breaking a habit

"The system [of pledging to break a bad habit] does not strike at the root of the trouble, and I venture to repeat that. The root is not the drinking, but the desire to drink. These are very different things. The one merely requires will--and a great deal of it, both as to bulk and staying capacity--the other merely watchfulness--and for no long time. The desire of course precedes the act, and should have one's first attention; it can do but little good to refuse the act over and over again, always leaving the desire unmolested, unconquered; the desire will continue to assert itself, and will be almost sure to win in the long run. When the desire intrudes, it should be at once banished out of the mind. One should be on the watch for it all the time--otherwise it will get in. It must be taken in time and not allowed to get a lodgment. A desire constantly repulsed for a fortnight should die, then. That should cure the drinking-habit. The system of refusing the mere act of drinking, and leaving the desire in full force, is unintelligent war tactics, it seems to me."

Twain was, of course, discussing the manner in which a person should break a bad habit. Habits, he tells us (using drinking as his prime example), have two components: the act and the and the desire to commit that act. In order In order act to avoid an act, to break a habit, Twain suggests that we must remove the desire, not merely cease the act, for the desire will always manifest eventually.

I found this on the ADF site and immediately thought of comfort food - or rather food that I still really want to eat but shouldn't. The point of this post is not where or not I should or should not eat certain food - rather, what caught my eye was the desire to commit the act - the desire to eat cookies, cakes, pastries, etc. Yes I can change the act - but have I changed the desire for these foods - honestly - NO. I still desire the burgers, key lime pie, martinis, cookies, ice cream etc. All I am saying is maybe if I change my desire for these foods, along with the pattern, I will have a better chance of not over indulging in them on a regular basis, rather I can enjoy occasionally.

I think getting to the desire, and the thoughts that desire brings, and as Twain says When the desire intrudes, it should be at once banished out of the mind. Banishing those thoughts/desires when they come - getting the mind to think of something else - anything else - any healthier thoughts would begin to change that desire. Even though I desire to reduce my weight my desire for those other foods is almost stronger.

I just had a thought also about these comfort foods - that in conquering the desire - I almost wanted to say I have to banish eating entirely - and some part of  me said 'NO' - don't banish them completely - you truly do enjoy them.

Even in conquering the desire - maybe if that is conquered - then maybe when I do eat these comfort foods I won't feel so ravenous or deprived when I eat them - but rather enjoy them as they are - good food that I really like.