time during your day and have control over what you do with your free time, not just the time spent being a parent to your children.
