A lapse in self-control is to be expected in anything we try to manage. Seventy-five percent of all lapses in self-control come from a negative emotional state, an interpersonal conflict, and/or social pressure.

To stop an attack of binging:

A. Check in with yourself and see what is going on ... a bad mood, an interpersonal disappointment, having "office goodies" snacks readily available.

B. Check your thinking. You may be thinking in "all or none" terms. You may be comparing yourself to others ... even your former self. Negative thinking will lead to a bad mood, thereby increasing the risk of a lapse.

C. Intervene by challenging your thinking and by implementing alternative actions that do not require food. The use of distraction and/or aversive imaging may prevent a lapse. Always try to delay a binge by fifteen minutes. You may also manage your environment by removing snacks and "goodies" from your house or office.

D. Remember the Alcoholics Anonymous slogan for self control: Never get too

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