Guilty Pleasure: Easy Foods That Won't Let You Go

I know it adds calories, but I just can't resist enjoying burgers!

Look at the beast, as they say. Whether it's a juicy beef patty or a veggie burger, burgers remain a guilty pleasure for many. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oh-so delicious. However, they come with a hefty calorie count, which makes it challenging to indulge in them too frequently.

Traditional Romanian Minced Onion

In Eastern Europe, particularly in Romania, a traditional dish involves the preparation of minced onion. The onion is fried well in a pan with oil and seasoned with tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dish is a guilty pleasure for some, as they indulge in it, knowing the health implications.

Popcorn with Butter: A Pregnancy Must

Popcorn with butter was my go-to snack when I was pregnant. The fluid retention that came with pregnancy restricted my salt intake, leading me to eliminate popcorn from my menu. As I entered my fifties and was diagnosed with rising blood pressure, popcorn once again joined my restricted list. However, when I do indulge, I pop it on the stove rather than in the microwave to avoid the excess unhealthy fats and oils, and copious amounts of salt that come with microwave popcorn.

Kraft Mac and Cheese: A Classic Guilty Pleasure

Beyond simple to make, Kraft Mac and Cheese remains a classic guilty pleasure. It is easy to prepare, and its taste is comforting. Although it may not be the healthiest option, it is a go-to dish for those looking for something quick and delicious.

Potatoes and Eggs: Comfort Food From Childhood

Fried potatoes with scrambled eggs, seasoned with salt, pepper, and pecorino romano, is a comfort food that takes me back to my childhood. This dish is simple yet rich in flavor, providing a warm embrace that is hard to resist. Even now, as an adult, I still whip up this childhood favorite for myself.

Sinful Pasta

Pasta, be it in any shape or form, is a favorite for me. The simplicity of the dish often makes it even more appealing. A simple preparation involves boiling angel hair pasta, adding a few cloves of chopped garlic in olive oil, and tossing the pasta with the garlic-infused oil. A little black pepper and freshly grated parmesan complete the dish. For those feeling adventurous, you can add sun-dried tomatoes and pair it with a nice Chianti. It's hard to find a simpler yet more satisfying meal.

Classic-American Guilty Pleasures

Grilled cheese, croissant French toast, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, mac n cheese, salad variety, BLT, tacos, fried plantain, smores, tuna melt, and dim sum are American classics that often satisfy our cravings. Each of these dishes is easy to prepare, making them a convenient choice for a quick meal or snacking. However, they come with their own set of health implications, which we often overlook due to their irresistible taste.

Homemade Fruit Pastries: A Nutritious Delight

Considering the nutritional value, homemade fruit pastries, particularly those involving apples, can be a satisfying indulgence. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, and applesauce muffins are a mix of guilt and goodness. They are homemade and hence can be adjusted to your taste without relying on store-bought options. This justifies the occasional treat that is still nutritious enough to indulge in, at least that's what I tell myself.