Here is an inspiring story from pediatric oncology nurse, Kym Collins, from Gilbert Arizona.  She is the mother to a 21-year-old son.  Her journey is such a reminder that THIS CAN BE DONE!  Enjoy…

Two years ago I was medically and mentally at my worst. At almost 250 pounds and 5 feet 2 inches I was miserable. I was on medications for blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and insomnia. I took high doses of narcotic pain medicine for my chronic hip and back problems. I developed alopecia and my hair was falling out to the point I needed to wear wigs or scarves. I was constantly run down and tired. I was depressed, to which I ate horrible foods to ease my emotional distress. Heck, it’s depressing to read about it. But stick with me, this is not a sad story.

I so desperately wanted and needed a change, and was considering surgical intervention when a friend suggested I read Dr. Furhman’s Eat to Live. I was once again sick with bronchitis and a sinus infection so I had plenty of free time to read. I completed it in a day. The book made complete sense to me and the next day I started my ETL journey.

I decided to fully commit and go cold-turkey. To me gradually easing into the diet would have been torture. I even quit smoking my two packs of cigarettes a day without any patches or pills.

It. Was. Difficult.

The first two weeks I spent detoxifying. I was constantly nauseated and had headaches. I was craving all the foods that I love but I did not give in. My poor co-workers took the brunt of my irritability and crankiness but they were supportive… from a distance.

After a couple of weeks I began feeling better. More energized. Well rested. I noticed the pounds were coming off. Half a pound to a pound a day. After the first six weeks I began working out 3-5 days a week for an hour, and I added in meat or fish 1-2 times a week (usually salmon or bison). By then I was losing 1-2 pounds per day. My blood pressure and blood sugar started stabilizing, and my doctor slowly began weaning my meds. My skin was clearing up, and even my hair began growing back.

In the six months I was living strict Eat to Live, I lost almost 90 pounds. I went down 6 clothing sizes and an entire shoe size. I am no longer diabetic. I went from 3 blood pressure meds to one. My cholesterol dropped over 60 points. I grew a full head of black curly hair. I am no longer on pain medication. I rarely get coughs or colds. My emotions weren’t as erratic and I found myself always in a good mood.

While it was initially tough and took every ounce of will power to maintain, it was worth it. And it is possible. And I am so glad I did it. I am absolute proof that ETL works!