"Failure" is not in falling down, or making mistakes, or in actions we regret, but in giving up. You haven't done that, Shelli D. If you put the whole thing in a different perspective, you're doing better than average. Or use another habit (other than food) as an example of what you're trying to accomplish. If you want to stop chewing your fingernails, you can count on at least six weeks of mindfulness, and in that six weeks, you will chew your nails. Possibly right off. But they grow back, and you learn to keep your hands busy and your fingers out of your mouth. lol

Don't confuse set backs with failure. You're right that we can't just give up food, but the mindfulness we need is the new habit we want to cultivate. And next time those "f'd up already, might as well do x, y, or z" thoughts happen, you'll have that mindfulness a little quicker, and that little longer willpower. Maybe enough even to get yourself to somewhere or someone who can distract you from the action of the old habits.

You can do it. In fact, you already are. Go, you!

CE

I completely agree with CdnExpat! In the past, would you have bothered to look up on the net to see what the calorie content was? that is a change. The fact you are seeking other options besides falling into the "food trap" means further change. Sure we will make mistakes on this - not to be corney but it's a journey. With many paths and roads, hazards and detours. But by doing what you are doing, searching for another alternative to get to your destination (nope, I'm not done with this analogy yet , you're winning. it's small victories but if you can start to celebrate them and then plan actions to adjust when things aren't going so well, you are going to succeed in the long-run.

Keep up the great work!!

Cheers, Lila