Is it a dumb idea?

Laura asked, "The bad thing is that I've been eating like crap, craving fatty salty sweet things. I'm thinking of doing a fast of sorts doing only bland, boring nasty foods for a few days and really clearing off my palate. Is that a dumb idea? "

A: Its not a bad idea to go on a bland diet for a few days to cut those cravings. Its like smoking. The more you smoke the more you want to smoke. Those salty sweet things do the same thing. They trigger something in us that makes us want more. I'm that way with sugar. Give me one chocolate chip cookie and I want 5 or 6 more. But if I cut out all refined sugar for a few days, I don't want it as bad. And the weirdest part is, I don't like it as much. A trick, if you like fruit, buy a bunch. A large assortment of different fruits and have them at the ready. When you get a sugar craving grab a piece of fruit instead. Drink lots of water too, and I can't remember if you like pickles or not, but a big old dill will cut your sugar craving right at the quick. After a few days you'll notice that you really don't want that stuff as much. Then the trick is to keep on that path. So if you find yourself looking at a piece of cake or brownie or whatever, take a tiny tiny bite. Then ask yourself, 'is this the best thing I've ever tasted in my life?" It usually isn't. It's usually just a poor substitute for something else. If it doesn't rock your world, don't take another bite. It's not worth it. Not worth it meaning, that sorry little piece of brownie is not worth an hour of your blood sweat and tears to work it off again. Now, if it is the best thing you've ever tasted in your life, like Belgian chocolate hand delivered by Jean Claude Van Damme himself, then eat the whole thing and savor every bite and really enjoy it like you've never eaten before and will never eat again. Then go for a walk and take a cold shower. Cuz that's worth it.