Wow, all of you guys---what great ideas!!

Cyndi, I LOVE the laughing cow/celery idea--b/c sometimes I get those crunchy cravings, too and I DO SO LOVE cheese!!

Don--Oh, you go, guy, with the filet mignons---I LOVE that cut and it IS so low in fat, too. Like you, I have bought multi-paks and then frozen the rest, to pull out when I have a real beef craving. I could eat filets every night......worst problem, though, is that I want a baked potato with it, LOL......

Bob--I smoke, too, and until I'm past my cruise (not till Nov.) I won't quit, b/c then my weight will no doubt go back up. Once I feel REALLY secure that this better way of eating is a permanent fixture in my life, I would like to try to quit.

Loon---LOL, LOL, it is HARD not to want to cook the wonderful things I see on the food channel....terribly hard. But, at least it gives me a sense of the wonderful sensuality of food and cooking without having to eat any of it, LOL. As I watch the dishes being prepared, I can "imagine" how they smell and taste, and in a strange way, I find that satisfying enough....Yes, I'd rather jump up and prepare them, but it's a pleasure to at least be able to watch....and quite often, I see a recipe that I CAN eat and/or one that I can adapt with a few cuts or modifications....

Don and Cyndi both--I've had the same experience that when I really cut down on carbs, too, I actually feel less hungry and have less cravings. And, Cyndi, I SO agree that the best diet is what works for YOU. I've seen people fail with many diets and then, suddenly find something that works for THEM, and they do great.

For me, the big killer is the portions....that's my weakness....and so stuffing myself with the salad works in that way, to control my extra portion cravings..... Wine is satisfying, too... my mottos is from that refrigerator magnet...."I love to cook with wine, and sometimes, I even put it in the food..." :app: