I Didn’t Eat Gluten for One Whole Week and Here’s What Happened

Sometimes the biggest choices in life can only be solved through dedication and sacrifice.

For those who are unaware of my current situation, I had heart complications back on July 21. It not only put me in the hospital, but it also took away a big part of me: my overall health and fitness.

Each day that passed, I found myself gaining weight rapidly since I couldn't muster up the energy to walk it off or work out. After all, I was ordered to rest either way, so the gym was certainly out of the picture for the first month and a half.

Eventually, my mental health started suffering from my weight gain. I found myself weighing in at a little over 300 pounds. Not only was I completely out of shape, I was miserable at the same time.

Nothing I did or said was enough motivation to get going again and slowly it was crushing my self-esteem. None of my clothes fit and I found myself feeling very negative, due to the toxins inside my body from unhealthy eating and lack of a fitness routine. I was convinced that there was no shaking it.

Finally, I decided to cut gluten from my diet entirely after my friend and CrossFit coach Jessica Caldas suggested that I could have a sensitivity to gluten. She explained that it was a huge factor in weight gain and the way I was feeling.

Why not? I thought as I began my gluten-free journey.

At this point in my life, I've tried multiple workout programs and diets that either worked to my advantage or failed terribly. What did I have to lose?

It was the only motivation I could gather to get me out of the rut I've been stuck in and I have to admit, after one whole week of proper exercising and a much healthier diet that didn't include gluten, I felt a huge difference with the following:

• Weight-loss
• Better sleep
• Less bloating
• More energy

All of those points above were a minor change to my lifestyle and allowed me to find the motivation to workout again as I continue down this health journey. Although it feels impossible at times to complete a workout or fight the cruel temptation of a donut or fast-food item, I know that the outcome will only be worth it if I give it my all.

One day at a time.