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General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: FrugalSpendthrift on August 14, 2015, 11:52:35 AM

Title: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: FrugalSpendthrift on August 14, 2015, 11:52:35 AM

So about 7 months ago, I had a physical for my term life insurance.  I discovered that my cholesterol was a bit high (total 242).  I'm not overweight, but I had been living a fairly sedentary life.  I was 35yo and hadn't been to a doctor in about 4 years, so I had no idea anything was off.

I made some slight changes to my diet, less butter, more almonds, less processed stuff, more fiber, but about 5 weeks ago, I made a huge change.  I heard a fried talking about a Spartan race, basically a 5k run with a bunch of obstacles in the middle of it.  Very intrigued, so I signed up for the next Spartan Sprint race, got off the couch and started training.  The race hasn't happened yet, but that looming deadline has given me an incredible amount of motivation to work out.  Since then I have been biking or running every other day and filling in with random exercises on the off days.  I had always assumed that my knees weren't cut out for running, but I'm easing into it and have never felt better.  I scheduled a follow up with my doctor, got a blood test yesterday and my cholesterol has dropped from 242 to 183! 

The race isn't for 13 more weeks, but I already feel like a badass.

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: lakemom on August 14, 2015, 01:39:49 PM

Good for you!!! 

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: TheThirstyStag on August 14, 2015, 06:36:37 PM

Holy crap that's a huge drop.  I think you've inspired me to do the same!

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: forummm on August 15, 2015, 07:38:50 AM

Nice! The "less processed stuff" is the key there. Sugar and refined carbohydrates are the primary dietary sources of blood cholesterol. Eating cholesterol (like in eggs) doesn't raise your blood cholesterol like sugar does. Butter is fine BTW. Juices and sports drinks (except zero calorie versions) are sugar drinks.

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: TheThirstyStag on August 15, 2015, 07:55:32 AM

Good info.  Thanks forummm

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: iknowiyam on August 15, 2015, 11:29:17 AM

This is awesome! My husband did the Spartan race in our area a few months ago. It took 4 hours. Granted, he stayed alongside some coworkers who were slower.

About your cholesterol: Great job! Keep up the fruits and veg!

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: 2ndTimer on August 15, 2015, 02:09:11 PM

You are absolutely a badass and it looks like you are going to live a long time and be a very old badass.  Bravo!

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: Basenji on August 18, 2015, 06:02:54 AM

Well done!

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: bobechs on August 18, 2015, 08:11:48 AM

Y'know real Spartans didn't worry about their blood cholesterol.  Just sayin'...

Title: Re: Lowered my cholesterol
Post by: NCGal on August 18, 2015, 06:58:10 PM

That big a drop without medication is awesome. Congrats!