Week 18: My taste buds have a new lease on life

Earlier in my pregnancy I read What to Eat When You’re Expecting, which should be titled, How to Feel Guilty When You’re Expecting. The author suggests that pregnant women should not eat any products made of white flour and haughtily calls bagels, donuts and even biscuits empty calories. Has this woman ever been pregnant? Or alive?

I am not a junk food junkie, but I occasionally allow myself to taste the flakiness, creaminess and stinging sweetness of the confectionary arts. I remember the day my Mom taught me about this. I will premise this story by telling you that my Mom is probably the most intense health-food lover I have ever known. I remember going to friends’ houses as a child and feeling very confused if I saw white bread or cookies in their house because it made me question their Christianity. In our house, “cookie” meant raw oats, raisins and natural peanut butter rolled into balls.

I took ballet until I was sixteen and while I loved it, I had no potential in the profession. One day my Mom was driving me to summer dance camp and I mentioned that I felt like eating a Milky Way. Later in the day my Mom stopped by the studio to drop off the candy bar while I was in class, as a surprise. As it happened the director, known for her snobbery and strictness, was sitting at front desk. As my Mom handed her the candy bar the woman glared at the bar and said, “Well, that’s not very healthy!” I imagine she was picturing the wardrobe department letting out another tiny costume for me.

“Well, she felt like having a candy bar.” My Mom told her indignantly, and left.

When my Mom told me that story I felt so proud. When I remember it now, I feel so thankful that she did not pressure me to have a body that I would never have. Though she was normally Captain Sugarless, she taught me that day that sweet stuff in moderation is alright.

To the theorist that says pregnant women should not have pastries, I say, ha—go ahead and ruin your fun. I have never enjoyed food as thoroughly as in the last four months and plan to, within reason, continue to enjoy it. Last night I had a craving for a Boston Cream donut and sent Dave out to Dunkin Donuts. I have never appreciated Boston Cream until last night and I don’t know if I ever will again. But last night it was the best food I could eat and I have no regrets.