[deedarino]

I started this "Journey" about 4 years ago when I left my last relationship. I was completely unhappy and stressed and, and over time, had gotten up to 310. I then quit looking at the scale. I was ashamed and even more stressed. I hated myself and hid from my friends and family.

A friend from work told me about South Beach and we started it...Hard as hell to stick to but I lost about 20 lbs and felt great! Of course this started a pattern of lose 20, quit. Gain 10, start again. For the last 3 years. It has been a long road. Eventually I stayed at around 267.

In December, my friend lit a fire under me again and again I started, but something different happened. I had what I am sure was an allergic reaction to some wheat pastry my dad made for me. I started researching gluten and I was sold! I have cut out gluten (in addition to sugar) from my diet completely and it became EASY.

I eat whatever I want, mostly. Good thing, I want good things. I drink lotsss of water, take vitamins everyday, fiber, and healthy herbs. I eat meat and dairy (lightly), lots o veggies, fruit, beans, nuts and have found that wild/brown rice products do not stall weight loss. With South Beach, as soon as I added in whole grains, the cravings would come back as would the weight.

Occasionally I get cravings for the old crap, and if I do I try to find a healthy version. So far so good. I am at 245 and counting. I feel good and strong, and finally feel like this is a lifestyle, not a diet.

I have never told anyone my weight before...I always kept it vague. Now I just told a bazillion people. Maybe I am not ashamed anymore. This body may look fat to some people, but I know from whence I came...