Thanks for all the responses. It was great to read them!

I really appreciate your opinions and your personal stories. Ace i really relate to what you said.

I am seeing a counsellor and a dietitian and have been for a while. They have been trying to "move" me to a non-hunger type eating that doesnt involve applying moral judgements (such as "good" and "bad") to food, but rather eat what you want if you really want it (as opposed to eating for coping mechanisms). It's based on Rick Kausman's work www.ifnotdieting.com.au. I've read his book and agree with all the principles and agree that diet research shows restrictions dont help with overeating... but....I am really struggling with this, and feel like my eating (of chocolate) is way out of control I am getting really scared that this will never change. I have made some changes, sometimes i am aware of eating for emotional reasons and i havent eaten as much, but the underlying "eat for comfort" is not changing and i'm panicking

hence, the "if i can give up diet coke (and boy did i love that) maybe i can give up chocolate".

There was definitely a theme of going with dark chocolate, preferably good quality, and that makes sense. I know dark chocolate is lower GI than milk and so wont spike my blood sugar levels the same way. maybe i can try that.

I am really so frightened... which sounds silly, but i am . I didnt have any chocolate yesterday, and i feel really good, but i'm realistic enough to know that it wont be long before that coping mechanism is screaming my name.

I have tried to replace eating with sudoku and kakuro. I feel strongly i need something to do with my hands, and something i can take with me on social outings and do. obviously these puzzles dont qualify! i've tried a rubik's cube, but it's too hard and i get frustrated. i kind of wonder if a stress ball-type toy would help.

Anyway, before this becomes a book, i'll stop. I appreciate the comments, and welcome any more feedback. It really helps to hear your opinions. I will wait for the next chocolate craving and try some lindt dark chocolate (no we dont know about trader joes downunder , but i do know about every type of chocolate available to man in this country!).

Thanks for the feedback and feel free to send me more. I really appreciate your views and experience.

Thea