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I've culled our photos for some good before and after pics of my wife, Farley (aka gabbagirl when she participated in the forums here). She was not trying to lose weight or even adopt the program - this happened just by cooking for me and eating what I ate. Although the before picture is 8 years prior to the after, I think she looks younger and healthier in the after pictures. This is truly an anti-aging diet.

Bob -- those photos won't show up b/c the URLs don't have .jpg extensions. Somewhere on Picasa there must be a way to get the JPEGs. Anyone know?

Thanks, I fixed the problem.

Oh my gosh, that is truly amazing! I really don't think that is the same person! What a wonderful lady to change her cooking style to meet your needs. Obviously she benefitted tremendously from it as well!

Kris

Wow, how lovely! And how wonderful for you both!!

She looks FABULOUS!! And that's so great that it was accidental, LOL! I'm sure she's thrilled w/ that kind of "accident!"

Wow she looks gorgeous. I know my husband is losing some weight, just by eating what I am cooking as well.
Kathy

Thanks for the inspiration! I bet her family thinks she is "too thin" (do they?). She looks so lovely!!

Kudos to Farley, the accidental (star) McDougaller!

She went from being a pretty woman to being a beautiful woman who looks the picture of good health. I also love her new hairstyle!

Will you be posting any statistics of her journey? Or, better yet, will she be planning her Star McDougall article any time soon?

I love how her jaw line and chin tightened up....gives me hope for the future. LOL! Did she do any kind of exercise to encourage that, or is she just "genetically gifted"?

Farley had a chuckle over the "genetically gifted" thing. She is a pretty girl, but with the weight gone, it is easier to see. Nobody looks good who is fat. So this is just the way she looks - no cosmetic surgery or anything. She is pretty active - she likes to bird, kayak, and do moderate pilates. She does not have any rigorous physical program going. No gym thing.

In the first photo, I believe she was in the high 180's. She is now around 135 plus or minus and 5'10 or so - has shrunk with age. She will be 59 next month, and it's ok for me to say that. Probably the main thing is that we follow Jeff's and Dr. M's recommendations without any cheating. I see so many people here who want to get results and can't stop cheating - very sad. McDougall + SAD treats = 0. Sorry.

I am convinced that you cannot see bad results with a good diet, and that it is unusual to see good results with a bad diet, at least long term. Thanks to all for the nice and encouraging comments. This is the kind of change you should expect, and really can't avoid if you eat correctly.

I sent the pics to Dr. McDougall, who thanked me. He may use them as an example of the side effects of eating properly.

Thanks for these pictures, Bob! What an inspiration! Glad you're back. I love that you tell it like it is! I'm one of those who couldn't stop cheating...that is until recently. The difference is dramatic! The posts from you and fjim have always made me look at reality, and not fool myself. You have to be ready to really draw a line in the sand and not cross it. For a person like me, who had been an emotional binge eater for most of my life, it just took a while to let go, I think. But I'm ready now, and I'm doing it. I'm never going back. So thanks for continuing to inspire! And thank Farley for us! She's really beautiful!

Peace

Kirsty, you do have to draw a line in the sand. But the hard part is over in a matter of 30-60 days, and then you find that these foods are not so compelling. Then you stop regarding them as even being food.

The problem is when you don't draw the line in the sand. Then you always think of things like chocolate or cake as things you MIGHT eat just a little. Then those foods start to occupy your thoughts.

A good tip when you are trying to change is this. When the thought of a SAD treat first enters your mind, have a knee jerk reaction to do something else that will occupy yourself. I might practice my trombone or read a book. Anything to get your mind off the thought of the treat. If you sit there and have a long debate with yourself over whether or not to eat the treat, you may well eat it.

She looks like a different person. I can't believe the second pic was taken 8 yrs later!! Amazing. Good for her!

What's even more amazing is Bob's wife looks even better in person. The pics don't do her justice. She has boundless energy and a smile to brighten any room. She truly is Bob's trophy wife. Sometimes, in life, we all get lucky!
f1jim