My Life At 500+ Pounds: Part I - The History Of How I Gained So Much Weight

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Follow along with our "Adventure": FACEBOOK - facebook.com/KrocksInTheKitchen INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/krocksinthekitchen

[@compncv]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I recognize so many things in myself. It’s very inspirational to see how far you’ve come.

[@jadomonell]

P.S. Most people who were "weird" when they were young are the ones who turn into interesting adults with lots of experiences and perspectives to share!!!!!

[@basbleupeaunoire]

True.

[@kathymyers7279]

Sooo true!!

[@michellestone1261]

I agree! I never fit in with the "in" crowd. I found my own way, "MYSELF" I naturally have a zest for adventure n wonderlust always. Discover different careers what I like to do. It's a great thing to find out what it is you like to do.

[@jlcollins7673]

Truth!! All 3 of my kiddos are "weird"!!!! And we LOOOVE IT

[@AshtontheCryptid]

Thank you for sharing with us Brian. This video was incredible. I'm in tears because I can relate to your story. I was a weird chubby kid who was picked on too and I turned into a very big adult. At my biggest I was 350, which for a 5'4" female, I was huge. I couldn't walk more than 20 damn feet without being winded. I had a slew of health problems, including 2 auto immune diseases, and with my family history, it was only a matter of time before something happened to my heart. Long story short, I ditched gluten over a year ago and went vegan last November. I'm down to 241!! Went from a 3x to a Large in shirts!! I still have a long way to go, but I feel like a new person. My husband was 280 and is now 170. He looks like a different man and I'm so proud of him.Plants really are a life saver and I wish more and more people would try going vegan. You and Jessica are truly an inspiration for good health and determination.

[@paisley293]

FANTASTIC!!

[@cathyl.4288]

So inspiring.... keep it up!!

[@sdtcal]

Congrats to you and your husband!!! 👍👍

[@cathevans9859]

I went vegan a year ago, from vegetarian. Best decision ever. I've lost 104 lbs so far and only 11 lb off target weight. My hips were once only 5 inches less than my height! I can totally relate to you and all the other people on their weight loss journeys. Well done.

[@AshtontheCryptid]

Oh and side note...that Conan the Barbarian sword was badass and anyone who made fun of you for it was JEALOUS!!

[@MothGirl007]

Totally!

[@RolandDeschain1]

I swear not two weeks ago I was online looking to see if I could get one of those myself. You can get the replica of Conan's father's sword, or the Atlantean sword, which Brian has in the picture.

[@Nepthu]

Absolutely

[@mshockey73]

Brian, I'm sure this wasn't easy to share. You were very courageous to do so. Happy Birthday and Congratulations on your continued weight loss!!

[@jaktag]

Jessica and you are such beautiful souls💕😘xx

[@joeyp67]

Fantastic testimonial ... honest and warm I know so many people will be helped by it Great Job!

[@valerief1231]

I truly felt Brian’s heart in this 💜💟💜

[@chickenmonger123]

I’m glad you are one of the people who aren’t concerned about looks, but for imminently practical reasons have chosen wellness. For their loved ones. For the sake of living. I say this because relating why you should care, when the physical appearance is not a big priority, is tough. You aren’t really interested in being a rippling mass of muscle. You just want to live better, for longer, with the people who matter. Thanks for sharing.

[@mimigideon1359]

The “whys” about how we let ourselves get fat are important. But the “whys” to move out of that place and into a healthier way of being are more important. I am really proud of the work both of you have done. I am very grateful for the motivation, the humor, the recipes and all of the honest struggle you two provide. Thank you for your example and your story.

[@Linvg]

Amusement parks, airline seats, concert seats, movie theaters, cars, etc. - everything is so much more difficult if you can't fit. I remember going to Disneyland and wondering if I would be able to ride anything.. it SUCKED being overweight and thank you for posting. I've been WFPB vegan for 8 years. I released 130lbs back to the Universe with love, and I'll never get it back. I'm grateful for my own health PLUS all the things that are so much more available to me now. You and Jessica - keep it up. You're definitely on the right path.

[@carolynshull4841]

"Released lbs back to the universe"... never thought of it that way. It reminds me that we are balancing in the universe every second.

[@meetvirginia717]

@@carolynshull4841 When we "lose" something. ...what's the first thing we do and keep doing until we....get it back. Such a perfect why of seeing it, releasing weight.

[@davidlewis1787]

I am not eating vegan, but you guys have inspired me this year and I have lost a couple stone by eating fresh food, cycling and walking.. and you guys have really helped me xx thank you

[@yvonneb6540]

Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. You may have just saved someone else's life.

[@annm.3599]

How sweet - you care so much for Jessica, and it turned you around re: eating! What a beautiful love story!

[@debbiebish3629]

This was one of your best videos! You openly, honestly shared your journey into the world of an overweight, fat person. I'm 77 pounds down in my journey to lose 90 pounds. How did I get fat? Health issues including surgeries, years is struggling to eat well, then finally giving up. I couldn't lose weight no matter what I tried, so I gave up and just accepted myself and my fate of being an overweight woman. It wasn't that I didn't care, I just got so tired of the struggle! My WFPB life has released me from a prison of almost 40 years! I'll be 70 years old soon and I'm finally free. I love you guys! You are so fun to watch! Keep being real, it's what keeps us coming back.

[@lindaolsen7828]

Thank you for this, Debbie. I just turned 70 and like you, I gave up the struggle and stopped, for the most part, of worrying about how I looked although I continued to worry about my health. I have been making slow changes but the best one has been finally retiring! I no longer eat because of boredom which I did all the time at work, sitting in front of a computer and feeling chained to it. I might as well have been in prison. Now, consistency is my mantra. You have inspired me.

[@debbiebish3629]

You can do this. It does take effort, but I just made changing my lifestyle and food choices my main focus. It's taken me two years, but now it's my new identity and routine. Good luck.

[@evem4876]

Debbie I just read ur inspiration Tonite !! Ty for encouraging me I'm a new subbie to this channel glad I came by ...ty for being u n writing this a month ago Tonite I read it ... 👍😊

[@sheilabroad8192]

So true. eating because there’s nothing else to do.. that’s me. Not caring.. that’s me. For most people though, there is something deeper going on. Emotionally. 🤔. Once we get to the root of it, it’s easy to turn around. 💞. I think you found your answer in Jessica.

[@raining_trees]

Boredom is actually one of the most common forms of emotional eating! Personally, sometimes my "bored" eating is actually more deeply rooted in depressive apathy - a sort of fake-neutral emotional state used to cope with stressful situations. But then sometimes I'm just genuinely bored lol

[@happycook6737]

Recent research indicates ultraprocessed foods contribute to depression and are as addictive as drugs. Ultraprocessed foods activate the dopamine receptors in the brain.

[@lioness5953]

Brian you are a handsome man and you were a nice looking kid. I too have battled my weight all of my life. You and Jessica are doing super. Blessings to you both.

[@maggiemay97]

You and Jessica are an inspiration, and not just because of your weight loss. Your relationship is amazing. I love watching you interact.

[@vixxcottage]

What a wonderful video! I am 20 years older than you but started eating junk food and sodas in high school. My mother comes from a small petite family. Grandmother 4ft10 inches grandfather barely over 5 feet. My father's family were all extra extra large height not morbidly obese. My mother had me on diet pills most of my teenage years. Weight was a major issue. I was on every diet known to man throughout my life. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and on and on... My body has been heavily damaged by my years of trying to be healthy but always falling off the wagon that has resulted in severe health problems. I have been morbidly obese (more than 100# overweight) for most of my adult life. After doing research and watching Mastering Diabetes I began trying to learn more about this whole food plant based eating. Started February 26, 2020. Has improved many things but my body is still extremely damaged. I am so glad to have found your channel. Since my lifestyle change many people don't recognize me. I am now obese but not morbidly obese. I want to lose another 50#. Your channel helps many people. Thank you!

[@essentiallyleigha]

This is the most beautiful video! Brian, you and your wife have impacted my life in such an amazing way!!! I'm sitting here eating my WFPBNO lunch while crying watching this video. I'm on this path to wellness because of an emergency gallbladder surgery and because of reaching out to KZbin in search of WHAT to EAT to help me lose the weight and get my health back. I had just finished reading Eat to Live when I stumbled across your channel.....and the adventure began! I'm down about 20 pounds and am not looking back. Cutting out the dairy and meat has instantly got me feeling better. I eliminated the oil and fat almost overnight due to surgery and my doctor's instructions. I go back to him tomorrow for my post-op and I can't wait for him to see how much weight I've lost and to see if he tells me I can "reintroduce" the dairy and other crap.....I certainly don't plan on doing THAT! I'm loving my plants and all of the motivation, inspiration, and joy I find on your channel.

[@LucyLane07]

Hi Leigha. I'm in a similar situation. My gallbladder burst and I had surgery. I have battled to find a healthy diet but I've been doing wfpb for 3 weeks now.

[@LifeWithMrsB]

Brian, I don’t know where to start. Thank you for sharing your story, your life, with us. I don’t even know you and yet am so immensely proud of you and how you have changed. I desperately need to lose some weight and have found this very inspiring. Also the way you filmed and edited this was fantastic!!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Wow, thank you! You got this! Sometimes all we need is a little inspiration to achieve our goals.😀

[@lisarobertson6805]

I love “weird” people, cool sword! Seriously thought, it took a great deal of courage to share this way. You both are a wonderful inspiration to us all. Thank you!

[@saintsmom2010]

Brian you got me all teary when you said how did I get to this point? "why". So brave of you to share your journey. Keep sharing, you are true motivation for someone like me starting my journey with a whole plant lifestyle. At 57, and suffering from anxiety I need motivation. The lbs don't come off as quickly and I get discouraged. Thank you both for your videos, your sense of humor and your recipes.

[@vkgreer100]

Such a lovely, kind man. You have qualities that matter more than appearances. So glad you and Jessica found each other.

[@JustMeInJapan]

“I don’t want to go to the gym today. I want to stay home and do nothing” was all my brain was saying before this. Now I’m getting ready to go to the gym. Thank you, Brian. I needed an emotional kick today.

[@karenmarley9096]

What a heartfelt video. It was so symbolic to see you walk up that hill. Amazing content and visually superb. Well done on so many levels but most importantly that you had "the moment" and you are here to tell your story. Many blessing to you and Jessica.

[@mamakins5123]

Thank you Brian for sharing and caring. You two deserve a makeover. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not thinking you should change who you are or forget where you were but to find joy in the evolving you. Wear it proud - you both deserve it. You can’t know how much of an inspiration you guys are. You have such a large following and only a fraction of your viewers comment (which is totally fine) but you are touching and changing lives. Would love to see you guys do inspirational chats to a live audience when COVID is over. If you do, come to Canada!!!

[@sidilicious11]

I love when you overlapped the old shirt around you. Good on you for finding the motivation and plant based mode for getting healthy!

[@yentavegan8823]

Thank you for letting me share in your pain and being witness to your healing. I feel supported by your honesty and your bravery

[@alexfrederick5475]

I’ve been following you and your wife for months now and I love who you both are. Find you and Jessica incredibly inspiring. I wish you all the best. You are both super BRAVE people.

[@greenteaprincess02]

Thank you for being brave enough to share your story. You can reach so many people just by your words. Thank you for being a vulnerable enough to share your emotional journey with the world. As a man I'm sure it's not easy to share your emotions but it doesn't go unnoticed that you did it. Congratulations on your enormous weight loss and much continued success for you!

[@maryshank7825]

Beautiful and moving testimony💖

[@pockethole1900]

Thank you for trusting us with your heart. In the scheme of things your heart is what matters. I'm so happy you found each other and have as much faith in each other to change your lives for the better. The loss of 200 pounds for you is inspirational to be sure. The best is yet to come and I'm very glad you're doing what you can to make sure you're there to experience it.

[@sobellabg804]

Thanks for sharing your story, Brian. What you said towards the end really touched me. My husband, who has always been thin, said to me one day, “I want us to have our fifty plus years together.” I knew at that moment if I didn’t take serious control of my weight and life, we wouldn’t have that time together. (My mom, who was only 40lbs overweight died in her 40’s.) I’ve been overweight since HS, yo-yoed all my life until becoming WFPB. Since I’m a bit older than you both, okay not quite old enough to be your moms but you get the point, it takes a bit longer to lose. But slow and steady works. And it’s an adventure that I enjoy and feel good doing. Keep up the great work. Hugs to you both!

[@hollywebster6844]

WFPB ended my yo-yo weight, too. I have lost 135 pounds over the past several years without really trying. WFPB is a true blessing for me.

[@elainenicholls7648]

@@hollywebster6844 . May I ask... What is WFPB?

[@stephaniestrandlien5452]

Love this and love you and Jessica. You and she are an inspiration and share a lot of good vibes on your channel and I’m sure in your lives with your family and friends! So glad I found Krocks in the Kitchen!

[@lasvegan7021]

Thanks for sharing this, I started my 100 lb adventure at the end of June. I've watched lots of your videos and find inspiration in them. The two of you are the most adorkable couple on KZbin! Much love!

[@lizzie9970]

You and Jessica are both so inspirational - It really means a lot when you both speak so openly and honestly. I wish I could get my act together. I just keep failing and it just makes it harder to try again. Vegan for 4.5 years and have been so interested in WFPB for at least half that time, but always come back to the vegan junk food and can never seem to give it up. Nowadays I just feel depressed and anxious most of the time and the pandemic isn't helping, so I just sit around inside all day and eat and watch KZbin/TV. Feels like food is the only thing that makes me happy/forget about everything *sigh* anyway, sorry to ramble in a comment. I guess all I can do is keep trying and hope one time it will stick rather than fail. Side note - Not sure if you ever watched Last Minute Trips - but they actually went to Collinsville so I had actually heard of it haha!! (It's here if you're interested :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6iodYKwlMxnsKs )...

[@paisley293]

Same here Lizzie. This sham-demic is so depressing... life is not the same, food is still very available, and what tastes best is what I reach for. But the weight is creeping up, and I'm NOT buying new, bigger sizes! So for me, when I'm going into the kitchen, I need to STOP and ask myself, "Am I really hungry, or do I need to think of something to do?" Good luck Lizzie!

[@itsLiane]

Lizzie, try to make just one small change today....maybe one less junk food today and then celebrate the one change as better than yesterday. Then maybe tomorrow, go outside for a walk even if it’s only to the corner. I’ve noticed how much being outside helps me feel better. If you have a park nearby, go walk there even if you can only do a few minutes. Getting out of the house helps you break the cycle of sitting there snacking and watching your screen and it helps clear your head. Lastly, celebrate your victories no matter how small- focus on the positive and build on them. Good luck to you!

[@oleeb]

Never give up! You haven't failed, you just haven't accomplished your goal yet. Keep trying. You will succeed!

[@margaretluna9285]

We're all on this road together. You've come to the right community. I'm doing a better but its taken a lot of time. I have learned so much from many channels of those who have been successful at changing to a a wfpb lifestyle. Don't give up! I used to resent having to cook and prep so much but I had to convince myself that cooking is caring and I'm worth it. So are you!

[@lizzie9970]

@@paisley293 Thank you

[@styxlover21]

Thank you as always for your unflinching honesty, and for your vulnerability. It makes so many people, myself included, feel less alone and like we absolutely CAN do this.

[@oafootnotes]

Thank you Brian...I have a 16 year old son who is going down the road you described...this was so insightful for me...the soda and the video games and the "I don't care about my weight" attitude...I'm so grateful to hear this from a male perspective because as his mother I didn't have a clue ....you're a wonderful man Brian and thank you for being so brave and honest and I can't wait to hear more about your experiences surrounding this topic...I know it will enable me to see my sons life right now with more understanding ...love to you and Jessica !

[@suzannestauffer7761]

It's so easy to just move through your life in the behavioral notch we create for ourselves and not realize how unhealthy those behaviors are, especially if you have no real health problems to speak of. It's like suddenly waking up from a long sleep at the moment when you finally realize you need to change. I'm willing to bet your story is more common than people think. So glad you are sharing. I know I saw myself in there a lot as you spoke. Keep up the good work. Bless you both!

[@HousewifeInTheWoods]

I really enjoyed this a whole lot. Side note: You have the perfect voice over voice... for real. This was really inspiring, thank you

[@julieberg8236]

Thank you for sharing your story, as I have come to get to 'know' you and Jessica over the past year I always wondered what your aha moment was - the yellow shirt picture. Thank you.

[@sharonshiel]

You have both been my biggest inspiration and motivation since I have started my own adventure with a whole food, plant based life. I'm turning 50 this year, have been at least 75 pounds overweight for the last 20 years, and my health has plummeted. Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar all going up. Inflammation and body aches in every joint. Feeling so old. In about 6 weeks of being around 90-95% wfpb, I've lost over 10 pounds, pain decreased, skin is clearer, sleep is better. Wow! Thank you for being real in your videos, and being so easy to connect with. You are keeping me on track. You are changing lives!

[@sharonshiel]

How could I forget...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[@stephanied.8160]

Brian, you moved me to tears with this one. You are very brave to share your personal story with the world. I never was extremely overweight, but I was an emotional eater, AND a boredom eater. You were , in my humble opinion, partially a victim of the food industry. I mean, there is a sinful amount of sugar in sodas, and then the caffeine added to that just got you off to a downhill journey. I won't try to psychoanalyze you, but I will share that for me, I was the different kid in my family and was teased for many reasons by my own siblings. On top of that my parents ate the SAD, and my mom self-medicated with food ( as well as her children). I just want you and Jessica to stay on the right track, get to your healthiest weight, and live as long and happy as possible. Happy Birthday! We, your fans, see what a genuinely decent person you are.😉

[@alexandrawalters8953]

Thank you, for everything: for letting total strangers share your journey, for your breathtaking courage, for your humanity. You might not ever know how many lives you have touched and helped, but you and Jessica are presenting a REAL testimony about of REAL life. Thank you so very much 💗

[@havecourageandbekind9605]

You are a terrific story teller! Thank you for this motivational video.

[@Lindasinish]

I started to tear up at the picture of you next to the tank and looking at your current face. So emotional, honest and loving. You are awesome. 💖💖💖

[@AlabasterClay]

Amazing insights. Someone can know and understand all the science--have a PE teacher for a father....but if that person isn't ready to care about healthy weight and lifestyle, you can't make him! It is up to each person.

[@happycook6737]

Ultraprocessed food dramatically and negatively impact brain health by activating addiction pathways and contributing to depression in susceptible people. The only solution is to eat minimally processed whole foods plant based with no added fat/oil no added sugar. After 3 weeks we are detoxed, natural food tastes great, and we become able to care about ourselves.

[@raining_trees]

Your senior band nerd photos are genuinely badass and don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise!! That sword is cool and percussion is almost as cool as the trumpet section ;)

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

Well, I am very glad you liked them. 😀

[@abbykuo4884]

Thank you for sharing and opening up. Not everyone is kind and brave enough to open up and inspire others. And I just want to say you looked good in the photos, seriously!

[@mammabear2183]

It takes a lot of courage to share something so personal. Thank you. I’m sure your sharing will help many people who struggle with weight. You are a very compassionate person who has so much empathy for your lovely wife. I’m glad you found each other and you are building a healthy life together. Thanks again for sharing🙏🏻

[@LindaR423]

I could tell that your story came right from the heart. It got me a little teary-eyed a couple of times. I'm looking forward to more.

[@cpshirling]

I watched a video of you two last week about asking what we wanted else to see you folks do. This video, this type is so important for all of us going through the same issues as you two. I hope you succeed in anything you two put your mind to, but please keep giving us videos like this of your weight loss adventure because, they are so important to me and I am sure these thousands of others that watch your videos. Your realism makes what seem like an impossible journey possible.

[@robynweitz6515]

The whole story is raw and real. But for me the most touching thing you said was that you needed to change for Jessica. That leaving her on this earth without you to deal with being without you and her anxiety. That to me is a man with believes in his marriage vows to God. God bless you both!

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

I only make a vow if I intend to keep it. My father always told me to never make a promise you can't keep and never break your word. So if I promise or I give my word, it will be done. 😀

[@colleenc5008]

You and Jessica have been helping so many people with your channel and blog - your stories make your journey that much more personal. Thanks so much for sharing. You two are great, a real inspiration. And I love your recipes. :)

[@teresastackhouse6690]

Thank you so much for your honest, vulnerable, and thoughtful video. Your willingness to take a deeper dive into circumstances surrounding your weight will undoubtedly help many. Nothing but respect for you and Jessica.

[@MothGirl007]

Brian, I think it's so great that you were able to trace your weight gain back to it's original source - I'm very impressed, but then you are an impressive guy in general. Thank you so much for sharing your story! Happy Birthday, you and Jessica are awesome.

[@karynm3365]

Thanks so much for your very honest and uplifting video! It's truly amazing to see how far you've come. Both you and Jessica's journey to live a very healthy lifestyle has become, I'm sure- a lifeline to so many people that are struggling with weight issues!

[@meronabraham663]

Thanks Brian, for that honest open share. I really appreciate your willingness to provide a transparent account of your story that can help others. And I want to acknowledge your loving motivation to stick around for your wife and others who love you. ❤️😎

[@helencampbell1793]

Brian, I was so touched by your story, at one point, when you talked about your fear of leaving Jessica alone, I had tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I hope you and Jessica live a long healthy life together, you certainly are an awesome couple. ❤️

[@ClaudiaMartinez-pj5xd]

This is so moving. Thank you for sharing from your heart.

[@dugfriendly]

This is so important to share with people in a bad situation. Thank you, Brian!

[@robertalynch5433]

I love that you are willing to be so honest to help other people. Thanks!!!

[@elvaaude]

Thank u for sharing.. we usually think people who get up there in weight went thru some traumatic childhood experience that triggered them to get start gaining weight.. but ur story shows that just having had eating habits can definitely be the culprit!!!!!! U are doing amazing now!!!!!

[@bethleon7006]

This is the best, most heartfelt and real life story I’ve seen. Thank you for sharing your story. You both are an inspiration and I thank you for all you do. Congratulations on your achievements.

[@bevr2164]

A very handsome man ❣you have so much going for you. You are a good person who now contributes to so many lives. I have been watching for years but never have seen this one. Keep it up it is a battle sometimes. 🙏😇Your neighbor, Bev R. St Peter's, MO

[@tonycat721]

OH OMG Brian ! ! ! can i give you a hug ? as i have commented to you vids before you and Jes ROCK ..... i am so proud of you two ...

[@KrocksInTheKitchen]

*virtual hug 😀

[@karenwalkersginglass]

I appreciate your openness and vulnerability - and on your birthday, too! You two are a blessing to your audience. Thank you and I look forward to watching the next video in this series. 🤗

[@YT4Me57]

As it is in all addictions, when one hits bottom, the caring begins. Jessica has been a blessing to you, and vice versa. What a beautiful testimony Brian. Continue to work on enjoying life in all its manifestations and how it was intended for you.

[@carypolakowski4817]

I just watched this, several months after you posted it. Not sure how I missed it. Thank you for being so vulnerable! You have no idea how many people are in your corner.

[@jenniferclarke7678]

This is the most vulnerable and authentic thing I've seen. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your journey. It's inspiring.

[@phoebeaddis9224]

Oh my gosh, this was absolutely the best. Brian you have given us all a gift today - on your birthday- with this inspiring video. I am so grateful for you sharing this. I am dealing with my own issues and you are helping me. Thank you!

[@cheriemyers2155]

That was a good video. I'm sure you will have a positive influence on someone whose struggles are similar to yours. Thanks for being a light for others to follow.

[@PatriseHenkel]

your HS pics are adorable. wearing the old shirt with the yellow shirt is a great touch - makes your transformation so vivid, . you had the all-American childhood, no devastating tragedy. Yet when we are food addicts, food seems like the answer to everything. Love you so much for sharing your journey. I'm cryin' now. and its alright.

[@johnsgirl62]

Thank you Brian for sharing your story. You are so open and honest. Your weight loss journey is such an inspiration. Your decision to lose weight is very touching. I, along with all who love you, want for you to have a long and happy life. I loved when you shared that you have always been proud of yourself for who you are as a person! From what I've learned about you, there are many things to be proud of. You are talented, funny, kind, spiritual, and open. I look forward to hearing more of your story. Thanks to Jessica for encouraging you to share your photos. You look handsome and dashing with your sword. This would be a boring world if we weren't able to feel comfortable showing our unique and creative personalities. Bless you.

[@luvnlife3332]

So beautiful that I cried. Your love for Jessica was a powerful motivator!

[@pb7353]

You two really do blow me away with your willingness to share openly some deep parts of your life journies. I believe it is a service to humanity. I thank you both from all who learn through your blog and KZbin. Even if one does not have personal weight struggles, listening to your and Jessica's stories can help grow compassion for fellow humans carrying the burden of extra weight.

[@christinad8771]

You know how they say that men get better looking with age? Statement proves to be true here. You were a cute young boy, handsome young man but the most handsome right now. Not because you lost weight. You are just very handsome at your current age. Jessica is very beautiful! Love watching both your journeys together. Wonderful humans!

[@jenniferkiger]

Thank you for sharing your story, Brian. It really helps to hear these types of stories, and yours helped me today. I've really been struggling to do something, anything a first step. I'm happy that you and Jessica are both doing so well in your weight loss adventure!

[@marliesvrakking2407]

Happy Birthday Brain. Thank you for all the inspiration that you and Jessica bring to me. I just started hole food plant based and I'm doing well and losing the weight much easier than withcounting the kcal. 40 lbs more to go.

[@CCinthesky]

I just discovered you two and I absolutely adore you both! I just started a whole food plant based diet after being sick and tired of losing/gaining multiple times. I finally have decided to surrender myself to mother nature's gifts and eat with compassion. SO much love to you both! I look forward to shrinking with you

[@carolynblakeney966]

Brian (and Jessica), the gift that you have given and continue to give by honestly telling your stories is priceless. I have several family members who are very, very overweight and I see at least one great-nephew headed in the same direction. They are all completely uninterested in plant-based or whole food anything. I have tried for almost 30 years to share with them alternatives to our Standard American Disease diet, but have failed. I am going to start recommending recipes from your site and others in the hopes that maybe someone will take a peak and see other real people who have also had health challenges but have taken back control. Thank you for sharing your lives, your struggles, and your successes. There are so many who can benefit from this gift.

[@sandyp9891]

Standing ovation! Of course, the real you is not what is seen on the outside, but it is true that what is seen on the outside is often a reflection of how the unseen side of us is doing. Thank you for posting this and much love to you both!

[@smallfootprint2961]

We're here. Not going anywhere. Thank you for letting us in on your vulnerable story. You're a peach.

[@imjusthereforthecomments4920]

It took courage to film this and you should be really proud of yourself.

[@bretstevens262]

Thank you for sharing! In 2007, I was about 350 pounds at 6'2". I'm down to about 185 pounds. My wife and I are still on our adventure. We recently started a mostly whole food, plant based diet. Love your videos!

[@JustineMertz]

We have similar storys... I was also a weird kid (still am) and emotional and boredom eater. So happy that you’ve found plants. We get to never worry about our weight again 🙌🙌

[@rupeinspections5611]

Hi, I just wanted to say those pictures of you with the sword looked really cool and anyone that says anything different we’re just jealous of you. You looked like a normal high school student to me.

[@merrill997]

Thank you for sharing Brian. As a now WFPB-SOS free obese person I am reminded we all have our aha moment(s) when we decide to take back and be the master of our lives...Your sharing had me cry - empathizing with your journey. Thank you for being brave enough to be honest!

[@danerikagrover7421]

Brian, I love how transparent you are in this vlog. Thank you for sharing your story

[@crashmusketeer306]

My eyes started leaking when Brian doubled the shirt over his body after saying he couldn't even button it in the "yellow shirt photo." Whew.

[@70schick46]

I've been watching you guys for a couple of months along with other KZbinrs. You guys were the most inspiring to me. I grew up in the Belleville and O'Fallon area so I'm very familiar with Collinsville. So proud of both of you and what you've accomplished. I've been plant based for only 3 or 4 weeks but I have you to thank for that. I love your show. Keep up the good work. You're truly an inspiration. ♥️

[@3PairDesigns]

Brian, I've said it before about both you and Jessica, I am very inspired by you. Your story was awesome and warm; you've been to the other side of health, or not so healthy and YOU made the decision to make a change for yourself. I loved your story, and it resonated with me - a lot. So thank you for being the amazing, funny and smart guy you are and sharing it with all of us on our own journeys! Big hugs to you both! 👍💖

[@LadyMaltese]

Brian, first of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You and Jessica have had an amazing weight loss journey. I have to be careful because I can eat when I'm bored. Love the Krocks in the Kitchen video's. Love the surprise recipes boxes and all your recipes. I spent one summer as an undergrad in Collinsville working with the Cohokia Mounds Museum doing salvage archaeology, giving tours up Monks Mound, and giving demonstrations during Cahokia Day's events. Being from the North I was quickly schooled that you don't have pop BUT they do have soda. It's a nice city and your parents home looks amazing. Oh, and I agree that the Conan sword was so cool!!!

[@phylliswarder9779]

Love you guys. You express how I feel so many times and I enjoy watching you. I’m 67 and I think you are the best!

[@kanah9550]

What a beautiful place to grow up! You and Jessica are an inspiration to us all! What a powerful testimony and wonderful journey. It's so neat y'all sharing the life adventures. It certainly helps inspire and encourage. Thank you!

[@lindarobinson7464]

So heartfelt and touching. I can relate to bored eating (esp during this pandemic). I am at my highest weight and because of boredom eating (and treating myself for just getting through the day) I'm really having a hard time losing any weight. I look forward to more of your video. Btw so far there are no thumbs down 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@gaylekohler1392]

Thanks for sharing. I totally get that you can like yourself, but still have a careless relationship with food that leads to out of control weight. I'm retired now and just learning how to gladly eat healthier and move more. Better late than never! I look forward to viewing more of your guys' videos. It helps me to see other people making lifelong changes and being happy? content? positive? about their new routines.

[@christinedrouin1372]

Brian, you and Jessica are the best. Thanks so much for sharing. It means a lot.

[@irenepozderka7277]

I am so Happy for both you and Jessica that you are committed to getting back on the wagon and eating more healthy foods. Your commitment to each other is heartwarming. I know you can both do it and get to healthy weights. God bless both of you.

[@emilywilson7308]

So brave of you to share all of this! You are so inspiring!

[@imanandk]

Brian: I am so filled up watching you share your story. You (and Jessica) have touched, impacted and will influence so many people struggling in their relationship to food, weight, etc. You are a blessing!