'I SEE YOU (AND YOUR BOWL OF SNACK-A-DOOS)'

So last night I rented Avatar. Granted after paying all of the late fees and the cost of the rental I had practically bought a copy but I stuck to my word. I am still waiting until next Thursday to decide whether or not to purchase the film.

It was difficult to watch the movie and not have snacks. Doing this simple act is the equivalent of drinking alcohol and having a cigarette to a smoker. I should know I used to do that too.

There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between managing food addiction and quitting smoking. When I quit smoking I had to change my routines and habits in order to avoid smoking. Rather than avoiding food entirely I can find healthier alternatives. I did the same when I quit smoking. I used to have a cigarette when I drove to work. When I quit I replaced the cigarette with a burning hot cup of Tim Horton's tea. It allowed me to still do something with my hands and have something to 'look forward to'.

I had to avoid my backyard for 6 months when I quit smoking. That was where I always smoked and I related that place to it. Even now I am trying to figure what that place would be in correlation to food. Maybe it is an activity or a time of day - I haven't figured that part out yet. I do know that when I watch a movie in the future I have to make some healthy snacks beforehand so I am not tempted to eat chips and chocolate and other goodies which is especially difficult when everyone else in the house is doing it.

Here is a short list of what I relate food to...please hold your laughter until the end:)
- Road Trip=trip to Bulk Barn
- Theatre=Raisinettes
- Holidays=Eating Out
- Friday night=treats
-Easter=Stealing chocolate from my kids (I know its bad but remember this stuff is like crack to me)
-Christmas=Please see above and try not to think less of me
-Valentine's Day=the one holiday I don't have to steal chocolate cuz I get my own
-Renting movies=Chips, chocolate and whatever my heart desires
-Camping=bacon and eggs
-Sunday morning=bacon and eggs again
-Birthdays=cake

I think you get my meaning. Although most people would probably have snacks of some sort during all of these different key times most people don't focus on the food portion. Most people focus on the events themselves but I seriously get the most pleasure out of the food that is eaten during these times.

So now I have to stop putting the food first and try to focus on the occasion itself and then maybe I won't feel the need to indulge in the bad stuff. I will find the simple joy in watching a movie and not eating treats, Christmas without chocolate, birthdays without cake, life without breathing....just kidding... and enjoy a life that is not controlled by addiction.