I also tried yoga, running, and even spin classes. When my personal trainer said “abs are made in the kitchen”, I went back to focusing on my diet. I tried Mediterranean, keto, low carb, and intermittent fasting – none of them worked, leaving me cranky and tired. I tried every combination I could imagine, but nothing worked. All I did was waste time and money, and I was so sweaty and out of breath (turns out I still couldn’t regulate my temperature, go figure) – and I began to wonder if there was anyone who could help me? I was desperate and willing to try anything.

Then, as if it was a sign from heaven, I had the strangest experience at the mall. I saw a man and woman who were about my age, and they had their hands full of bags. It looked like they’d bought an entirely new wardrobe – all for her. Her sundress was practically slipping off her shoulders – it was way too big on her. But the strangest thing was that I recognized her – it was my old high school friend Carla. She used to hide in the back of group photos because of her “puffiness”, but now she looked like a magazine model. It felt like a cruel twist of fate, until she recognized me too.