Congrats! This story is really inspirational! The only part I have trouble doing is expanding my cooking abilities- I'll have to push more of that on turner (my long-term BF and will-be hubby) I have trouble experimenting.
Did you have carb foods (pastas, rice, breads mostly is what I'm asking about) at meals still? How often?
Flute - yes. I have a starch with almost every meal. Usually, though, I try to make it a whole grain carb (whole wheat pastas, brown and wild rices, etc).
Experimenting can be fun! I'd encourage both of you to give it a shot.
WOW, I just read your story. Congratulations on that loooonnng journey. I have learned that weight loss is a journey.
You talked alot about recipes, can you recommend an sites or cookbooks for a more natural way of cooking. I usually use the food network, eatingwell, and cooking light, but i think I am looking for something different.
BTW, I can't cook in a dirty kitchen either. I have to clean the whole thing prior to cooking. Frustrating, and time consuming, but it is a must!
I mostly cook from my own creations...never have been much for recipes. My suggestion is to look at the same recipes you're looking at, but less for overall plan and more for ideas. For example, you might see someone making a pork roast with peach sauce on the food network, and then create your own low-cal version at home with a nice lean pork tenderloin, some peaches and spices, cutting the oil down, etc. I go with general concepts, but almost never follow an ACTUAL recipe.
You are proof that it can be done. 
