Half the size, twice the life
Back in 2002, I was 23 years old, about 19 stone (266lbs/120kg), UK
dress size 26-28 and lost in miserable cycles of a non-existent
love-life, uncontrollable overeating and complete denial. My pride
stopped me discussing my weight with even my closest friends and if
anyone tried to broach the subject with me, I strongly resented them
for 'interfering'.
My weight had steadily increased since my thyroid gland went
under-active aged 11. By 16, I was 16 stone (224lbs/101kg) and my
weight increased with my age, a stone a year, until by age 21, at my
university graduation in 2000, I was 21 stone (294lbs/133kg). That was
the heaviest I reached and when my health began to suffer so much that
I thought I had diabetes, I knew this couldn't continue.
Two summers later I was introduced to the idea that revolutionised my
life. A friend lent me 'The Raw Family' by the Boutenkos - a
testimonial book about eating mainly or only raw foods for optimum
health. I was utterly absorbed - I'd never been interested in diets,
health fads or slimming aids and suddenly it seemed the right answer
was in my hands. I began the very next day and the improvements in my
health over the next weeks were astonishing. You could almost see the
weight burn off me - I'll never forget seeing my collar bone again for
the first time in years; my skin and hair quality improved dramatically, my
energy soared and I was filled with vitality and a new hunger - for
real life.
Within just a month of going raw, I had my first boyfriend in over 5
years - I was thrilled and increasingly inspired and dedicated to my
new lifestyle. I found that as I became less of myself physically, I
became more of myself as a whole person. I began to open up in ways
that I hadn't found possible before, allowing truth, honesty and trust
to develop. I had been locked up in that body for so long and now the
real me was appearing and generating much interest, especially from
men. ;)
It's been over five years since I started eating raw and
I'm happier than I've ever been - I'm now UK dress size 10, can wear
whatever clothes I like, eat delicious raw food daily and take great
pleasure in treating myself well.
I will always bear the scars of my experiences - physically, my
skin is marked and emotionally and spiritually I experienced great
depths of loneliness, depression and insecurity that take time to
heal. However, the process has been an extraordinary learning
experience and I would not wish to change what I've been through to
become the woman I am today.
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