One more reason I am a recluse

So, you think you have problems avoiding the tart cart at 3 p.m.? Or the bowl of candies on your office mate's desk?

Boo-hoo for you.

I can totally relate to the temptation, believe me.

Just a few minutes ago, one of those office-wide emails landed in my Star inbox. It was from our restaurant critic Amy Pataki, inviting all of us to help ourselves to some freebie chocolate truffles that came in.

Let me tell you, when you work at a newspaper, especially in the Living and Entertainment departments, companies are always sending you loot, much of it edible. When Krispy Kreme launched in Toronto, we were buried in donuts. Every time a chip maker introduces a new flavour, it rains Doritos or Ruffles. If a fast food joint invents a better pizza, it gets sent to us.

Once, back when I was TV critic, I noted in a column that my pal Rita Zekas and I had to watch the Oscars in the office because of our jobs, a chocolate boutique send me a box full of the most exquisite -- and expensive -- movie-themed candies. Another time, I talked of how watching a particular show was as addictive as eating a certain brand of potato chips -- and came in to find a case of the stuff on my desk.

All in the name of marketing, of course.

Anyway, over the weekend, the New York Times tackled the issue of office eating, seeking tips from three people who managed to overcome the lunchroom trap.

I love tortilla chips. I love dark chocolate, too. I just love food. But I’m determined. My co-workers noticed when I lost 10 pounds, which was an incentive to keep going. The company buys lunch for us a lot, and often it’s pizza. When I first started losing weight, I just ate the topping and my salad from home. The last time we had it, I ate an entire slice. But I paid for it: I plateaued for a couple of days.

I don’t deprive myself totally. There’s usually a candy jar in my area, and I grab a piece occasionally. But losing weight is so rewarding that I resist temptation more often than not. I feel better now.

Me, I prefer to stay at home where there's no temptation at all.