About Me

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Austin, Texas, United States
I'll make you laugh, or break my neck trying. This is usually accomplished with daily bouts of swimming, biking and running. A former "chub-a-holic," I got fit and healthy the good old fashioned way and went from a mid-pack athlete to top age group runner and triathlete. I'm a Writer and USAT Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. I guess that makes me part Tina Fey and part Jillian Michaels. Visit my coaching site at www.fomotraining.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Engine 2 Cholesterol Results

Don't worry...I really didn't know what the hell cholesterol was either, but this chart pretty much spells it out. Thank goodness for 4th grade science books!

I got the call this morning from the nurse at my doctor's office while I was driving home from Barton Springs. When I saw the unrecognized number, I got a little nervous. "This is it," I thought. "It's the call I've been waiting for."  Part of me just wanted to let it go to voicemail so that the nurse on the other end wouldn't have to hear my reaction. Instead, I answered with my usual chipper, "Hi-This is Carrie" salutation for those unrecognizable numbers.

"Hi Carrie, this is so-and-so (not her real name) from the Doctor's office. We got the results from your blood and urine and everything looks great!"

Now...most people would be happy with that greeting. They would say, "Awesome! Thanks so much" and proceed about their day thinking that they are immortal beings.

I was pulling into my driveway, talking on the phone and reaching for a pen and paper at the same time.

"That's great news," I said. "Now, can you tell me my specific cholesterol numbers? I've been doing a bit of an experiment and I'm anxious for the results."

Here it is:

Old HDL (Healthy Cholesterol): 104
New HDL:  83

Old LDL (Lethal Cholesterol): 140
New LDL: 119

Old Total Cholesterol: 259
New Total Cholesterol: 218

Risk Ratio 1.43 (Below 3.2 is safe)

So---What does this mean?!  It means that the Engine 2 Eating plan works wonders and my total cholesterol dropped 41 points in six weeks!  That's great considering I was drinking wine and wasn't totally vegan with my training nutrition (i.e. recovery drinks, gels, etc). 

My bad cholesterol alone dropped 21 points and my "risk ratio" looks great.

Now--the bad news is that my total level is still above the recommended 200, but she said it's not a huge concern since my healthy cholesterol looks so good and my ratio is well within the safe range. 

What does this mean for me?! It means I have a new lifetstyle of eating to adopt. I can honestly say that I've never felt better and eating this way has truly been rewarding and fun. Plus, my weight dropped about 8lbs. (you'd think it would make me feel lighter on the bike and run, but it doesn't) :-)

While I don't know that I'll ever be 100% vegan, the results more than speak for themselves. You do have power to repair your body by choosing, cooking and eating the right foods...foods that are complete,nutritious and incredibly filling.

So--damn---no double meat, double cheese pizza for me today. I've already packed my hummus and tofu wrap.



11 comments:

21stCenturyMom said...

Condolences? Just kidding! Congratulations. I'm guessing it's the lack of cow products that is helping you out so no worries about the minor non-vegan eating.

My cholesterol was 217 last time but my "good" number was so super duper high my doctor said it was fine. I've backed off of cheese quite a bit so I'm curious to see what it is now.

Richard said...

Pretty cool stuff! I wonder how much it will drop if you keep this up for longer? Thought about getting another part-time gig as a spokesman for Rip?

I mean, officially?

Marsha Marsha Marsha said...

congrats carrie! keep it up!

<3
Marsha
Engine 2 Staff
www.theengine2diet.com
www.engine2academy.com

Unknown said...

that's quite a shift

ShirleyPerly said...

That is a remarkable change! Congrats on the results. I'm getting my blood work done next Monday and curious to see what all these eggs I've been eating have been doing to my cholesterol level.

Runner Leana said...

Wow, those are some amazing results! Glad to hear that the plan paid off.

Unknown said...

Thank gosh you said you still drank wine! Congrats on the numbers girl. Cathy Bridge

Priscilla said...

Wow, congratulations!! I have high cholesterol too, over 200. I'm not sure I'm ready for the strict diet though :( Good job on yours!!!

muna said...

Good for you, Carrie!!! I am inspired. We have the book, and I'm ready to jump on the band wagon. Thanks for sharing all of this.

Benjamin said...

Thats awesome!

Glad to see your got medical evidence that your operating at a higher level now. I have no doubt that this will positively affect your racing if you keep it up!

As far the recovery product/gels you can totally make your own... Brendan Brazier covers all it in "The Thrive Diet".

Also OrganicAthlete has now has made membership FREE!

http://www.organicathlete.org/

We've been a little un-organized lately (been busy um..graduating) but gimmie 4 months ..OA Austin will be in Austin Runner haha


Cheers!
Benjamin

Me said...

I'm jealous. I have NEVER been able to get my HDL up over 45 or so no matter what I do. I guess it's just genetics. Luckily, my LDL is low as well so it balances out.