I was on a business trip to Dallas, Texas when one of my colleagues suggested I try going to Central Market for my food needs.  I was happy to take the suggestion, as I have been spoiled, in terms of fresh produce, by living in California. After my work duties were done, I headed off to do my shopping.

I walked into this store and was at once feeling at home. I found all the produce I needed, and it was beautiful!  I then proceeded to find the other staples I needed for my meals.  It was an overwhelming experience. Everywhere I looked there was food, glorious food.  I must have looked shell shocked, as one of their “foodies” (that’s what they call their staff) came to my aid.  He asked me if I needed help, and I gratefully said I did.  I explained what I was looking for, and he guided me to the items I needed.  Along the way, he asked me if I was new to the store, and we started a conversation about California food versus Texas food.  He told me to wait right there, so he could get me a map of the store.  The store had its own map!

When he came back, I saw the store’s motto on the front of the map—”part amusement park, part grocery store,” and an explanation of their “foodie” philosophy on the back.  Maybe this was not the best place for a food addict.

Along with the map, he brought me a little welcome-to-the-store treat.  Oh dear, now I really had to turn to my program. Thankfully, I had been on outreach calls while was driving to the store.  So when I accepted the treat and had a food thought that said, I can eat this, it will be okay, my mind went straight to Don’t eat no matter what, no matter what don’t eat.

Thank God I was ready with the tools I needed to handle the predicament I found myself in.  I am sure if I had had more experience, I would not have even accepted this treat, but, alas, I did accept it and found myself alone with the “enemy.” I did what many true-blooded food addicts would do—I found someone else to eat it! (God forbid I should throw it away.)

Since coming into FA I have lost more than 100 pounds. Thankfully, this is a program of recovery, not a program of “recovered,” so as I stay on this path, next time I will have a better idea of how to handle this kind of situation. But I will always have this tool— “Don’t eat no matter what, no matter what don’t eat.”