Carmen Andrade

Lost control of her eating in the U.S.

My name is Carmen Andrade, I am from Colombia and I live in New Jersey. Arriving into this country 6 years ago really affected me. I cried every day because I missed my family and my customs. To disguise my grief, I ate enormous plates of fried Latin food, full of fat, to feel the flavor of my country. I no longer ate, I swallowed everything I could, whether it was a bandeja paisa, empanadas or pupusas, to try to get closer to my country and everything I left to seek a better future. I was eating out of control. I became an obese person at 193 pounds. I ended up in the hospital for a pre-stroke, making my family very concerned. Although I was an extra-large size, my husband gave me a beautiful dress extra-small to motivate me to start my transformation and he told me Yes You Can!. I knew of an angel that has changed the lives of thousands of people and his name is Alejandro Chabán. I knew that he would help me to be a healthy person, full of energy. As of today, I've lost 80 pounds! I love my life, my family, and my delicious Latin food, which Yes You Can! has taught me how to eat healthily. I will always be proud to be Colombian, Latina, and a warrior who said yes to life, to an extra-small dress and to Yes You Can!.