My THM Journey- The Good and the Hard

This is the post I've kept in my heart for years.   This is the hidden part of my journey that stayed between me, some family and very close friends.   Some gals caught on that "something" was going on and would message me asking questions. (smart cookies!) On my Facebook Blog page, I made mention at times of my struggles with my health and of Titus, our son's health, but I've not mentioned it too much on my website.  So, today...you will hear the good and hard parts of life for me, for us and my THM journey. mythmjourney I started Trim Healthy Mama on January 7th of 2013 at 304 pounds. That seems like a lifetime ago!  A gal at my church mentioned it to me and was buying a big bulk order of the original book.  I had tried so many diet plans and just went along with it to see what the hubbub was all about.  I never expected this to be something that became so important to me.  I got my book in the beginning of January and read and read and read.  It made sense to me and God was using it to open my eyes and heart.  He used this book to show me how I was treating my body when I ate sugary foods and junk.  I was broken and this was the answer God had brought along to help me in this new step of the journey.
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Before picture- Florida trip with the family.

The first month I lost 19 pounds!  I was a bigger girl so I expected to lose a bit that first month. The second month, I didn't lose much at all.  I didn't get discouraged, but just kept going.  I steadily lost 60 pounds in about 9-10 months.  I slowed down as I went, but kept following the plan and soon became an Admin for THM.  I had a passion for THM and helping other girls who were beginning the plan to understand it. The next month, I hit a bit of a wall.  In November, a personal relationship that I held very dear to my heart was damaged.  I was blindsided by some things that happened and the pain I faced in the months to come was very paralyzing to me.  My adrenals just quit.  Big life moments do that to you.  I kept plugging along, but I could tell something was different.  Your adrenal system is a huge part of losing weight and keeping it healthy can be tough.  It took me 6-7 months to lose another 15 pounds to put me at a 75 pound loss. dsc_0785 I think I hit that goal for a few days and never saw it again.  It was such an exciting day for me.  I was at 229 and smaller than I'd been in a decade +. The gaining began... I re-read the chapter on hormones.  Maybe this was it?  Maybe that was why I wasn't losing well.  I was starting to gain now and there was no reason for it.  I knew my adrenals were still shot and I've had low progesterone in the past, which caused us years of infertility.  Was this the culprit? I did my own blood work as the sisters suggested.  I used www.healthonelabs.com for my tests and did them very cheaply compared to the doctor ordering my tests.  I needed answers.  My thyroid was low.  Aha!  Maybe this is apart of the answer.  Low thyroid and my adrenals.  Yes, I was at the beginning of a new journey to figure out my health. If I had not lost weight and discovered a problem, I'd have never known what was going on in my body. That is one thing I am so thankful for!  If you are stalled or gaining, make sure you re-read the hormone chapters in whichever book you have of THM.  It may make sense to what you are going through!  Get the blood work done.  Just finding out what was going on in my body is another gift that THM gave me. In the early summer of 2014, I started working for THM.  Talk about loving a job!  I loved working for Pearl and Serene!  I enjoyed writing e-zine articles, compiling them for the e-zine, helping with the THM fan page and helping in the groups.  I enjoyed doing whatever task I was asked to do and tried to do my best.  I believe this really kept me on track and on plan when I was gaining little bits of weight at a time.  It didn't make sense to me or to a few doctors, but I kept going because I knew I was eating well. I'll fast forward to 2015.  I'm now on my 4th doctor.  I've done tubes and tubes of blood work.
  • my iron is super low.
  • my progesterone is low.
  • my thyroid is low.
  • my body won't process protein, minerals and vitamins in my food.
  • my Vitamin D is very low.
  • my body is holding a lot of lead and they feel I have lead poisoning.
  • my adrenals are indeed shot.
  • my joints ache.
  • 2 liters of extra fluids are on my body every day of inflammation.
  • PCOS
  • exhaustion
  • memory loss
  • headaches/migraines
  • MTHFR- two gene mutations
  • possible Lyme Disease
I couldn't keep going anymore with extra life activities.  That summer, I did something SO hard.  I quit my job with THM and even quit admin duties.  I knew in my heart it's what God wanted me to do. To focus on my health and my family.  Little did I know there was more to come. The day after I quit my job we took a two week vacation to Arkansas to visit family and do some fun site seeing.  Sometime in that two weeks, Titus was bit by a bug.  It doesn't have to be a tick.  It can be any bug that bites!  Most folks never see a tick.  A week after we were home he got a fever and bullseye rash on his shoulder.  Life was certainly not what it was before.  God knew and was there.  I was already done with my job and had a whole new focus to take on.  I've got to get well and we have to help our son get well too. When I left my job and volunteering on the THM boards, I left behind my accountability.  I was depressed, sad, weepy. All of these others things were piling on and it was all just too much.  I took a month off social media in that time frame to have less distractions.  I threw a big ol' pity party.  I ate whatever I wanted too and didn't care.  The next few months I was on and off plan.  I did well many days and then would blow it if we went out to eat.  I just couldn't keep my focus.  I knew how to do it.  I helped hundreds of you do it, but my heart was hurting and just not "there" in doing it for myself.
Meeting my lovely THM bosses. <3

Meeting my lovely THM bosses. <3

In January of 2016 I went to my 5th doctor.  He found some food sensitivities that other doctors  missed. The inflammation was due to an gluten and grains. I'd been taken off gluten before for my thyroid health, but no one took me off grains.  I was enjoying my oats and brown rice in my "E" meals, not knowing they were an issue for my body.  The doctor took me off of caffeine as well and pleaded with me to get back off sugar 100%.  My candida was terrible.  I had fought this for my whole life looking back.  The psoriasis I got as a 7 years old...it's really candida/yeast issues.  Do some research!  It's interesting.  So, one major issue is getting my candida in check and prayerfully gone one day.  If you have a yeast issue, you will really struggle to lose weight.  My doc told me, that's just about near impossible until you get it under control. To nail it home, my doctor wrote me a handwritten letter the following week after I visited reminding me that it was vital that I put the dietary suggestions he gave me into place.  No gluten, no sugar, no grains, no caffeine!   He can only do a small part in my healing, I have to do the hard work.  I cried.  I threw another pity-party.  I ate a lot of gluten, grains and sugar for one week and then went cold turkey.  I had to do this for me, for my family and for God.  I wanted to honor Him with my body.  (1 Cor 10:31)  That week was so hard.  I was feeling worse than ever before in my life!  I tried to go to the grocery one day with Titus and lost a full cart of food.  I had felt horrible the whole trip like I was a bit dizzy, tired and "off".  I had left my cart someplace in the store and was pushing around an empty cart.  I got up to check out and was shocked to look down and see nothing in my cart.  Two employees helped Titus and I find the cart. Thankfully my purse and phone were still there.  It was a scary moment.  I couldn't remember anything that went on.  The ladies told me I looked sick and needed to go home.  Shan talked to me the whole way home to make sure I made it okay. I came home and slept. Today, I've been on plan for 45 days!  No cheats!  I have to do THM my own way and "own it" as they say.  I can't have full on 45 carb in an E meal because of my candida issues.  I do what they call a pulled back E.  My E's come from fruits and some quinoa is okay as well. (it's a seed, not a grain) I had to talk my doctor into that.  He'd rather I was just more low carb, but I know better from 3 years with THM.  Those good carbs are needed by your body.  DON'T SKIP "E" MEALS!  If you do, you're not really doing THM. Why haven't I shared?  I felt like a failure for one.  I'd done so well and many of you had seen me do well and now I wasn't.  After my first year of success, for another a year and a half, I was 100% on plan and still gaining and not figuring things out.  My body was just a hot mess.  Healing is no joke and sometimes it takes a lot of time to figure out what needs the healing and how to get moving in the right direction.  Sometimes it's foods that are on plan and great for some folks, but that you might be sensitive too.  For many it's dairy or gluten.  You may not have a full fledged allergy, but you might have a sensitivity to it that is causing you to stall, feel bloated or have inflammation and achy joints. I've also kept this to myself because I never, ever...EVER wanted anyone to think THM doesn't work.  Oh, it works!  It did work for me!  It is working for me now, even if it's very slowly.  I just want you to know that losing pounds is not what's most important on THM, but being healthy is.  So many focus on the pounds and the number on the scale and forget that life if NOT about a number. A better blood pressure, controlled insulin, lowered cholesterol....these are all things to celebrate just as much as a pound.  If the scale is that big of a crutch or focus, get rid of it! Live life.  Don't ever let your mood or day be decided by what the scale says. Some may say I'm a big fake or phony for continuing the blog about THM in the months that I struggled with staying on plan.  I still knew the plan well and was eating on plan many days.  I think it truly helped me not to let go more and continue down a crooked path.  I learned that I need accountability and the THM community!  That's one huge reason why I re-joined a few of the support groups I was apart of before and enjoy the THM Website that came out.  All tools to keep me on track. I was 304.  Then I hit my low of 229.  I was back up to 282.  Now I am down 7 pounds and at 275.  I have not lost hope.  I have not given up. I am fighting!   I've cut out these foods that were bothering my body and I'm digging in deep.  This is a slow process for me as my body heals and renews.  We are only focusing on my top 3 health issues with my doctor.  I have many more to tackle from the list up above in bullet points.  I am not well at this point.  I am tired most of the time.  My husband is working from home right now because I couldn't keep up with caring for the boys on my own.  Many days I have to sleep for a few hours in the afternoon. My body just shuts down.  Going to the grocery is very hard.  I feel like my feet are walking in quick sand.  I get a lot of headaches, but have a few less each week.  Sundays wear me totally out.  I often sleep on our drive home from church and go to bed early.  Mondays I still can't function well and usually can't get up in the morning and take a nap in the afternoon.  My body is just weary.  Healing takes rest. This is all to say, no THM journey is alike and that's just fine.  Not everyone can lose 50, 100 or 150 pounds and hit their goal with no hitches or bumps along the way.  For many, this is a pursuit of good health and healing.  Do I want to be 150 pounds?  Sure do!  I also know that I may never get there or it may take years.  I'm okay with that as long as I can function better for my family, myself and to serve the Lord however He sees fit. My favorite quotes from all I've been through....

"Health is a good thing, but sickness is far better if it leads us to God." J.C. Ryle

and

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3-7 ESV

My goal in life, more than losing weight or ever reaching my goal is to be more like Christ.  My heart just wants to be more like Him and to glorify Him in this life I've been given to live.  275 or 150...I want to shine for Christ and point to Him.

Here I am now with my husband on March 19th. No hiding!  I'm a work in progress and so are you!  God says, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Phil 1:6  This doesn't mean that He's promising to help me complete my THM journey to goal. No, it means He will be faithful to make me like Himself and to do a great work in my life.  He started that work and He will finish it.

DSC_0316

Why come clean?  If it helps one person, it's worth it.  I'm not ashamed or embarrassed anymore.  I've dealt with these issues in my own heart.  I want you to know that if you are stuck, gaining or having health issues, please get some help!  Get your blood work done and check your hormones.  Dig in and start putting pieces of the puzzle together.  I know how challenging it is.  I'm still in the middle of a giant jigsaw puzzle when it comes to my own self. I am NOT a health care specialist and can't give out medical advice.  My doctor has me on many supplements as well as the dietary changes. So many of you have given out your advice as well and I appreciate it.  Just praying for me helps.  I cannot process all the of the suggestions I get at times about what others think I should be doing to get well.  I trust my doctor and I am relying on him at this time for my care.

Thank you for the prayers, encouragement and love so many of you have given.  My church family has been amazing in praying for me faithfully and for Titus. My family has been good to help watch our boys or come help me at home when I need it.  My husband, well he is a gift.   I can't even begin to thank him enough.  I thank God for these trials and the gift of sickness.  Through it all, I am relying more on Him and His word.  I am trusting that He knows what is best for my life and for my family.

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About Jennifer

Hello there! I’m Jennifer and Welcome to my website – A Home with Purpose. My passion is sharing Christ’s Love and recipes with my Trim Healthy Mama friends. Learn more about me here...

161 Responses to “My THM Journey- The Good and the Hard”

  1. Jamie

    Amazing words my friend. Thank you for sharing your highs and lows so honestly. Love you always!

  2. Cassandra Holdeman

    Thank you for sharing your heart. While it is not a blessing to know that you are struggling with health issues, it is a blessing to know you are real and you have struggled too. So many times I read blogs from THM people and I struggle because it is all positive and I am here struggling – struggling to stay on plan, struggling to deal with the stress, and fighting old food addictions. This post gives me hope that I can battle my way to the finish line too. I don’t have to and shouldn’t focus on just the scale, but focus on the non-scale victories too. Thanks for being an inspiration.

  3. Sarah H

    Truly, thank you so much for sharing! This helps me a GREAT deal! while I have not struggled with the different health issues you have experienced, I definitely have been there with losing so much and feeling great, then going some steps back and feeling like a failure…but I know I’m not, and YOU are not either! Thankful for God and His grace…and thankful for THM…it makes so much sense to me too…and I am encouraged to get back on track and move forward, and not stay where I am! Thank you again for being authentic in sharing what you have been through and where you are at now…God bless you and I am thankful to have others share their journeys and let God use that in my journey as well! Thank you, thank you!

  4. Donna Vittitoe

    Amen Sister! Thanks for sharing your wonderful testimony. God bless you as you continue your journey!!

  5. Terry

    Lord’s blessing on you. When I have trials I ask myself and God, “What is He trying to show me???” He will show you at His time. You have been a blessing to so many. Continue the walk with one foot in front of the other. Prayers for you and your family. HUGS

  6. Dianne

    Dear Jen, My eyes are full of tears. God bless you! I’m sorry for your struggles and happy that you have found some answers. Thank God! I lost 60 pounds on thm the first year. Six months later, I have still lost 60 pounds. I weight 160, wanted to weigh 150 at least, but at 73, I’m thankful for that! I’ll be praying more seriously for you. I would like to ask the ladies on the thm prayer support group to pray for you. I’ll just ask for “Jennifer” with no last name to identify you. I hope that’s all right. Love you! Keep the good fight going!

  7. Frances Long

    Bless your sweet heart! I knew something was going on just nothing like this! I will be praying for you and your sweet family. Keep up the good work, and thank you for sharing. It is a real struggle for me and your works arrived at just the right time! Thank you for kick starting me…been stalled to long,

  8. Heather Anne

    You are an amazing woman who inspires others by being you, sharing your journey and serving others. As often said, don’t let scales, test results or anything ANYONE says to define you. I am so thankful for your blog, your recipes, your honesty. THM is not the sum of your life — this is a journey, every step. You are beautiful. Your heart is amazing. Your journey counts. Your impact is great. May God bless you for being faithful to the life HE has called you to. Thank you for inviting us to share this journey with you. 🙂 I am sincerely grateful

  9. Mandy

    Thank you for sharing. Honestly you desvribed myself alot of the time. As time goes on that I am really committed to the plan, I feel my body healing. My weight just sits there. I will be looking into bloodwork. I have no health insurance, so as a stay at home homeschooling mom, this will be a challenge. But I still feel like I am missing something. Prayng for you and your health!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      No insurance here either! Have you looked in Samaritan’s Ministries? That’s what we use.

  10. Jenny

    Thank you so much for sharing. I relate so very much. I am a full time caretaker for the last 4 1/2 yrs for my son with Lyme. I have lost 20-25 pounds with THM over the course of 1 1/2 yrs, and I am stuck, stuck, stuck. I keep with it because I eat more now, with switching fuels, and eating more often, and enjoy it more than before when I was trying to “be careful” and watch calories. My labs are better, inflammation down, but I still struggle with Chronic Fatique, Fibromyalgia, Candida, and RA. My doc too has suggested pulling out the grains. I am already GF, and mostly dairy free ( I eat some goat dairy), so you are encouraging me to try more. I agree that the Lord has drawn me close to him, and taught me so much through the years clinging to him. May he bless you and continue to bring you healing.

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thank you, Jenny! The journey with Lyme is so hard. Praying your son is doing okay.

  11. Jeannie

    Jennifer – What a great attitude and most especially the best goal a soul could have… To serve Christ first. I’m believing with you that Christ will heal you of all your infirmities. You have been a help to many and such a blessing. Keep pressing forward with steadfastness in Christ. Much love!

  12. Ruth

    Thank you, Jennifer! I am suffering with a few health issues myself and gaining a few pounds along the way. This was such an encouragement to me to keep going! Praying for you and your sweet family.

  13. Susan

    Awwwww, Jen! My heart hurts for you!! I understand the yo-yo of weight issues, though my weight has only ever fluctuated up and down by 30-40#, but it’s been a struggle all of my life.

    I follow THM, but with major modifications. Yes, it does work, but I can’t have dairy or ANY of the ‘on plan’ sugars and sometimes I have to have more than 10 carbs in an S to help with my blood sugar. I don’t post much on the the Facebook group (and dropped out the the groups I enjoyed) as I felt that anyone who wasn’t ‘doing everything by the book’ was criticized and it was too hard to defend what I was/am doing. The funny (not!) thing is that all of my problems started when I started THM and added in the on plan sweeteners and ate a lot more dairy. The sweeteners destroyed my gut (and I didn’t use them every day) and it’s been over two years of REALLY hard work to heal my gut. I take a boat load of supplements for other issues as well … not working thyroid and my adrenals are also shot to name a few.

    Hang in there and keep the faith!! I’ve always enjoyed reading your posts and your kindness and love for others shines through your posts!!

    Huge hugs and prayers!
    Susan
    PS: I raised goats in junior/senior high and LOVE reading about and seeing pictures of your goats! Was so very sad when you lost one — that is SO HARD!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      A fellow goat lover! We have a mom due anytime! I’m sure I’ll post pictures!

      Doing THM your own way is a must for some folks. I know it’s hard sometimes. My doctor thinks I’m sensitive to stevia, so I may eventually have to go off of it as well.

      • Susan

        My chiropractor does kinesiology and I had to eliminate a lot of foods … cauliflower of all things!! 🙁 I was eating a lot of it, too. Also had to eliminate coconut in any form (including MCT oil). Found out that ‘natural flavors’ is many times MSG, so lots of food eliminated for that reason, too. I eat a very ‘back to basics’ diet while using the THM principles.

        The GOOD news is that healing DOES come … in bits and pieces. I’ve been able to add the good KerryGold grass fed butter in TINY amounts and also a Tablespoon of fresh parmesan to my spaghetti squash (but only once a week). It never tasted so good. haha I’ve also (as of last month) been able to add MCT and coconut oil (but not coconut or coconut flour). I can do raw almonds but not almond flour. Crazy things like that.

        My issues manifested as massive inflammation, gut issues, bone deep tiredness and migraines. The inflammation was to my hands …. many days/weeks I loss total use of my left hand due to inflammation. But God IS faithful and I’ve learned SO MUCH through it all!

        If your doctor thinks you are sensitive to stevia, please just eliminate it sooner rather than later. Some of my eliminated foods I hung onto much longer than I should have (I was in denial), but once I gave them up … huge, just HUGE difference!

        Please keep us posted on your journey!! 🙂

  14. Laura Garrett

    I am SOOOOOO glad you shared this! Why? I am right where you are at and I too have felt like I just need to hide in the shadows! I wasn’t ever a poster-child for THM or in the spotlight like you and I still felt like hiding! HA!

    My journey in a nutshell is about the same. I started in May of 2013. Lost 16lbs and 25inches by Nov. The following year I started to gain some back even while 95% on plan. I tried lots of tweeks and cutting different things out but never got lasting results. Kept yo-yoing in a 5lb range. Finally did my first FC in Nov 2014 and did lose about 4lbs, hitting my lowest for that year, but it didn’t last. I had also switched thyroid doctors hoping for more answers there as I have all the symptoms plus family history of low thyroid but my numbers are usually within range. I was on a very low dose of thyroid meds at the time. New doctor blew me off and I never went back to him. In 2015 I had a full bloodwork panel done and physical hoping to find what was causing the weight gain despite eating right. All they found was low vitamin D and low estrogen which my doc felt was weird because I am still in my late 30’s and cycling. I looked up to see what the issues and symptoms of that is, and it can be brought on by being too THIN and over exercising. Makes no sense!! So I was back to square one with no real help from docs. =/ Then in the spring of 2016 I decided to go off my low dose of thyroid meds as I’d been told I didn’t really need to be on it! UHG! Dumb mistake! Gained 12lbs back within 3 months even while still on THM! As of now, I am 15lbs heavier than when I started THM. =/ It’s been super frustrating and has brought me to tears at times. One thing I do know for sure is our bodies can definitely have internal issues that make losing weight very complicated and difficult! I love being off sugar and the whole THM way of eating has always clicked with me so I keep at it as best I can even without seeing the results I’d longed for. Would love to get some answers for what I have going on…just praying about it for right now as I’m not sure where to turn to now doctor wise. This is encouraging to me that others have struggled with this as well! Here’s to an awesome year of healing in our bodies for the both of us!! HUGS!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      I’ve been to 5 doctors..I know how hard it is to find one who will LISTEN. Ha! I’m currently using a chiropractor who does many supplements and natural treatments. I also did love my Naturopath and she tried to help me for 9 months before this new guy. Keep fighting for your own health!

    • Laura Garrett

      Oh I forgot to mention that I’d helped a lot friends get started on THM and even held some expo’s at our church for those interested so to not do so well after the initial success was rather hard to get around. =/ Most of the girls I helped, were and still are, doing great too! ha! Figures! =D

      Also, are their any particular supplements you are taking to help with the adrenal issues? I just started taking a natural thyroid support supplement as well as iodine. Just wondering if your doctor recommended anything in particular. Thanks!

      • godzgaljen@gmail.com

        Medi Stim is one I take besides Iodoral. 🙂

        • Laura Garrett

          Thank you for your replies! I know you have a lot commenting so I appreciate it! Oh good! I just started taking the iodoral reguarly!! I will look up the Medi Stim. Just praying for guidance right now on what doctor or naturopathic doc to go with and doing all I can in implementing things I have read as well as THM! =)

          • godzgaljen@gmail.com

            No problem. I didn’t realize this would hit a cord with so many. Thankful if I can help.

  15. Dana

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Lifting you up in my prayers as I type. 🙂

  16. Deb Sneller

    Thanks for your transparency. I have been struggling with lack of energy, anxiety, and depression related to bipolar. My doctor just put me on a medication that helps depression UT even more SAD seasonal affective disorder. For those who live in areas that don’t have much sun. I felt so much better the first day. Sometimes people need more than a medical doctor, but a psuchiatrist.

  17. Jana NC

    Sweet Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing your heart and your journey. You are not a fake, nor have you ever been one! You are always so encouraging and helpful and generous, and you are a blessing to others. I’ll pray for you that you’ll get answers, and feel much better. Thank you for being honest that you are keeping on with THM and still believe completely in THM. That counts for a lot!

  18. Barbara Riedel

    Thank you Jennifer for telling us your story and for being so real and transparent. God bless you on your journey to good health. May you get stronger and stronger each day. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ will be with you every step of the way.

  19. Ruth Cook

    Jennifer: Thank you for being “open and honest” with us all. I could tell something was not quite right with you and have been praying for you all along. You are an inspiration to so many of us THM’ers and you still are! I’ll continue to hold you and your dear family in my prayers. I love what you said, “My goal in life, more than losing weight or ever reaching my goal is to be more like Christ. My heart just wants to be more like Him and to glorify Him in this life I’ve been given to live….I want to shine for Christ and point to Him.” In your “struggle” you are giving hope to someone that feels helpless, it is more than about food, but about Christ! Take care my dear friend (that I have never met in person)but has helped me in my THM journey.

  20. Shari Stratton

    Thank you so much for your honesty! I, too, believe wholeheartedly that THM works and it truly is the way I want to eat for the rest of my life. However…I’m not a good example to others of how well it works. Some of that is due to my own lack of self-discipline and falling off the wagon too many times. But a lot of it is due to my untreated thyroid, what I believe to be adrenal fatigue, and possible food sensitivities. I’m trying to find a doctor to help me, but the journey to health seems so long and daunting. Thank you, again, for having the courage to be honest about your struggles. It gives me hope that I am not alone in my own struggles!

  21. Sharon Maness

    God Bless you and keep you always.
    Thank you for sharing your story.

  22. Jennifer Frudd

    Thank you for sharing. I think, so many, will be helped by your honesty and openness. It is helping me.

  24. Dawn @Oh Sweet Mercy

    Oh Jen, hugs!! Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been stuck for a while now, and have gained as well. I’ve been frustrated because even when I’m on plan 100% fora while no thing seems to be happening. I’m sure some of it is that I’m not exercising, but most of what I lost was done with out exercise so I’ve just really been puzzled! Thank you for the suggestions and the link for blood testing.

    But most of all, thank you for being REAL. That took a lot of courage. I know that there are many THMs out there who will be encouraged by your journey. Praying for you!

  25. Amy

    You are fabulous for your sharing!!! Life changes are not easy and your honesty helps all of us!
    THANK YOU!
    God be with you on this journey!

  26. Jennifer

    There’s an expression that says “Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on.” No one should be judging you. We all have struggles, some hidden more than others. Just keep doing the best you can.

  27. Terri Montrose

    I thought this a very brave thing for you to do & admire the honesty!Praying for your son & your healing .

  28. Karen Mertes

    Thank you for this post. It is hard to open up like this but it will also be helpful for us an for you as well. Our God is an awesome God! I will be right there along side you. My prayers will be with you. My memory is shot too, but that is partly my age. I have a friend that always and in all situations reminds us that God has it under control. God Bless you!

  29. Julie

    You are a brave strong woman. Keep up the hard work. That fact that you keep plugging away is a tribute to THM. I have been on THM since July 2014. I have lost 40 pounds. I have been at a stand still for over 9 months. Taking out dairy, nuts, collagen, whey. Plus my new health concerns of probable adrenal fatigue but who knows what’s going on. I’ve had labs drawn at a medical doctor but not at a naturalpathic doctor which I can’t afford. But I wanted to say thanks for sharing and giving us encouragement to keep going when the going gets tough.

  30. Shannon

    Thank you so much for your honesty. I have an autoimmune disease similar to Lupus in addition to psoriasis and thyroid issues. It makes losing weight really challenging. I gave up gluten about 4 years ago and it made a huge difference. I was getting chronic migraines from it. I continue to struggle with sugar and my weight. I just learned about THM about a month ago but am struggling to stay on plan. I don’t think dairy is something my body likes either. Anyways, wanted to thank you for your honesty. You aren’t alone 🙂

  31. Susan Hills

    I appreciate your honesty. I love your posts. Prayers for you and your family. God puts the right people in our path at the right time. You are an encouragement to many!😄 THANK YOU!

  32. Lisa

    Jen, Thank you for sharing your story. You are SO brave and I can’t help but love you more than I already do. Life is so much harder when you have physical issues to deal with. I’ve suffered with fibromyalgia for almost 20 years and the daily pain is exhausting. It’s frustrating when you want to do things but you physically can’t. I’m going to be praying for you and looking forward to your testimony of healing. It’s a journey and a process that won’t solve overnight, but I hope it’s encouraging to know you have THM sisters and sisters in Christ standing with you every step of the way! HUGS!!

  33. Terri

    Jennifer, you are precious! My heart is full of love for you as you struggle and find healing.

  34. Andrea

    Thank you so much for sharing your struggles and your journey. It helps to know you/I am not alone! I am trying to get back on the THM path, but have continued to use the information I learned even off plan. Big stresses in life have harmed me physically but I have a doctor who “gets it” and is very supportive of the THM way of eating and wants me off my meds as soon as possible without damaging my health. Beginning a new bible study on prayer and really focusing on God has helped tremendously!
    Thank you again!

  35. Tiffany

    Thank you for sharing your story! I’m sorry to hear of your struggles but your perseverance is inspiring. Best wishes to you and your family.

  36. Judy

    You’ve inspired me since the beginning of my THM journey! This post is also an inspiration… Life is a mixture of struggles and triumphs … and remember even in the bible ‘Seasons’ are mentioned quite often… let this season in your life be part of your journey… it certainly doesn’t define the wonderful person that you are or how precious your heart is!! Keeping you in my prayers as well as Titus, because we all need prayers… Love you!!

  37. Colleen

    You are still such an inspiration, even with all you have been going through. Thank you fir beings true friend to all of us. You are most certainly in my prayers.

  38. Ginger

    Such a beautiful, touching, and inspiring testimony! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Praying for complete healing for you as you continue to share and encourage others. Many blessings~

  39. Jennie Siler

    You astound me. My heart swells as you share your private story, you are such an encouragement to me. I have some similar health problem and am also trying to find the solutions. You’re a brave woman and I’m proud of your honesty. My favorite hymn,”Because He Lives.” I can face tomorrow, all fear is gone, I know He holds the future and life is worth the living JUST because He lives! God is so good and He knows your tomorrow. May Jesus bless you and help you on your journey. I’m so glad you are resting in His care and trusting Him. Hugs my THM friend and a fellow sister in Christ.

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thanks Jennie! I can face uncertain days, because He lives!

  40. Monica Munoz

    Thankyou for sharing your heart!♡ Will pray for you.

  41. Deanna Rabe

    Jennifer,

    You are a gift to the THM community. Thank you for your truthfulness, openness,your salted carmel chocolate chip pecan bars!

    Seriously, we are all on a journey to health. I’ve been at a stall for 5 months. Your post has made me consider that I need to check out hormones.

    God’s blessings on you and your family. Prayers for restored health!

  42. Sarah Criddle

    Awh hugs, tears & lots of love! You inspire me, my friend! So grateful for your honesty! Praying for you! ❤️❤️

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      You sneaky one….on my blog! I’ve missed you this past two weeks. You are a HUGE blessing to me.

  43. Nylene

    Oh Jen, you are so sweet! I’ve missed your upbeat personality on THM pages! Praying all goes well for you. Thank you for being you.

  44. Denise

    Thank you for sharing! My husband is struggling with Candidia, and I suspect, I am too. Your honesty is a blessing!

  45. Cindy Young

    My dearest, dearest, (stearest!) Jen,
    You are brave. You are strong. You are wise. You are a woman after God’s own heart. And you are loved.
    Loved. Loved. Loved. And then loved some more.
    Continuing to pray for you and Titus.

    xoxoxo

  46. Denise B.

    Amen Jen…AMEN! I found out the EXACT SAME THING was going on in me!
    SEVERE intestinal disbyosis, mild liver impairment, adrenal fatigue, mild thyroid disfunction, 2 parasites, low pregnanolone & testosterone….ugh..I was a hot mess. We’re doing modified THM and I’m right here with ya! Love you sweet sis~keep going. So glad to be walking side by side with you. <3

  47. Karen Sweeney-Ryall

    I so appreciate your sharing. I have been wondering lately about my hormone levels and have had lost of new aching so you gave me much to think about. I lost 49 pounds on THM and then stalled for many months. I got discouraged and started loosening up and have gained 20 back over 6 months. I do not want to gain it all back but can’t seem to lose again. I am going to explore the candida, adrenal, hormonal issue. May God bless you and strengthen you!!

  48. Amy O'Day

    Your story is inspiring. Thank you for sharing! I will keep praying for you as the Lord leads and as you post things on THM fb sites.

  50. Ann N

    You are so precious! Thank you for sharing! You are an inspiration! You are honoring the Lord! Praying for complete healing for you and your son! ~hugs~ Ann

  51. Christi

    I really needed to read this. I have been diagnosed with POTS and had our 4th child 5 weeks early. I have lost my job cause of my health and so did my husband. We couldn’t afford the insurance and couldn’t cancel so he had to quit. I am struggling with my weight as I nurse my 11 week old baby. This was an encouragement to me tonight..

  52. KAREN

    Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story. I love how you’ve told how everyones journey is different and that’s OK. I’ve been trying to stay on plan for about 15 months now. Everyday seems to be a new start…but at least I’m starting again!! I haven’t given up! I’ve lost the same 15lbs. over and over. I’ve had my blood work done, and I’m facing several issues. I’m praying for you and your family. Please pray for me too. ((((HUGS))))

  53. Jen

    Wow! I appreciate the vulnerability and honesty that you shared! God bless you as you continue on your journey!

  54. Brenda Howard

    Jen,

    Hi, I have been reading your blog for a while and have tried to start THM over and over again but I am afraid. Not of doing it but of not doing it and failing again. I had WLS in 2008 after having had back surgery in Dec 2006 and waking up a paraplegic. I did wonderful I started at 321 and got down to the 180’s but then in Nov 2009 I was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer of the small intestine. I totally went back to my old habits and am back to 262ish. When I first read about THM I got excited because it made since to me like you said. I bought the books and ordered supplies but that is as far as it has gone. I have the plan down in my mind but I can’t make myself start putting it into practice. WHY, my mind and body are at war, I live alone so it isn’t anyone else that keeps me off track it’s all internal. I have a wonderful Dr that finally sent me to a psychiatrist to help me get my depression under control. She had adjusted my meds several times but it wasn’t touching all the issues like going 3-4 days without sleep, etc. It taken 3 months but I finally feel human and I am sleeping but I am miserable because I am eating myself silly and feel bad all the time. I keep saying eat what is here that is off plan and then only buy and do on plan things so I am almost there I even put things back on my last shopping trip that were off plan knowing that I needed to empty out what I still had at home.

    Your honesty and story has given me a renewed sense of what I need to do to make myself healthier. My gastro Dr has scheduled test to find out why I am having pain and bloating when I eat. I’m thinking it could be some of what you have mentioned, I definitely have a love affair with SUGAR that has to stop. Thank you for sharing and for giving me strength to move forward. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your precious family!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thank you, Brenda! May God give you the strength to just take the right step. I know you can do if I can. Please figure out the food issues you may behaving. It helps! 🙂 Your life matters!

  55. Lena Emo

    Jennifer, thank-you for your honesty. I know everyone has their struggles, I can completely relate. Two years ago I lost 25 pounds in 6 months on THM and LOVED the way I felt. I kept it off for some time and then went to work driving a school bus, still homeschooling, very little time to prepare and put it all back on. I’ve been trying ever since to get back on for good. My hormones are a mess due to peri menopause, I can’t figure out the weight gain even though I’m staying on plan, and I’m tired. You have given me hope and yes, we are all on a journey, good and bad. “When I am weak, He is strong”, has been given a whole new meaning for me. Blessings

  56. Rebecca

    This post is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey, as I feel it helps so many others and gives others hope. I am fairly new to THM. Just got the books and trying to learn and understand. I wanted to see if you could tell me if there is a blood test that can be done to detect adrenal fatigue? What blood tests did you do from the website you linked to? No would like to get some blood work done as well, and like many others am quite strapped financially. I also cannot do any grains so I am hopeful that I can find some recipes for things without any oats or oat fiber baking blends. Again, thank you for this post. It truly hit me in the heart as I am struggling myself.

  57. Kathryn

    Thank you for your willingness to overcome your fear and share this information. This is so very helpful and I appreciate your heartfelt transparency and your COURAGE. I read your blog regularly and have been familiar with the THM for the past two years. I work full time as a nurse, just turned 50, have a husband, teenagers and to say that my life is busy would be an understatement. I know that we all lead such busy lives. I have not been feeling well and continue to trudge on….although every morning I just want to pull my head back under the covers because of fatigue that overwhelms me. Jennifer, because of the information that you so bravely shared I have so much more understanding of what may be going on in my own body. Of course, I will make an appointment with my doctor and have blood work drawn but I am also going to pay special attention to different food groups that may be causing me some issues. It is so easy as a mom to take care of everyone but ourselves. Reading some of your journey has helped me see that I need to force myself to slow down and draw closer to the Lord. I truly believe with all my heart that He is the Great Physician and will lead and guide us. You have reminded me to seek Him and to choice freedom and not bondage. Thank you Jennifer. I am praying for you. May God bless you with health and continue to grant you the desires of your heart.

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thank you, Kathryn! Hoping you figure your fatigue out soon! 🙂

  58. Denise

    I appreciate your honesty and can relate to everything you shared. I had to unfollow THM on Facebook because they only showed the “success” of everyone. It is so discouraging when you are not one of the successful ones.

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Denise, it can be hard at times to see folks that lose so very easily. Praying you’ll be encouraged that there are many who do struggle and keep pushing on. <3

  59. J FOUSE

    Love your honesty! It is helpful for all people. We all have our own struggles and it is nice to know we aren’t alone. Praying for your continued healing.

  60. Laura

    Thank you so much for sharing this!!!! Just like you, because of THM, I have sought out a doctor’s help as well and found thyroid, adrenal, tick born illness, mold, parasites, low Vitamin D, low minerals. Besides supplements and thyroid meds, I am doing Ondamed treatments to attack the mold, parasites, tick born illness, and adrenals. Has been hard to go through treatments but I am starting to turn the corner. I’m so grateful to you for sharing your story! It is so good to know that we are not alone as we go through these things!!!! You are now in my prayers!!!!!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thanks for praying! Hope you feel better as well.

  61. Jennifer Pond

    Thank you for putting yourself out there. It is apparent that God has used your struggles to help many women, including me. Your perseverance is such a testimony and encourages me to keep running the race. It is a blessing to have such incredible support on this journey and thank you for being apart of that! Praying for you, friend!

  62. Carol Gridley

    Thank you so much to show us that this is a journey, a journey that God knows the beginning all the way through to the END! It is so good to know that i do not have to be perfect in this journey as long as I keep on goin’

  63. Ada Marie Troyer

    Thanks for sharing! I understand all too well what you are talking about. I too am just now faithfully back on plan for about a month now. My downfall was my emotional health, due to some major family relationship issues and I did not have the strength to worry about food. As I started just eating whatever I happened to get my hands on my physical health got worse and the pounds came back on. I felt like such a failure but God has been tenderly leading me back out of my mud and muck to really care about the temple He has entrusted me with. Let us journey on toward the mark of an ever growing love for Christ, and continued transformation out of obedience to Him…

  64. Karenh

    Praying for you…. So thankful you are finding answers…. Keep the faith.
    You are an inspiration to me.

  65. Stacia Talkington

    Jen, Thank you for sharing! I am glad to see you back on the boards and have always enjoyed your blog. I always recommend it to friends who are just starting THM.

  66. Lisa L

    Thanks so much for sharing! I started last year and lost 15 pounds and then fell off the wagon when life smacked me upside the head. My husband died in February due to his injuries from a car accident after being in the ICU for 9 days. I am determined to get back on track for myself and for my children. Thank you for being open with us. It is helpful to know that I’m not the only one that has struggled to be motivated. We can do this together!! BTW – love reading your blog 🙂

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Oh Lisa, I am so so sorry about your husband. That is horribly hard and painful. Praying for you and your family as you walk through everything together.

  67. Jen Snyder

    Thank you for this post. I can relate to your story in so many ways. In 2014 we had some stressful things happen and ended up putting our house that we had lived in for 13 years up for sale. We sold it last spring and moved into rental. Two months later we bought a house and had to move again. I stopped THM and pretty much all exercising (I had previously ran 3 half-marathons!) I was stressed to the max and gained back the 25 lbs I had lost. I started experiencing dizziness and the dr thought I had Meniere’s Disease but I now think it’s due to tension in my neck from all the stress of everything. My blood pressure also was higher than normal. I was a mess. I decided to show myself some grace through the holidays and get back on track Jan 1st…then came down with a 3 week battle with bronchitis. I am still having trouble finding my mojo but I am starting back on track tomorrow! I will be praying for you and Titus. 🙂

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thanks Jen! I hope you find your food freedom again and can focus. I know how hard it is to get back on track at times. Kinda a struggling going on in your head vs heart. Thanks for praying!

  68. Stacey

    Jen, you’re an inspiration for all of us!
    I did wonder what was going on, but I figured you’d say something when the time was right. Goodness but Life gets cruel and grouchy sometimes! *HUGS*
    I truly hope and pray things improve for you sooner rather than later. I’ll pray for you and yours.

    Can I just say: I love your shoes!!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thanks Stacey! I appreciate that. Those shoes…Target! 🙂

  69. Joyce

    What a treasure you are…..to me, the rest of THM but mainly to the Lord. He’s smiling and saying well done my good and faithful servant. You showed that’s what you are by continuing to encourage others in the midst of your own meltdown.

  70. Katie

    You “coming clean” was just what I needed! You have definitely helped me and obviously so many more! I’m doing great on THM and am losing. I’m only 10 pounds from my goal weight. However, I feel awful. When you’ve lost 60 pounds, you shouldn’t be tired ALL of the time, have achy joints and feel like you are constantly trudging through mud. I had a doctor tell me “that’s just part of getting older.” Seriously??? I’m only 38! I know something is not right. You have inspired me to “dig in” and find out what that SOMETHING is! Thank you!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      SO glad! I’ve found that if I don’t stand up for myself and figure things out..no one will help me.

  71. Holly

    In February I just “celebrated” 10 years of a constant headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Although I have never been diagnosed, I know the Lord has given me His strength through these difficult years. My heart aches for you. I am sorry you have gone through so much, but am rejoicing that you are keeping your eyes on Him. Thank you for sharing your heart. Praying for you.

    Your blog was the first one that I came upon at the beginning of my THM journey this year. I am thankful for all that you share. I am in love with your Blueberry Baked Oatmeal! It has been a huge blessing for my mornings. Thank you!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Holly, that sure is NO fun. I’m sorry you are sick so often. Do you possibly have Lyme?

  72. Sarah L

    I appreciate your candor and your overall attitude and determination. You will have helped many, many women by writing this post! As I read your words, I had two thoughts – with all the health issues you’re battling, how much worse would you be feeling now if you’d never persisted with THM the way you have? It certainly wouldn’t have helped things any. Secondly, this is personal so please don’t respond to it here but if you are not already doing so, I hope you have access to a good counselor that you can talk through things regularly, someone besides your primary care provider – you’re carrying a lot of stress, and as women we store our stress in our bodies. Make sure your mental health is a priority just like you’re fighting so hard for your physical wellbeing. One can lift the other. (again maybe you already are doing this! Just if you’re not, consider this encouragement to do so). Thanks for sharing your story, it’s amazing!

    • godzgaljen@gmail.com

      Thanks Sarah! I pray God uses the things I have gone through, will go through and have gone through to help someone else. 🙂 That would be a huge blessing!

  73. Dorene

    Thanks so much for your honest post. It had me in tears. I’ll be joining others in praying for you and Titus and the rest of your little family. Good bless you.

  74. Deborah

    thank you for being so brave and free….you really comforted my heart and I know too that Jesus is in the mix. I have been praying that God would show me His ways…I would follow them…that He would give me an undivided heart and that I would honor His name in this area…my walls have been broken down here for a very long time….you know the story…I believe though that no matter my pant size or the number on the scale…He will complete the work He has started in me…I am looking to Him…doing my best and though I fall…I get up and keep going. Sometimes I string together perfect days…weeks…then bam…I too deal with some health issues, but am getting better slowly….This morning the Lord asked me if I would rather worship or worry…worry is so easy to do…worship is a sacrifce of praise that once you enter in is a complete delight…I am finding delight in the Lover of my soul…my Beloved Yeshua : ) I may cast myself aside…but He never lets me go…Grace Grace : ) Thank you for sharing your story with so many…it makes me brave.

  75. Kelly

    I there. Right where you are. The only difference is I’ve been to doctors, I’ve done the blood work. I’ve had chronic Lyme’s since 1999, adrenal issues, thyroid issues and hormonal imbalance as well as some food sensitivity that should be corrected by now but probably isn’t. I’m on thyroid medication but that’s it. I’ve tried everything every doctor has recommended. I’m still so exhausted! I can’t take hormone replacement, even the bio-identical kind, because it makes my hair fall out. I just can’t get control of my cravings. I love cooking and baking with THM but the weight is slowly creeping back on. I’m bigger than I’ve been in many years after having reached goal weight last January with THM. I’ve tried the elimination diets with very little results and the thought of doing them again just depresses me but I’ve got do do something. I just don’t know where to go from here…

  76. Sarah D.

    I’m smack in the middle of detoxing from candida and I can relate to that foggy, exhausted feeling. I’ve just started using PLEXUS products and I feel hope for the first time in a long time. I have more energy, far fewer lows from food and my cravings are very few and mild compared to what they were before. Candida can be so, so nasty. We lived overseas for some time and I’ve had to treat for parasites and those antibiotics do nothing to help with candida. My gut was so inflamed! I’m easing my way into THM and I think I have been on plan for 2 whole days now. I love the concepts, I love the recipes and I love that it’s biblically influenced. Thanks for being vulnerable with us. With PLEXUS and THM, and my doTERRA essetial oils, I feel like I have a full arsenal to heal my body. I’m so thankful God brought all these tools into my life! We’re all on this journey together!

  77. Jennifer

    Hi there.

    I just read your story. It touched me and I just had to comment. I didn’t read the other comments so I don’t know what has been said. But has anyone ever reached out to you about the natural supplements Plexus? Your descriptions of how you feel just screams out to me that you would benefit hugely. If you’re interested, I would love to tell you more about it. I would love to hear how your story changes with these supplements.

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