10. Just forget to buy groceries, it will save you pounds and money.

9. Write this on paper, "I will not focus on food during Christmas" 1000 times. You'll fall asleep while you're writing.

8. Create a project to keep you busy. How about taking your Christmas tree down and then putting it right back up? Your family will think you've lost it!

7. This one is for those who didn't like the idea of taking down the Christmas tree. You can wrap all your gifts a second time. Wait a minute: that's worse than the Christmas tree project.

6. Give your recipes to your neighbor and ask her to hide them from you. Hmmm, no recipes...no food!

5. Drink lots of water, you won't be hungry. You could even use a Santa mug!

4. Prepare your food, make a dazzling display. When your guests arrive, escort them to the kitchen. Make the announcement that you've been hired by "Southern Living" as a food stylist and all the food is fake. Ah ha!

3. Set off a stink bomb in your house. Nothing like an obnoxious odor to kill your appetite.

2. Get a job at a bakery; that should put an end to those cravings for sweets.

1. Burn the food on purpose. Who wants to eat scorched food. Yuck!

It is impossible not to focus on food during the holidays. How can we not think of food: for adults food IS Christmas. During my low carb journey I have made the decision to change some old traditions and embrace a few new ones. I don't make pounds of fudge and dozens of cookies three weeks before Christmas, not even low carb. That decision created a bit of insecurity for me last Christmas, but this year I am walking in my new freedom with ease.

No longer do I turn December into an excuse for a month long eating festive. My husband and I are involved with helping families who are in need, which is very gratifying. As I turn my focus away from food, I've discovered room for other things in my life. It's really a wonderful feeling to try something new and different. The best part of all...this time something new and different isn't food or a recipe.

Make a decision to change one thing for this year and then do it! I promise you won't be disappointed.

Happiest of holidays to each of you.

Much love,
Kumus