Whether you're susceptible to addictions or not, you always have some choice in the matter. Perhaps chocolate doesn't have a particularly impossible-to-resist siren song for you, you don't have the brain chemistry of an addict, you have a certain amount of control over food, but you're trying to lose weight and don't want to blow your eating program just because it's Valentine's Day. If that's you, relax. For you, the term "moderation" actually makes sense. You are one of those lucky people who really can "just eat one." You can have a taste, and you don't obsess for the rest of the day about finishing the box. To you I say: Get the richest, most delicious, expensive gourmet chocolate you can find, and have a ball. (If you're going to indulge, why not get the best? And why ruin it with useless guilt and remorse? You'll be back on target tomorrow, and, truth be told, the amount of long-term damage will be minimal to none).

But even if the portrait of the addict seems to fit you like a glove, you still have a choice. What you need to know is that foods don't always affect you like other people. You may react with mood swings, unstoppable cravings, even ups and downs in self-esteem. For you, the idea of "just a little" is a lot more dangerous. You may still decide to go there -- but you may have to pay a slightly bigger price, and the road back may be a little more rocky.