1 Chapter 1 – Party party party Begin as you wish to continue . Bob Spelta , Psychiatrist I ' ve been on a diet for two weeks and all I ' ve lost is two weeks . Totie Fields After we are born , first we sort out the oxygen problem . Once we work out how to breathe it in , the very next thing that we look for is food . From that moment on food plays a deep and meaningful role in our lives . Every time we get upset during these first few years , chances are we will have a nipple , fake or real , stuffed into our mouth to soothe us – and often it will work ! Think of the association we build up between feeling better , or being soothed , and food . Every major event and celebration involves food – indeed often they revolve around food . Graduations , weddings , Christmas and Easter – even funerals are not complete without food . And of course there is the most important event of the year for every one of us – our birthday . What would you think of your birthday party if there was no food , no birthday cake ? Think about the key role of the cake – it holds the candles that , when lit , trigger the singing and hooraying . As children , when we were given a treat by parents and influential adults , often it was food , or food was a key part of it . There are few special activities that don ’ t involve food . What would a trip to the movies or a theme park be without popcorn , sweets or soft drink ? These celebrations or special times are when we relax and have fun . Fun and food become closely connected and live side by side in our minds . Each celebration cements this relationship further . Some events , such as graduations , are very important landmarks , so the food now comes packaged with respect .