It was the happiest day of my life! I was running across the airport concourse to catch my plane to a new life: in the Air Force. I felt free and alive for the first time in my life.

At first the Air Force didn’t want me because I was overweight!

But I did it! I lost weight! I went from 165 pounds to 125 pounds. I did it! I felt fantastic! I was expecting a whole new wardrobe in sizes 10 and 11.

I lost 40 pounds in six weeks eating only protein and drinking lots of water.

I drank a lot of water and took multivitamin pills. I kept busy looking for work, playing golf, swimming, and drawing. In the mornings I did 15 sit-ups and 50 running on the spot. There was a consolation in not eating, not having food bills. McDonald’s was next door. Smelling those Big Macs was driving me crazy.

I felt so much better about myself and saw a difference. My clothes were getting baggy and losing. The high protein diet was made for me, because I loved meat, eggs, cheese, and fish.

Two scrambled eggs (no butter), with tea made a good breakfast. I mixed tuna and shrimp. Some chicken, cheese, a hard boiled egg was another meal. A chunk of melted cheese between two thin grilled patties was one of my favorites. I accompanied a little cottage cheese. A take-home box of chicken would last three meals. I removed the skin. Also I drank 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Then I had to wait six months before going on active duty. During that summer I had a great time; biking, hiking, swimming, golf. I ate fresh fruits, vegetables and watched what I ate. He was full of energy. I lost some more weight.

And during basic training, I lost even more weight. All that marching and running, and then eating military food! I was 115 pounds!

The key to it all was that I wanted it enough to make any diet work! I do not recommend the protein diet to anyone. It was mine. You have to find yours, and I am willing to help you.

I used to be shy, backward, naive and very heavy, 165lbs at 5ft 4in tall.

My life changed forever. I’ve been studying nutrition and fitness ever since, and now, as a wellness coach, I help others do the same.