When Does A Cookie Become A Cookie?

I went to Catholic school when I was growing up so during the season of Lent we were encouraged to give up something for 40 days.  One year my godmother decided she’d give up cookies for Lent, but would rationalize that she could still eat cookie dough because technically, it wasn’t a “ cookie” yet.  Her daughter would tease her and threaten to call their parish priest to answer this theological question of  “When does a cookie become a cookie?”

I always laugh when I think about this, because I know all of us can rationalize anything if we want  it bad enough.  In fact I found myself doing this yesterday about a bar of chocolate.  I gave up caffeine about 8 years ago to help me with some health challenges, and I still miss it occasionally because a boost of caffeine can really help me with writer’s block. But since I feel way better without caffeine, it hasn’t been too hard to live without.

However, I love chocolate and a few months ago, I discovered Lily’s chocolate bars that are fair trade, gluten free, with no added sugar, so I try to make one bar last all week, and treat myself to a few squares a day.  What I discovered by accident is that there is enough caffeine in a few bars to give me a little lift!  So, like my godmother, I’ve been rationalizing and wondering- when does caffeine actually become caffeine?  As long as I don’t drink it in tea or coffee does a chocolate bar really count?

Deep down I know the answer to this but I laughed at how easy it was for me to rationalize.  I think the task it to be honest with ourselves, and enjoy a bit of pleasure without immediately feeling guilty. But maybe that’s another rationalization (or the result of being raised Catholic). Either way, the sweet taste of chocolate and a little boost of caffeine have helped me to write, and that brings me pleasure too!