Anatomy of a Binge

What do you do when you have an uncontrollable desire to eat? First you make your way to the fridge, the first stop on the road to mindless eating. Standing in front of the fridge your eyes glance quickly over the shelves. Shiny bits of sliver topped containers holding yesterday's gastronomical delights await the soon to be feeding frenzy. Then you yank the freezer door open for a thorough surveillance of its icy delicacies.

Mindless munching rules stipulate that no stone be left unturned, that means the cabinets are next. They too are scoured intently. "Umm what do we have here? Fruit cocktail, that's kinda, sorta, healthy right?" It's only a small can and only 109 calories, so you eat it. The next shelf reveals another goodie, sugar free, fat free pudding, healthy and chocolate no less. "In less than two minutes this creamy concoction will be mine all mine." A couple spoonfuls before it sets won't hurt. (2 TBS 22.5 calories) "Into the fridge you go. But before you close the door a piece of leftover grilled chicken catches your eye. "What the heck the chicken is low fat and I need the protein. (81 calories)

By now you've admitted that you don't know what you want to eat. Your rational mind is telling you to "run like the wind" out of the kitchen; better yet out of the house. Then you remember reading that brushing your teeth is a ploy to keep you from munching. "Colgate here I come."

As if on autopilot you're back in the kitchen after brushing your teeth. This time you reach for the grapes. Yummy, nothing like minty fresh grapes. (A handful about 10- 34 calories) At last the pudding is set. "Let's see a half cup is 90 calories; no need to measure, I'll eyeball it." (Actual calorie count 135) Think I'll add some graham crackers (2 planks 110)

An over the shoulder parting shot reveals the cheesecake. You could swear it was glowing, and angels were singing its praises. A neon sign in your mind flashes "This is what you really wanted", And you know what? You could've had a small slice (379 calories) and it would've been less than the other stuffed you wolfed down at (491.5 calories) in search of the magic healthy snack.

Lesson: Sometimes it's better to have the small indulgence. Keep the portion size in check and just don't make it a habit.