It’s been over a year since my lifestyle makeover, so it’s time for some updates and some thoughts on my experiences.

I never thought I would feel healthy again. I never thought I would feel good again. But I do. It’s amazing. Giving up grains and refined sugars was the best thing I’ve ever done for my health.

I’ve lost over 60 pounds, despite conventional wisdom. I don’t exercise any more now than I ever have. I’m as active as ever. I walk daily, hike hunt and fish in my spare time. I have never counted calories, measured portions, or starved myself.

All my unpleasant digestive issues are gone, and have been gone for a really long time. I’m off all my medications. No more heartburn, GERD, acid reflux, bloating, gas, burping, IBS, etc. No more proton pump inhibitors, Prilosec, Tums, or Pepto Bismol.

My blood sugar levels are consistently in the normal range. In the last six months I’ve rarely seen it over 100, and never over 109. Diabetic levels are over 125 (12 hour fast) and 200 after eating. Pretty easy to do when you don’t eat foods that spike your blood sugar, like grains and refined sugars!

My clothes fit better now, actually they are baggy. At some point I should buy new clothes, but I’m still losing weight. So that will have to wait a bit longer.

For the first time in my life I didn’t gain a single pound over the holidays. In the past I have typically gained anywhere from 10-20 pounds in the October-January timeframe. This year, zilch.

I’m still not hungry in the morning, so I don’t eat breakfast. However, I do drink coffee with heavy cream.

For lunch I eat stuff like bacon double cheeseburgers without the bun, piles of meat at Chipotle, assorted Italian cheese and cured meats, leftover steak and chicken from the night before.

Dinners vary, but are always heavy on the meat and vegetables.

If I’m craving something sweet after dinner I’ll have a bowl of berries and heavy cream.

I turned 40 last month. Feels weird to be 40. Two years ago I was sure I’d be 400 pounds by my 40th birthday and miserable. Boy was I wrong! I weigh less than 300 pounds for the first time in over 10 years and I feel healthy.

Life is good. I can’t complain =)

PS: fuck you, gluten. You made my life miserable for years. Never again!