Imagine a reality where you can savor your favorite foods without the fear of weight gain. Picture yourself enjoying crispy fried chicken, cheesy pizza, creamy ice cream, decadent cakes, and delightful cookies, all without facing the repercussions that often accompany such indulgences. What if the true culprits behind our health issues and weight struggles were not the foods themselves, but rather the ingredients that are often hidden within them? This perspective opens up a new way of thinking about our diets and the choices we make every day.

For the past three years, I have embarked on a personal journey, transforming myself into a test subject in the vast realm of nutrition. The revelations I encountered were not only shocking but also compelled me to explore the intricacies of the multi-billion dollar food industry. My experiences have led me to uncover the truth about what we consume and how it affects our bodies, prompting a deeper understanding of the relationship between food and health.

At my peak weight of 289 pounds, I faced numerous health challenges, including irritable bowel syndrome, gluten intolerance, allergies to nightshades, and debilitating arthritis that necessitated steroid treatments. I was even reliant on a CPAP machine for sleep. I had experimented with countless popular diets, from Weight Watchers to Keto, meticulously tracking calories and carbs. Now, at 54, I have achieved a level of health and vitality I never thought possible, shedding pounds and moving from a size 18/20 to a 12/14. I no longer grapple with any health issues, and I’ve freed myself from the constraints of counting and measuring. Instead, I focus on listening to my body’s needs, enjoying meals with my family that everyone loves, and I look forward to sharing the essential ingredients to avoid for weight loss and healing, along with some of my cherished recipes in this book.