I don't really feel this way but this cartoon certainly made me smile! Actually, I probably know a few people who think that is why I chose this lifestyle, though. :-) I have been on a plant-based diet since September 2012. It has been an incredible journey for me and, like I've written in the past, it is wonderful to go through life without feeling nauseous all the time.
I hadn't had a cholesterol screening since December 2011 and thought it would be a good time to get myself tested again.
Throughout the years, my total cholesterol has ranged between 175 and 196. My good and bad cholesterol were always within the limits of what the medical establishment says it should be. My bad cholesterol (LDL) has always been below the limit but pretty close to the 100-130.
So, today I was delighted to learn that my levels were much lower than they'd been over the past 15 years. I don't even remember having a total cholesterol of 145 (since I began being tested at least). But 145 is what it was today.
My HDL (healthy cholesterol) was 100 and should be above 60.
My LDL (bad cholesterol) didn't even come up in the reading. She told me that is because the machine will only give a reading if it is above 50 (optimal range should be below 129).
So, why am I writing this post? Because if you have ever had any doubt that you can affect your cholesterol with diet, this is my proof. I've heard the argument that high cholesterol can be genetic. In my family, where many members have high cholesterol, do they have it because of genetics or their choice of food? I tend to think the latter.
Even if you are sure you have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, it would be a great experiment to try a plant-based diet and just see if it will make a difference. Much better than taking cholesterol-lowering medication for the rest of your life.
I will admit, it was a challenge to choose this lifestyle at first...sometimes it still is. (Heck, I break down one in blue moon and have a slice of pizza). But it gets easier and the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences (especially social). Plus, for me, it tends to keep me much more calm and less angry.
I would be more than happy to talk to you about my own experience if you think you may want to try.
I hadn't had a cholesterol screening since December 2011 and thought it would be a good time to get myself tested again.
Throughout the years, my total cholesterol has ranged between 175 and 196. My good and bad cholesterol were always within the limits of what the medical establishment says it should be. My bad cholesterol (LDL) has always been below the limit but pretty close to the 100-130.
So, today I was delighted to learn that my levels were much lower than they'd been over the past 15 years. I don't even remember having a total cholesterol of 145 (since I began being tested at least). But 145 is what it was today.
My HDL (healthy cholesterol) was 100 and should be above 60.
My LDL (bad cholesterol) didn't even come up in the reading. She told me that is because the machine will only give a reading if it is above 50 (optimal range should be below 129).
So, why am I writing this post? Because if you have ever had any doubt that you can affect your cholesterol with diet, this is my proof. I've heard the argument that high cholesterol can be genetic. In my family, where many members have high cholesterol, do they have it because of genetics or their choice of food? I tend to think the latter.
Even if you are sure you have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, it would be a great experiment to try a plant-based diet and just see if it will make a difference. Much better than taking cholesterol-lowering medication for the rest of your life.
I will admit, it was a challenge to choose this lifestyle at first...sometimes it still is. (Heck, I break down one in blue moon and have a slice of pizza). But it gets easier and the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences (especially social). Plus, for me, it tends to keep me much more calm and less angry.
I would be more than happy to talk to you about my own experience if you think you may want to try.
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