An important change that occurs when making the commitment to lose weight is to change the focus of your life. You can start right now with the holidays. Instead of making the holidays about pumpkin and pecan pies, globs of mashed potatoes, mounds of stuffing, and all those freshly baked holiday goodies, focus on your family and friends rather than food. The holidays will be more meaningful and fulfilling.

The holidays really aren't about food? You no longer have to spend your holidays filled with what you get to eat, what you want to eat, avoid eating or dieting on January 1st. That is so joyous and wonderful! Your holidays take on an entire new perspective without the primary focus being around food. You've changed your lifestyle and priorities since embracing a healthy lifestyle. Focus your holidays on people you love and your relationships with them rather than food.

Create new traditions in your family. One of my favorites is when you pass out holiday gifts, take a few moments to express your appreciation for that person and tell them the impact they have on your life. It's a wonderful tradition that will carry on in your family for years. Guess what....that tradition isn't about food at all.

Instead of giving baked goodies or food items as gifts, replace with a non-food item as your gift. Give a beautiful scented candle, lotion, a certificate for babysitting or car washing. Again, no food focus for your gifts.

When you drive through neighborhoods enjoying the holiday lights and displays, park your car and walk it. You'll get a better view, be able to enjoy a certain display as long as you want without cars honking behind you, and the best part of all is getting in a walk by spending quality time with your family and friends.

Purposefully, decide what the holiday season means to YOU. Pause for a moment and look inside yourself. Define the holidays in the way that is meaningful to you. As you lose weight and find a different way of living your life, you'll fill your life with other things than food. Start your own traditions that are a reflection of your priorities and values of your life. Spend your holidays without a focus on food alone. The temporary satisfaction of eating holiday treats doesn't compare with the true, deep satisfaction of spending the holidays with those you love.

Put the focus on you, enjoy the gift of your health, and your relationships with family and friends. That's the very best and most long-lasting holiday celebration of all.