Even though this has been true for months now, this time of year I have been tempted out of "I have to have this because it's the holidays" type mentality: I was in the market yesterday getting last minute things I need to make holiday cookies (I Make really fancy things because of my chef background-the more complicated the better!) and I had less than zero interest in all the dips, snack foods, sweet treats, fried whatnots, flavored coffee creamers, etc. Just freshly grating spices and citrus for the cookies gave me much of that holiday satisfaction without actually consuming any of it. Not yet anyway! I made all the doughs yesterday and will start baking them off today. Rugelach, pfeffernuesse, hornchen and hazelnut shortbread coming right up!

My other little holiday "twist" is when I am watching tv I get up and march in place during commercials just to get in a bit of extra activity and make sure the scale stays on track. It adds up to an extra 2 hours a week of dedicated movement!

To be free of cravings is like being let out of minimum security prison! I can't even manage to eat a large portion of anything because my stomach shrunk so much and not craving foods of any kind means I can plan a sensible meal at every time of day but if I eat something more empty caloriewise, I know I can only eat a small amount because I get full so quickly!

It's morning and I must make what I call my security blanket of health!  A blended drink of mostly fresh raw veg with one fruit thrown in to make it go down easy. I am convinced those nutrients are why I have no cravings anymore. 

We're going into the new year together with a great end goal in sight! Stay strong and focused everyone! I am right there with you.