I'm not much of a bragger, but I had to announce to all CADers that today is my one year anniversary of beginning CAD. Little did I know what a treasure I had discovered back then. It did not take me long to wonder why I had not stumbled on this before in all my years of dieting. I suppose we just have to be in the right place. I remember seeing the Heller's on TV before but thought they were crazy. I was crazy. I didn't give it a try!

A year later I can say that I have stayed to the program with one exception. One afternoon after a poorly planned RM that did not include protein, my blood sugar took a tumble and as in days passed I reached for anything and everything to stop the shaking. That was the only 15 min. I have been off program in one year! I can't believe it. I have never been able to say that about anything.

CAD has been the most freeing, uplifting experience I've had in so long. Foods formerly coveted and gorged on only in private binges are now enjoyed openly and in moderation. The moderation is not from self control factors. I'm moderate because it's all I want. I can stop. To be able to stop eating, fully satisfied and happy.....what a gift. As a bonus, foods that I wanted all the time...chocolate for example....is not what I want all the time. I want different flavors and textures and I only eat what I really want. It's a waste if I don't want it.

I have not lost a lot of weight this year...34 pounds, but I think my body and my soul are healing. Food, hopefully, will never again be the issue it has been since the day I started my first liquid diet of Metrecal at 10 years old. I really feel like I've had a prayer answered.

Deb