Old Dog Learns New Tricks

In the past year, I took a course with Clarian Health to learn how to help people quit smoking. The task of breaking an addiction is very daunting. I learned that the nicotine from tobacco can be flushed from your body in 72 hours, but the habits that you have acquired make the smoker want to smoke for much longer. These habits are called triggers. Triggers are everyday habits you do without thinking that make you think you want a cigarette. Like having a morning cup of coffee.
Dieting is much the same as smoking. We develop habits that make us want to turn to chocolate or cookies or chips. Personally I have always been a stress eater. Of course I don't eat stress, but I am someone who turns to food for comfort in times of stress. "Afterall, I deserve something special..." Does that sound familiar?
Several days ago, I attended a particularly long meeting in Indianapolis. It had been a snowy drive to the conference and I was extremely nervous about the traffic. The day was long and I was feeling overwhelmed at the task before me. When I got in my car to travel home in rush-hour traffic, I had the intense craving for McDonald's French fries. In fact, I thought I was gonna' die without McDonald's French fries. The feeling grew with each passing mile. I HAD TO HAVE SOME FRENCH FRIES!!!
I thought of the advice I so freely give the people who want to quit smoking. I smile and tell them to put off the act for as long as you can.
Taking my own advice, I passed the first exit that boasted of having a Micky D's and decided to try to make it to Pendleton exit. The traffic was slow and it took a while to get to the exit. By the time I got there, I decided to put off my purchase until I got to New Castle. Well, you guessed it. By the time I got to New Castle, I had come to my sences. I drove on by McDonalds and came home to fix an evening meal of Lean Cuisine.
This little episode taught me a good lesson. When I am in a stressful situation, I absolutely can not turn to food. I have to retrain myself to sing or pray or laugh. Anything but eating will do. I guess even this old dog can learn new tricks!