I grew up on a farm in a family that spent a lot of time eating and talking about food...our get-togethers were always around the kitchen table. I think my first "diet" was in the 8th grade, though I was probably not overweight then, just a little heavier than my friends. My mother was always trying to diet, and I became more aware of my weight. Any time spent with my best friend always included food and snacks. By the time I was 40, I had gained and lost 20-30 pounds 3 or 4 times, depending on what was going on in my life. Being in the medical profession, I was always coming home with the latest diets and food rules. I shared them with my parents, siblings and children, passing a lot of that focus on to them as well. In 1997, I was plagued with symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as food allergies. I was put on a stringent rotating diet, plus a "healthy diet”. I became more food focused than ever. I never ate a normal meal but thought of food all day long. I felt so bad physically, and actually feared for my life at one point. I was depressed and self-focused, always worrying about how I looked and felt. I found the Weigh Down Diet though my book club and ordered it, knowing that I was deep into food this time. It was a most exciting time, learning to follow God's lead for my eating, and actually eating a "normal or regular" meal for the first time in awhile. I eventually lost 35# and have kept it off for 7 years. This is the only way to live...letting God rule has resulted in peace, joy and a reason to be thankful every day!!! I no longer have to worry about my clothes fitting...I have a whole closet that fits!!! I no longer have food allergies, and my health is better than ever. I have energy to help care for my grandchildren, and I am just so grateful that God gave me a chance to do this. You can do this too and the blessings abound when you do!!!!
Judy Tuxford