Today's topic is trigger foods and my strategy to avoid them. I actually have to think about this one because I've been trying to avoid them already.

Ice cream (specifically chocolate Reese's ice cream) is my biggest trigger food. It is bad enough that I won't even buy it anymore. Despite my tummy's protests as I pass it in the dessert aisle. So, that is my number one strategy to avoid it...to just plain not buy it. I'd try to avoid it in the grocery if the milk wasn't RIGHT next to it (seriously could grab a 1/2 gallon of both without taking a step).

Donuts (specifically Dunkin Donuts' jelly filled and double chocolate) are my number two trigger. If I were running late to work to the point the cafeteria would be closed for breakfast by the time I got there, I'd stop and grab one of each (a #1 with coffee) and munch as I drove to work. So far, I've only made one trip this year and was disheartened when I saw the calorie count for those. Therefore, Dunkin Donuts is out of my vocabulary for the time being. It actually is out of the way (unless I'm going to the gym, then it's right next door...bummer), so I don't pass it often.

Ribeyes are my number three trigger. I love a medium rare cooked ribeye from either Texas Roadhouse or Chili's. This was a weekend regular treat for the longest time, until I decided to tithe the amount of my visits to Chili's instead of going. I've stopped going to Chili's and Texas Roadhouse for the time being. I don't have the latter closer than 20 minutes away, so that makes it easy. As for Chili's...I need to stick to the Guiltless Grill.

A well made hamburger is my fourth trigger food. Actually, it really doesn't even have to be well made. I haven't been to a McDonald's so far this year (big success). Wendy's on the other hand...it's way too easy to stop for a burger and fries on my way home from grocery shopping (who doesn't feel like cooking after buying all that food). To avoid the trigger food, I just need to plain avoid the fast food joints (and Red Robin) completely. I about died when I plugged in my favorite from there into the calorie tracker.

With Lent coming up, I am taking consideration on giving up fast food (except Subway) for Lent. It will be tough but will force me to cook at home more often.