I'm happy to say that I'm still moving in the right direction and my slight panic attack over the "question about my lab results" was nothing. In fact, the P.A.-C was basically just calling to let me know that everything looked fine because she knows how important this journey and experiment has been for me. While the changes weren't nearly as drastic as they were back in April, I'm happy that they continued to show small signs of improvement. This experiment has been fascinating for me. If nothing else, I've become much more accountable for my health and have shown solid proof that we CAN and do have the natural power to better ourselves from the inside out. There is no magic health pill. In fact, I'm doing what I can to stay away from the pills. People still ask all of the time how I could possibly survive with this plant-strong way of eating. For the most part, it's easy...simple...fun...tasty. If your first reaction is, "I could NEVER do that," then it's probably not for you. However, I'm also here to tell you, that if I can be disciplined enough, ANYONE can be.
The only time it gets difficult is when I'm at a restaurant that isn't necessarily vegan or vegetarian friendly. Nowadays, I don't look at a menu and see what I CAN'T have (It can be depressing). I look at the vegetarian options or the side dishes that I CAN combine to create a good meal. I've had conversations with chefs at steak restaurants who have personally come to the table and created something special just for me. I don't always like being "that girl," but it's a choice I've made at this point. The biggest pain is being the high maintenance one at dinner. I used to be picky because I would only eat crappy greasy food. Now, I'm picky because I eat "healthy food." What an ironic change.
It continues to be a work in progress. I'd say I'm about 95% vegan (dessert, certain foods made with egg noodles or milk, and occassional piece of sushi, etc) It looks like both my weight and numbers seem to be leveling off, which I suppose will eventually happen!
All I know is that it's a great feeling when you get a phone call from your health care provider giving you a personal pat on the back! They're so used to dealing with people who aren't proactive with their own health. Most patients want the pills, the surgery and the quick fix (and we wonder why health care is out of control). I'm choosing to take the natural approach for now and loving every empowering day of it.
Without further adieu, here are the numbers:
2008 HDL (Healthy Cholesterol): 104
April 2009 HDL: 83
Sept 2009 HDL: 80
2008 LDL (Lethal Cholesterol): 140
April 2009 LDL: 119
Sept 2009 LDL: 110
2008 Total Cholesterol: 259
April 2009 Total Cholesterol: 218
Sept 2009 Total Cholesterol: 213
April 2009 Risk Ratio 1.43 (Below 3.2 is safe)
Sept 2009 Risk Ratio 1.37
5 comments:
So, which is more important: the raw numbers or the ratio?
Either way, you've made good progress and you should be proud of doing it naturally without medication.
GREAT Job Carrie! I agree that too many people want their "health" in a pill instead of being accountable for their health. You are a great example of a proactive person.
Congrats on the numbers!
I think what's most impressive is that you've continued to improve w/o doing crazy amts of exercise. I know that wasn't by choice but a lot of folks seem to use exercise as an excuse to eat badly whereas some, like me, use it as an excuse to eat better. You're eating better for the sake of better health, period. That's how it should be, IMO, and maybe I'll get there one day.
Eric--the overall ratio is probably the most important factor. Mine looks quite fine so, in theory, I have nothing to worry about!
Fantastic progress. I may have to have you come to Houston and talk with my hubby. He got his cholesterol numbers back this week and they were up over 200.
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