Showing posts with label LDL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDL. Show all posts

Friday, August 13, 2010

My career change, and my relationship with food

the great nightmare for my son
Its been said already on this blog and on my Daily Mile profile, that I am responsible for my own weight gain. It took me years of sedentary lifestyle and extremely poor food choices to get here.  When I was in business for myself, I was a big user of fast food.  I traveled all over the US, mainly by car, and stayed in hotels away from home.  Much like Morgan Spurlock in the Movie Super Size Me!, I super-sized my drive thru experience.  In hotel rooms, I ordered whatever take out was available.

It would be one thing if I left this behavior on the road.  But when I returned home, I would continue for the sake of expediency and spending time with my family.  Rather than give up one hour a day to exercise, I would watch my favorite Food Network programs like Iron Chef and Diners, Drives-Inn's and Dives.  My relationship with food boils down to a simple fact;  all my life, I used fast-food to fill a void; often is was loneliness.  In Norfolk, Boston, DC, San Francisco, I would have short-term relationships, and would often go out to eat. After having a family, quick eating became habit and convenience.  Its time to change that dynamic.

Six months ago I began to cook more.  As I began to cook, I found I enjoyed the experience and ate less than I did before. When looking back, I realized that anytime I worked in a kitchen (Navy, KFC, Togo's) I was at my happiest.   I have earned two undergraduate degrees and an MBA. However I've have always felt that no job is beneath anyone regardless of education.  And the idea of becoming a chef is something I have always considered but my parents discouraged. But as I prepare food, I can feel my relationship with food beginning to change. I find myself respecting it more, and seeing it as something that is more just fuel, but something that can change an attitude when made properly. It can make one healthier when prepared right, and can soothe the soul without clogging the heart.

Health and fast food aside, since exercising, I have felt happier than I have in years.  The last two days at work have only amplified this feeling.  Simply put, for the first time years, the various aspects of my life are all coming together in the way I have always wanted.  Lets hope this continues.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Sample of a Chest X-Ray
Great news today! My doctor called with my lab results and found my heart was not enlarged. In addition, my cholesterol and blood sugar are well within normal ranges. Oddly enough, both my HDL and LDL are in the upper ranges for lowest levels of estimated heart disease. Given this information, I am puzzled by the diagnosis of Arteriosclerosis, and what is the underlying cause beyond genetics? I plan to keep these levels low by working harder at my fitness plan and continue changing my eating habits. Lets hope the good news continues. Wish me luck!
Work by User:BorisTM, Wikipedia


Here are my current stats:
Age: 33
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 325.8 (as of July 26, 2010)
Resting BP: 120/85
HDL/LDL/Total Cholesterol Levels: 35/92/149

Friday, July 23, 2010

Simvastatin (Zocor), Cholesterol, and How this Drug is Supposed to Help

Simvastatin Molecule
My doctor, after taking my blood for testing decided to put me on this drug, Simvastatin, often sold under the name Zocor. Essentially, its a Statin, a cholesterol reducing drug.  According to research on this drug and its history, it has many benefits and only a few minor side effects.  It reduces Lower Density Lipids (LDL), what is commonly called "bad cholesterol", by up to 50%.  While I have not seen my cholesterol levels yet, it is easy to assume it will be high given my weight. Hopefully this will assist me in both weight loss, and lowering my cholesterol level.