In Defense of Decadence:
Somewhere along the way, pleasure got a bad rap.
We learned to measure virtue in calories and grams. To count steps and reps. To substitute almond milk for cream and convince ourselves that cauliflower could be rice, pizza crust, or—heaven help us—mashed potatoes.
And maybe that’s not all bad. But in the rush toward clean eating and elimination diets and foods that sound more like science experiments, we lost something essential. The idea that pleasure—real, soul-satisfying pleasure—is not the enemy.
In fact, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
Let’s start with a classic: dark chocolate. Not the cloying stuff from your Halloween stash, but the good kind—bittersweet, rich, with a snap that means business. Science says that dark chocolate (70% cacao and up) is full of flavonoids, antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. One study even found that it boosts brain function. A square or two a day? Doctor’s note not required. That’s decadence with benefits.
Red wine, too, has made its rounds through the rumor mill. First it was good, then suspect, then maybe just fine in moderation—like that cousin you only sort of trust. But here’s the truth: the polyphenols in red wine, especially resveratrol, may protect the lining of your blood vessels, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of clotting. One glass with dinner is not a vice. It’s tradition. Civilization, even.
Then there’s coffee, which has gone from morning crutch to metabolic miracle. Recent studies show that coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of stroke, certain cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease. All that, and it still helps you find your keys when you’re running late. Just skip the syrup-laced sugar bombs from the drive-thru. Real coffee needs very little dressing up. But when savored properly, it’s a moment of decadence—a little daily ritual that nourishes both body and mind.
And who knew that cheese—yes, cheese!—is more than just a vehicle for crackers? Full-fat dairy can be a source of probiotics, calcium, and omega-3s. Some research suggests it may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Of course, moderation is key (isn’t it always?), but there’s no need to exile the Brie from the party platter. A little decadence in the form of cheese is not only delicious but also surprisingly good for you.
The truth is, pleasure and health are not opposing forces. They’re dance partners. They work better when they’re in step.
When we talk about health at home—especially as we age or care for those who are—there’s a tendency to focus only on what we should cut out. Sugar. Salt. Butter. Wine. It becomes a ledger of subtraction, a life of “less.” But what if wellness is also about what we add in? Ritual, joy, community. The small, sacred moments: an evening glass of wine with a friend. A square of chocolate savored slowly. Coffee on the porch, alone with your thoughts.
Those things nourish more than just your body. They feed your spirit.
So here’s your permission slip: eat the good cheese. Drink the good wine. Let a little square of dark chocolate melt on your tongue like it’s a benediction. Decadence, it turns out, might be the healthiest habit of all.
Embracing decadence isn’t about overindulgence—it’s about recognizing the value of these small pleasures, savoring them with mindfulness and gratitude. Whether it’s a bite of cheese or a sip of wine, these are the moments that feed our well-being, body and soul.
And if you’re not sure how to balance the delicious with the nutritious? RVNAhealth’s registered dietitian, Carmen Weber is here to help you find your sweet spot—whether it’s a little Brie, a little broccoli, or yes… a little beloved chia pudding.