The Case of the Disappearing Cholesterol

Too many people in my family die of heart disease and live with heart-related issues on a daily basis.  I suppose my family is no different than most as heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States.  The sad thing is that it is a preventable disease.  Our politicians bloviate about guns while remaining reticent about the self-inflicted epidemic of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.  (Side note, I don't want the government involved I am simply want to expose its hypocrisy). 

Today, I searched back to my cholesterol results from January 2011 and my cholesterol was dangerously high. My HDL (good cholesterol) was extremely low and my LDL (bad stuff) was way too high.  The only thing that was looking borderline good was my triglycerides.  At the time I was doing what my doctor said so imagine my frustration when it only became worse!  That's when I started researching a plant-based diet.  My doctor told me the standard pablum of to eat filet mignon when eating steak, only skinless chicken breasts.  I was also supplementing with Shakeology.  The stuff  tasted phenomenal but didn't dent my cholesterol.  So I decided supplementation was a waste of time and money. 

I ordered three books from Amazon: Engine 2 Diet, China Study and Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease.  I spoke with my wife and shared my results and my aversion to going on medication without first exhausting everything in my power first.  She was onboard and has been 100% supportive from the beginning.  My nature is to research and come to my own conclusion on things.  The books arrived and I quickly began to devour them.  

Admittedly,  I didn't know how to cook.  I simply ate a lot of salads and fruit but I started.  The research seemed to be solid.  Honestly, what did any of these three men have to gain for me being plant-strong?  They weren't trying to surreptitiously move the needle for animal rights groups just trying to get people to eat healthier.  I was hooked. 

After eating a plant based diet for two months my total cholesterol decreased by 25%.  I was ecstatic but it still was too high.  I made the decision that my new way of eating was not simply a "wait and see" but a new way of life for me.  I continued down the plant strong path and become more knowledgeable in preparing delicious and healthy meals.  I never asked my family to join me.  However, some of the dishes I was preparing were better than the "meat and dairy" version.  

My next annual physical was in February 2012.  This time my cholesterol decreased an additional 29%.  In less than one year my total cholesterol went from 253 to 133!  People ask if it's difficult to maintain my plant-based intensity and honestly it is.  My vegan friends have something inside them that despises the use of animal products which is a strong ally and empowerment.  My Adventist friends have a religious reason for not eating meat.  For me however, it isn't the meat that's a problem - it's the prepackaged convenience foods (ie chips).  

Two years into plant-strong life and I am still doing well.  It is imperative for me to read up on plant-based diets.  I really enjoy Dr. Joel Furhman's writing and was recently introduced to Jeff Novick and Brendan Brazier.  I intend to order some of Novick's Fast Food books and Brazier's Thrive soon.  

My next-year goal is to have my LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides to be 60 each.  That would give me a total cholesterol of 125 (if my math is right).  Over the next 11 months I am going to be diligent about hitting that number and losing about 15 pounds as I prepare for my first spring triathlon.  I want to be fit inside and out and live a long and prosperous life. 

God bless! 

How Do You Get Protein and Calcium?

I just returned from my annual physical and had full blood work completed.  I was tested for cholesterol, sugar, calcium, protein, you name it and I was tested for it.  My doctor is still extremely pleased with my numbers and said "whatever you are doing is working."  That, "whatever I am doing is following a plant-strong diet.

I'd like for a 60-60-60 number.  I want my HDL to be 60, triglycerides to be 60 and for my LDL to be 60.  It's doable and by this time next year I will do everything in my power to get there (without medication).  According to research, total cholesterol below 150 is virtually heart-attack proof.

When I discuss a plant-based diet with people they inevitably ask, "how do you get your protein?" and "won't your bones break without dairy?"  These are probably the most common misconceptions and ignorance.  Vegetarians, vegans, and plant-strong people continue to educate and reeducate the masses on these two objections.

First of all plants have protein.  Some plants, calorie for calorie, have more protein than meat, dairy, or eggs --- without saturated fats and cholesterol.  Plus, plants have fiber and animal products do not.  My doctor tracks my protein numbers and they are doing very well.

Do we need protein to build muscle? Yes, but one can gain sufficient protein to build muscle through plants.  It is my understanding that Tony Horton, the creator of P90X, follows a plant-based and gluten-free diet.  He is pretty muscular.

What about calcium?  Well, the countries that have the most cases of broken hips, etc are also the same people that consume the most dairy.  There is a breakdown somewhere in our understanding don't you think?  Plants contain calcium.  Let's think about the animal kingdom.  Cows, where most people get their milk, stop drinking milk when they are weaned.  As do horses, elephants, gorillas --- all very powerful animals that eat plant based diets.   How do their bones remain strong without milk?

If you're considering adopting a plant based diet don't allow all of the uneducated and ignorant people persuade you out of it.  I've been following a plant based diet for 3 years and I am healthier now than I have ever been.

Teaching an Old "Dog" New Tricks

One of my many interests is genealogy.  I recently received copies of 3 of my 4 grandparents death certificates (1 is still alive, yeaaa!).  All three died of some sort of heart disease.  Now, most people would say, "it's in your genes" but I don't buy that load of poppycock.  The reason heart disease is "in our genes" is because we haven't changed our poor eating habits.  I made that change about 2 years ago and it's made a huge difference in my life and health.

My grandma fried everything! My grandpa ate everything she fried.  I am convinced he lived longer than her only because he ate oatmeal everyday for breakfast and that acted as a partial deterrent to his inevitable demise caused by heart disease.

Change is hard - we all know that.  Changing when one is older is even harder but not impossible as this story indicates. I have many members in my family that are curious about how I eat but they never take the "leap of faith" to actually give it a shot.  I'm inspired by Daniels story, dedication, and honesty.  I'm all going to steal his line, "you're fine, until you're not."

If you're on the fence take a 10 day challenge like is mentioned here.  Who knows, it just might change save your life.

Reverse the Curse

Why do weeds grow in my yard without effort but growing verdant grass is nearly impossible but possible with diligence and care? The same reason living healthy is difficult.  When we age we have a tendency to put on extra weight (read fat), our bodies stiffen (in all the wrong places, thank you very much!), pooping becomes things of legend, and doctor visits are more often than that dreaded one time each year. What can be done?

The more I read and study the more I realize proper diet and exercise is vital to a long and healthy life.  Understanding it is one thing but actually living it on a day-to-day basis is not always easy.  Just because it is not easy doesn't mean it's impossible, though. I am experiencing a certain ebb and flow of healthy living versus not so healthy living.  I'm human.  Weeds grow easy but grass takes focus, effort, and care. 

It's important to know that we are in a constant struggle to live healthy.  Don't misunderstand me.  I am not talking about having an unhealthy but popular body from a skinny model or any other extreme.  When I refer to "healthy" I mean blood panels that are better than what is recommended by the American Heart Association or other government subsidized entity, our sugar levels and blood pressure are in the right zone.

It's helpful to set ourselves up for success by putting a premium on exercise of any type.  Our houses need to be stocked with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and other options that promote healthy living.  Chips, chocolate, and other food that is nutritionally bankrupt are easy to get, store, and eat so keeping them away is helpful.  Remember in The Karate Kid II: "Best block, no be there."

Everyday is a new day.  Every day we need to resist obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other man-made diseases.  We can do it.  I can do it.  You can do it.