Hi everyone!
I was a 3FC member in 2009. I used the South Beach diet then, and lost 70 lbs. that year. I used to participate here in the South Beach section, including the exercise thread.
Unfortunately, once I got into maintenance...well, it didn't work, and I gained 60 of those 70 lbs. back by 2012. I was a hot mess at that time. (aged 61.)
1/1/13, I followed the Wheat Belly plan, then primal. I stopped grains, sugar, and processed foods. I got so passionate about eating only healthy, natural foods...grain and sugar free as much as possible, that I not only had lost 66 lbs. by September 2013 (and reached 'maintenance'), but here on 1/10/15 I am still in maintenance at only 132 lbs.
I'm here to tell you/anyone that will listen that it IS possible to break free of all the cravings and addictions to grains, sugar, processed foods. It might be hard the first couple of weeks, but then you start to feel so good that ...wow! I'm 63, and live it every day. Maintenance is easier because I don't allow the brain-chemistry-changing, craving-inducing wheat or sugar back into my life, except for a little Ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
I came back to 3FC to 'pay it forward.' I used to be one who would loudly proclaim that I could NEVER EVER give up 2-3 warm buttered rolls at every dinner, hot garlic bread, bagels, donuts, muffins, crackers, pizza crust. EVER.
But I did. I haven't had ANY of those in 2 years, and I don't miss it. I also don't miss the 65 pounds I've lost since I stopped eating that crap...and continue to keep off.
If this old broad (LOL) can do it, so can ANYONE. You just have to study, read the latest medical research, be willing to question everyone (including your own physician)...trust the process, and become passionate about your health. Truly!
Good luck everyone! I'll mosey on down to the low carb section, since I don't see one for 'eating primary foods' or primal diets.
If I can do it, anyone can!
