Despite lifestyle changes, cholesterol rising
joyce_6333
14 years ago
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Comments (10)
devorah
14 years agolydia1959
14 years agoRelated Discussions
Are we still working out/seeking healthy lifestyle.
Comments (11)I joined a new (to me) workout facility that has small groups with a trainer, 20 minutes of weights followed by about 1/2 hr of cardio, 3 times a week. Food plan and weigh-ins every week. In the 5 weeks I've been going, I have lost..drumroll please...2 pounds. However, this was during the Epic Birthday celebrations and several weekends away, so if I hadn't been at least sorta following this new plan, I probably would have gained 5 lbs. And even though the scale says I've lost only 2 lbs., my jeans fit as though I've lost more. What works for me is that I have an appointment 3 times a week so I HAVE to show up. And then there's the weekly weigh in, so there's a lot of accountability. The only negative is that the trainers try to force a sort of social thing that I'm really not interested in. I have plenty of friends and not looking to make new ones at the gym. I'm friendly, but I'm there to get a job done! Health wise, I have some looming appointments that aren't all fun. Because my mom died of ovarian cancer, I have had annual pelvic ultrasounds since I was about 35 (I just turned 50). In all that time, they have been normal. A few weeks ago, I went for the usual u/s and there was "something" on my ovary. They want to check again in a few weeks to see if it was something cyclical and may just go away. If it's still there, I'll have an MRI. Since my mother died at 55, I have always had a "thing" about entering the 50-something decade, so having "something" found on an ovary 3 days after turning 50 has messed with my head a bit. But I'm trying not to worry about it. We are having a higher degree of stress than usual with oldest DS, who has provided a steady stream of stress during his 22 years, and I am trying to take care of myself in ways to help alleviate that stress so it doesn't bring me to an early grave! Massage, escapes with friends, exercise, etc....See MoreHIgh cholesterol diet
Comments (22)I had my annual physical at the end of May, and my cholesterol was 299. I immediately cut out all sugar and refined carbs and trans fats. I walked 40 minutes a day. I ate healthy low-carb whole foods like baked or grilled chicken, wild salmon, grass-fed beef maybe once a week, fish, eggs, legumes (primarily red or black beans), LOTS of vegetables (but no potatoes), avocados, and some fruit (mostly berries and apples). Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil. I never felt deprived or hungry. For snacks, I ate nuts, mostly almonds and walnuts, but also some pecans and pistachios. One of my favorite snacks is apple pieces dipped into almond butter. Homemade kale chips are good, too. For beverages, I stuck to water and lots of it, and tea (green, white or Rooibos). I took a high quality fish oil supplement, not the ones you buy at the grocery store. And for a sweetener, I use "Just Like Sugar." I like it better than Stevia and you definitely want to avoid aspartame. Although after a short while of no sweets, I lost my desire for them and seldom used the Just Like Sugar. After 3 months (and 20 pounds lighter) I had my cholesterol re-checked and it was down to 224. I don't need to lose much more weight, but I'm going to continue on this eating plan because I feel soooo much better. I think the key is to reduce inflammation, I think that is the real culprit to much of what ails us. Good luck to your SO. He's a lucky man to have you helping him and looking out for him!...See MoreHealthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 9/11
Comments (34)I will start the thread for the new week a little later this morning-- but I wanted to respond to some of the later posts first. @pricklypearcactus of course I do not talk to my friends the way I sometimes talk to myself. Why give grace to others but not ourselves? It is a process. I am doing better but I have a long way to go. @Zalco/bring back Sophie! so glad you have rejoined us. There was no reason for you to feel you couldnt participate but I get that it is more fun and valuable when you are feeling good about your choices and lifestyle. I have posted less lately and I try to tell myself it is because I am busier-- but I need to face up to the truth that it was because I was slipping and not doing as well. I knew what I was doing but wasn't facing it head on-- that stops today. Smart move to stock the fridge with veggies! Every single time I slip it is because I have not shopped, planned or prepped. I also do not stop carbs/starches. I know that seems odd to many as it is the most common diet for those trying to lose weight. I find I need water soluble fiber in my diet -- my digestive system gets verrrrry sluggish without it. But also, this is a way of living for me. I can't imagine never having a slice of bread or oatmeal or pasta ever again. I am mindful of the proportion on the plate and choose healthier grains. I am comfortable with that-- it's a way of eating I can live with. Looking forward to your posts and progress, Zalco! Since I am restarting in a way, we can do this jumpstart together! @lucille - it is so impressive that you were able to make changes to reduce your medications. That is a huge accomplishment and i think highlights the way food affects our health. How wonderful that you have a new exercise companion. You have such great momentum and now an extra boost to your motivation! I look forward to hearing about your progress too. @roarah, I want to thank you again for your post. I spent a lot of time yesterday thinking about it-- surely thinking about your and your DD but also reflecting on my own history with eating and my current behaviors and my motivations. I can look back to my youth and teen years and see where I started some very bad behaviors (not worth going into now) and then fast forward to the current. My thinking is still effed up-- sure, I am working towards a healthier lifestyle. I want to have more energy, I want to be physically stronger and more flexible, I want all my organs to be less strained -- but how am I measuring my successes? By my appearance! If I look in the mirror and I don't SEE weight loss, then I dismiss all my progress in healthier living. In my mind, it only counts if it improves my appearance... and let me be honest, you don't become 100lb overweight without some body dysmorphia and denial at play so should I even trust what I see in the mirror. I really need to work on this. Much as my motivations are honest, my measures of success are skewed. I don't mean to overshadow you or your daughter's experiences, struggles and strides towards a healthier body. I continue to send you love and strength and wishes for the future. I just want to thank you for increasing our awareness.. MY awareness because I think we can all fall prey to the messed up messaging and messed up relationships with our bodies and eating....See MoreHealthy Lifestyle Progress - Week of 6/11/2023
Comments (33)Bunny - my young adult son started Invisalign a while back. Maybe 9 months or even a year. He's lost about 35 lbs! For exactly the reasons you stated. He just isn't snacking anymore. So if keeping your weight is an issue for you (oh, how I wish that was a problem for me!), definitely be mindful. I haven't posted on these threads (or many here) but I do read these every week. You all do inspire me. I am not overweight, but as I get older (early 60s) it becomes harder and harder to take off any weight added. We have been traveling more. That son I mentioned just graduated college and he's our last. Amazing how finances change when no longer paying that college tuition! Anyway, I always have a very hard time getting back on my exercise routine after getting home from vacation. And I usually put on a couple lbs while on vacation as I don't worry about what I'm eating. But string a few of those vacations together and it's becoming an issue. We are away again for a week mid July (Cape Cod) so I must get back on my exercise routine pronto! If I don't do it first thing in the morning, before even coming downstairs for coffee, it doesn't get done. And I've never been one that enjoyed exercising, so it's a constant battle with myself to get myself to do it. Ugh....See Moretrancegemini_wa
14 years agojoyce_6333
14 years agodevorah
14 years agotrancegemini_wa
14 years agodevorah
14 years agotrancegemini_wa
14 years agoUser
14 years ago
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