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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 11:34:25 GMT
So my health markers have been slowly creeping up over time. My doctor has been on my ass to take weight loss meds, believing that if I just lost weight, that would solve everything. My psychiatrist, however, was completely opposed to weight loss meds because they affect brain chemistry. I decided I needed to find another way to address my health issues before I decided to try weight loss meds. So I read some books, and I read some scientific papers, and I thought that a mostly whole food, plant based diet would be worth a serious try. My doctor had drawn base line blood work when I saw her 13 weeks ago and I embarked on this experiment.
I have been mostly compliant. Well, OK, I was completely compliant until I went out of town last week. I was in a place where it was darn near impossible to find a decent meal without animal products. So I did let my restrictions go and enjoy my weekend. But I hopped right back on it and continued on when I got home. Other than an ice cream cone for my birthday in July and last weekend where I ate four meals with meat in them, I have stayed on track.
I have done nothing else in this time. I did not count calories or carbs, I did not restrict sugar, no change in exercise habits, no change in medication. This was simply the elimination of animal products.
This morning, I went to have my blood drawn so we could see what is happening inside my body. And I cannot wait to see the results. With that said, the things I *can* measure on my own are that my weight has gone down by 11.6 pounds. This is actually pretty impressive given that I quit smoking 20 weeks ago. I also have PCOS and hypothyroidism so weight loss is hard, hard, hard.
I also take my blood pressure twice daily. My blood pressure readings before ran in the neighborhood of 132-137/90-95. Now my blood pressure readings are consistently 117-125/80-85. (Yes, I am well aware that this could be due to the smoking.)
Today, I had an A1C, comprehensive metabolic panel, and lipid panel. These are the results I'm waiting to come in.
Once I have all the data, it will help me determine which way to go with my health next.
I'll update once I have results.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Sept 6, 2024 11:51:48 GMT
It’ll be interesting to see if the lab tests confirm what you seem to already know. I do believe plant-based eating is inherently healthy but I don’t know if I would want to do that exclusively. We’re working more on whole, natural foods and trying to eliminate processed foods.
And can I just say, I love living vicariously through you with the challenges you take on. The 100-day dress experiment was particularly interesting to me.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 12:00:53 GMT
It’ll be interesting to see if the lab tests confirm what you seem to already know. I really want to try to keep an open mind about what I will do moving forward but I'll just say that one of the most convincing (and surprising) features seems to be that my bipolar has been under incredible control. In the past 13 weeks I have had 2 days where I felt a bit manic. And depression has been non-existent. Either my meds are just working fabulously or this has something to do with it. And I'll just say that I've been quite sad as I'm having some family issues since the week after I started this. Sadness is normal. But I haven't felt despair. And that is a feature of bipolar disorder. And can I just say, I love living vicariously through you with the challenges you take on. The 100-day dress experiment was particularly interesting to me. I am just a very curious sort of person. If I can keep the spirit of curiosity alive, I can withstand just about any challenge. |
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Post by karenlou on Sept 6, 2024 12:26:08 GMT
I'll also be interested to hear about your labs!!! Of course being a nurse, This really interests me....
HUGE kudos to you on the smoking thing..That in and of itself is AMAZING ...
I'm sure you can feel the effects of that in multiple aspects of your health!!!
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bklyngal62
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,227 
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Post by bklyngal62 on Sept 6, 2024 12:40:40 GMT
It's amazing to see the challenges you do and how strong you are to get through them. Love your will power !
Congratulations on your 20 weeks without smoking !
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3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 405
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Sept 6, 2024 12:41:14 GMT
What type of foods are you consuming? I need to do something as well. Not sure if I can do complete plant based, but open to hearing what worked for you.
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Post by Bridget in MD on Sept 6, 2024 12:55:01 GMT
It’ll be interesting to see if the lab tests confirm what you seem to already know. And I'll just say that I've been quite sad as I'm having some family issues since the week after I started this. Sadness is normal. But I haven't felt despair. And that is a feature of bipolar disorder. And can I just say, I love living vicariously through you with the challenges you take on. The 100-day dress experiment was particularly interesting to me. I am just a very curious sort of person. If I can keep the spirit of curiosity alive, I can withstand just about any challenge. OMG I am SO excited and PROUD of you! Smoking - QUIT! Plant based diet AND losing 11+ lbs - AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what blood pressure thing do you use at home to take your BP? Mine has been creeping up, and bc I fell and hurt my knees, I was really limited in exercise, so my dr thought Wegovy would help. I am also down 11lbs since I started the shots, but I she recommended that I get a cuff or whatever it is called to monitor my BP at home, and I just forgot about it until you mentioned it! |
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anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
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Post by anaterra on Sept 6, 2024 13:10:16 GMT
Congrats on the no smoking!!! Congrats on the weight loss!!!
I send best wishes that your readings are great!!!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 13:13:14 GMT
I'll also be interested to hear about your labs!!! Of course being a nurse, This really interests me.... I'm so nervous. I keep telling myself that it's *only* been three months and there's a decent chance I'll need to continue to see even more results. What type of foods are you consuming? I need to do something as well. Not sure if I can do complete plant based, but open to hearing what worked for you. What kicked this off for me was Dr. Michael Gregor's book, How Not to Diet. Then I stepped into reading Barnard, Ornish, and Davis. what blood pressure thing do you use at home to take your BP? Mine has been creeping up, and bc I fell and hurt my knees, I was really limited in exercise, so my dr thought Wegovy would help. I am also down 11lbs since I started the shots, but I she recommended that I get a cuff or whatever it is called to monitor my BP at home, and I just forgot about it until you mentioned it! Omron. I asked peas and this was the consensus. I bought it at my pharmacy. |
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,423
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Post by naby64 on Sept 6, 2024 14:08:42 GMT
I really look forward to hearing about the results. I have been following your journey from afar. I want to do something better but I have a definite meat and potatoes kind of DH. He thinks peas and beans are an acceptable veggie. Which in moderation could be but it still a starchy carb. I don't want the veggie police to come after me.
I am following Rainbow Plant Life on youtube and could possible eat something from her every day. But I am not about cooking 2 meals. Heck, I can barely get one in on a good day. I will look into the books you listed and see what else I can do. I know my doctors and bloodwork would be happy if I did!
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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 6, 2024 14:53:42 GMT
I have two aunts that were diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure a few years ago. They went to a plant based diet and their labs improved so much that they were able to stop taking all medication. They live in an area that has a lot of access to plant based alternatives so it didn't require too much effort on their part plus, they are both great cooks so they were able to adapt their favorite recipes to be plant based.
Good luck with your results, I'm sure they are going to be great!
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Post by Texas Scrap on Sept 6, 2024 15:18:27 GMT
Just chiming in to say this is an amazing and inspiring update  . I am curious on plant based, are you using dairy replacements or just not eating/making things that would typically have dairy in them? I can do pretty well going completely meatless, but I struggle a lot more with cutting out dairy completely . |
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Post by Zee on Sept 6, 2024 15:28:05 GMT
Congrats!
I did a 30 day challenge for myself some years back.
It wasn't as hard as I expected but, I missed eggs and things made with milk and cheese.
I like challenges too. I like to always be working on something like that.
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Post by hopechest on Sept 6, 2024 15:40:35 GMT
I have many of the same issues and I did a no sugar, no gluten and no dairy for a while and it really helped my numbers. I tried to stay low-er carb, switched some meals to quinoa vs. rice, but not really worrying too much. Ate fruit but tried to keep it lower sugar -- apples vs. grapes kind of thing. It helped my numbers considerably.
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Post by MichyM on Sept 6, 2024 15:43:30 GMT
I hope your test results are amazing!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:14:57 GMT
I want to do something better but I have a definite meat and potatoes kind of DH. He thinks peas and beans are an acceptable veggie. Which in moderation could be but it still a starchy carb. I don't want the veggie police to come after me. Actually plant based eating tries to get you out of thinking about things like "starchy carbs." All plants are good for you. And I'll just tell you that I'll eat almost anything. I am not picky at all. But Jeremy is quite a bit pickier than I am and I was surprised at how much of my meals he ate. We rarely eat outside the home and I would guestimate that he ate with me 4 nights a week. [tr][td class="content"][article] I am following Rainbow Plant Life on youtube and could possible eat something from her every day. But I am not about cooking 2 meals. Heck, I can barely get one in on a good day. I will look into the books you listed and see what else I can do. I know my doctors and bloodwork would be happy if I did! [/article] [/td] [/tr] [tr] [td class="foot"] [/td][/tr][/quote] I actually subscribed to her meal plan for 3 months. They were delicious. I have her new cookbook coming in my mail today. They live in an area that has a lot of access to plant based alternatives so it didn't require too much effort on their part plus, they are both great cooks so they were able to adapt their favorite recipes to be plant based. Honestly, it is my opinion that the very best plant based meals are made from the vegan perspective and not made to mimic a standard meal with a meat replacement. I am curious on plant based, are you using dairy replacements or just not eating/making things that would typically have dairy in them? I can do pretty well going completely meatless, but I struggle a lot more with cutting out dairy completely I missed eggs and things made with milk and cheese. Cheese was a hard one for me. The meat, not so much. There are plenty of milk alternatives. Egg, I've had to get a bit more creative in my baking. But I've only found a couple of vegan cheeses I will tolerate. Most of the time, I just go without. We also were on a beach boardwalk in July on my birthday and they have the best waffle cones there so I indulged with an ice cream. I have had a couple of pints of vegan ice cream from the health food store. It's not bad. |
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Post by quinlove on Sept 6, 2024 16:27:08 GMT
Your numbers are going to be outstanding. Because you are outstanding. There’s no other way. Feel good about all the big, healthy changes you have made in your life recently. 😊
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,423
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Post by naby64 on Sept 6, 2024 16:27:29 GMT
jeremysgirl oh my gosh!! I didn't realize it was released yet. I really want to get her cookbook and I am jealous you will have it today!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:30:48 GMT
jeremysgirl oh my gosh!! I didn't realize it was released yet. I really want to get her cookbook and I am jealous you will have it today! It got released on Tuesday. I had it preordered at B&N. It should be in my mail today. Nisha is a phenomenal cook. But, I will warn you, her subscription recipes are labor intensive. However, with her meal plans, she does break down and give you a meal prep option to make things go quicker. She is amazing, though. |
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naby64
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,423
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Post by naby64 on Sept 6, 2024 16:31:15 GMT
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 6, 2024 16:34:14 GMT
good luck with your lab testing, jeremysgirl !! My cholesterol was 253, and my Dr wanted to put me on a statin. I had taken statins in the past and had bad side effects (muscle pain) so said I would NOT take them again. I decided to switch to WFPB eating, had my blood drawn after 6 weeks, and my total cholesterol dropped 51 points! So far I've lost about 18-20 lbs, too. My mood is soooo much better when I'm eating fruits and vegetables, after cutting out the processed food / sugar. Even though I have a biology degree, I just never understood the connection between what you eat and how you feel... but I finally get it, now. I also take levothyroxine, and have taken my antidepressant for >20 years; I *REALLY* would like to get off the antidepressant (I've tried to do it before, and I couldn't do it). I think that eating WFPB consistently is going to be the key for my being able to get past the withdrawal symptoms and get off of my antidepressant once and for all. (all that to say I get what you're doing, and I think it's a good way to go! lol) eta: I also found out after cutting out dairy products that the dairy was VERY much the cause of most of my sinus issues, and my skin cleared up a LOT. I have eaten a couple baked goods here and there --> breakouts. I've also eaten Parmesan cheese sprinkled on pasta, and --> sinus issues for days again. For me giving up meat and dairy wasn't that hard... I didn't really love dairy or meat all that much- it was just 'what we ate' more than anything. I haven't used a ton of fake meat or dairy replacements, other than TVP (textured vegetable protein) here and there, and some veggie burgers every once in a while. I find that the less processed food I eat, the better. I've bought a couple cookbooks so far, but am on the hunt for more cookbooks and meal planning ideas now to get more consistent in my cooking. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:40:48 GMT
Protein, protein, protein. That's all you ever hear. Gym bros on social media will talk your ear off about it. I saw a dietician last summer who stress protein every time I ate something. So what did I do? I was ignorant so I added animal protein to every meal. 5 months later I had the worst blood work of my life. But my protein level was 7g/dL. The normal range is 6-8.
I decided to throw all caution to the wind on this diet. Just not eat animal stuff and don't give a flying fig about protein intake. My protein level today? 6.8. Yeah, plants have plenty of protein.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:41:31 GMT
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 6, 2024 16:44:07 GMT
Protein, protein, protein. That's all you ever hear. Gym bros on social media will talk your ear off about it. I saw a dietician last summer who stress protein every time I ate something. So what did I do? I was ignorant so I added animal protein to every meal. 5 months later I had the worst blood work of my life. But my protein level was 7g/dL. The normal range is 6-8. I decided to throw all caution to the wind on this diet. Just not eat animal stuff and don't give a flying fig about protein intake. My protein level today? 6.8. Yeah, plants have plenty of protein. Q: How do you get your protein? A: same place the animals get it... plants! (DUH!!) <eye roll emoji> |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:45:13 GMT
My cholesterol was 253, and my Dr wanted to put me on a statin. I had taken statins in the past and had bad side effects (muscle pain) so said I would NOT take them again. I decided to switch to WFPB eating, had my blood drawn after 6 weeks, and my total cholesterol dropped 51 points! So far I've lost about 18-20 lbs, too. This is awesome! I'm so proud of you. I also found out after cutting out dairy products that the dairy was VERY much the cause of most of my sinus issues I assumed mine went away because of the smoking. But maybe it was the dairy. my skin cleared up a LOT. I went through a terrible time with my face about 4 weeks into it. I think my skin was going through some changes. I had to switch my moisturizer completely because my face is not dry like it used to be. But I went through a pretty serious acne phase for a while there. I've bought a couple cookbooks so far, but am on the hunt for more cookbooks and meal planning ideas now to get more consistent in my cooking. Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Nisha Vora. You're welcome! |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 16:49:59 GMT
Cholesterol:
Before
HDL 36
Total 198
Triglycerides 250
Cholesterol Ratio 5.5
LDL 112
After
HDL 39
Total 186
Triglycerides 185
Cholesterol Ratio 4.8
LDL 110
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Sept 6, 2024 16:58:29 GMT
I want to do something better but I have a definite meat and potatoes kind of DH. He thinks peas and beans are an acceptable veggie. Which in moderation could be but it still a starchy carb. I don't want the veggie police to come after me. , my DH is NOT eating like I do. He will try pretty much anything I cook, and he actually loves some of it. (some of the recipes have been fails, in the taste department... lol.) But he has started cooking / adding in his own meat to the meals, if he wants to. I'm not a hard-core ethical vegan or anything, but we just sort of 'fell into' me cooking plant-based and him cooking his own meat. Maybe something like that would work for you and your DH? And my DH actually *loves* cauliflower steak, if you can believe it!! lol!! jeremysgirl , your triglycerides dropped a LOT!! wow!! |
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 6, 2024 17:01:03 GMT
Some good movement. I struggle with my HDL being below 60. I can't eat fish (allergic) or nuts (severe anaphylactic allergy to all) or use avocado or coconut oil (also severe anaphylaxis). And no eggs due to allergy.
Mine sits around 43 to 54.
For me my potassium and B12 vitamin runs low. So many natural food sources I can't have. And my tummy is super sensitive to daily vitamins.
I have found ways to incorporate vit d but it is still low.
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Post by flanz on Sept 6, 2024 17:02:23 GMT
I hope you're feeling VERY proud of yourself, dear friend! You have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time and I hope that your blood work reflects that. How can it not??
I, for one, am very proud of you!
ETA: Hurray! That is great movement in your lipid levels! Woot!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 6, 2024 17:36:33 GMT
I struggle with my HDL being below 60. 39+ is normal. |
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. I am curious on plant based, are you using dairy replacements or just not eating/making things that would typically have dairy in them? I can do pretty well going completely meatless, but I struggle a lot more with cutting out dairy completely 
