Well, I am sitting here smelling the food from the office potluck and it is killer. Everything smells delicious. But, a very good friend of mine told me to remember "nothing tastes as good as being thin feels". I use it as a mantra to get through the holidays. I have attended 3 different Christmas potluck dinners and the food there is always wonderful, but I concentrated on the conversation and sipped coffee (I drank my protein shake prior to attending). I decided my best line of defense would be to tell people what is going on with me and everyone is supportive. No one comes up and says "aw come on, one bite" or anything like that. I also realize that people will always continue to eat and be festive and it is not for me to come in all ashes and sackcloth acting like I am dying because I can't eat from the buffet they have set out. I put on a smile, I dress up and I enjoy talking to my friends and family. Last night, however, about did me in. My kids just had to have Pizza Hut pasta and breadsticks. The pasta wasn't the killer it was the smell of the breadsticks. I wanted to climb the wall seriously. But I deeply inhaled, enjoyed the scent and then got away from it. I wish I had had the will to do all of this ages ago before my weight went out of control. I am learning the subtle differences between hunger and cravings. I crave things all the time, especially when I smell things (like right now I smell turkey and baked ham), but I have not once been hungry on this liquid diet. I keep flavored water next to me all the time, I sip on broth (adding a few flakes of dried onion for flavor) and sugar free hot apple cider to keep me satisfied. I know this is temporary and that after the band is placed I can have things I like, but not in the same way that I did. I will have to slow down and really enjoy each bite. One thing this liquid diet has taught me, it is how to taste things. I never knew beef broth could taste as good as it does. I didn't know apple cider could taste so wonderful. I think I was just scarfing everything down and not truly appreciating the flavors and textures. I will from now on. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Take care,

Jen