10 years ago I weighed in at 275lbs, tons of health problems, and only 28 years old. Depressed and lost, I had finally decided to stop being a victim and changed my diet. I had to do it, nobody was going to do it for me.
Jess – Before
Eating a conventional clean diet full of whole grains, I dropped 80lbs, but still didn’t feel well. I was severely anemic, my skin, hair, and nails looked terrible, and I was having horrible stomach pains.
Time went on, and I struggled to drop the weight. I was determined to do so, but ran into a wall. My anemia was so bad that my doctor diagnosed me with a rare form of cancer that left me with 3 months to live. Though totally distraught, I was not buying it nor giving in.
Doing my own research I heard about Celiac, and after years of demanding to be tested, I was finally diagnosed with Celiac.
Upon my new autoimmune discovery I ran across The Paleo Solution. At first glance I thought it was a fad diet, but upon further reading saw it was an amazing way to eat if you couldn’t eat gluten.
So two years ago I gave it a shot. I removed all the ”no-no” foods, began to listen to podcasts, and read everything I could about Paleo. Slowly but surely my iron increased, my nails and hair were stronger, my complexion cleared up, and I’ve never felt healthier.
Jess – 2010
Jess – After – 2012
Paleo is the obvious way to eat no matter what your health condition is, but definitely the way to go if you have been diagnosed with Celiac.
MAHALO for making the information accessible and helping me change my life.
Wow Jess, your pictures say it all-you look like a completely different person!I also liked your comment about choosing not to be a victim.:) Thanks for sharing.
I think it’s important that we all own our life and not blame shift or be victims. Ultimately I think that’s what we all want, but taking that first step is the hardest.
Thank you for your kind words!
Wonderful transformation… and I love the Vegas wedding shot..fun!
Thank you! It was nice to to be self conscious on my wedding day, it as amazing!
Good for you! Inspiring story!
You go girl!
Great Facebook Page too!
Fantastic story. So happy you figured it all out! congrats!
You look really beautiful and healthy now. You made me smile because I am currently having some troubles with my weight myself but I am not giving up. I know there is a solution and I can do it through discipline and by living healthily with the help of the Paleo diet.
The Paleo Solution is a great first step to a healthier life, but its also about working out your food demons and moving. I’m sure you’re on the right track and hope to find your updates too.
Real before and after pics show just how well you’ve done and how effective Paleo really is. Think I might give this a try. I was looking into a juicing diet but don’t like the idea of liquid food for every meal!
Seems like bacon and eggs might beat some veggie juice!
Ooooh and slow roasted bacon ALWAYS wins over veggie juice.
Thank you for EVERYTHING!
I don’t think of Paleo as a diet, it’s just the way I eat now. I think removing gluten for most people is the hardest part, but a HUGE part of living a healthier life. I remember trying the juice diet and feeling miserable when I gained back any weight I lost. Bacon is my new best friend! 😉
Absolutely wonderful to hear your story of success – you look fabulous! Our health is so important yet many people chose to ignore the simple solution of changing our food choices.
What an inspirational story, and an amazing recovery; kudos to you! I think that most of us look outside of ourselves to get that motivation to finally start changing our lives. Your story has shown me that we all have that inherent resilience that’s needed to make lasting changes.