The wake up call has come.!!!

[Hockeychic]

I just got back from the drs. Since I am overweight and have not exercised much I thought I better go for a check up before I start seriously training for the 1/2.

Well, everything was OK, except my cholesteral....all high and put me in the high risk cat. The only thing that wasn't high was my HDL.....he basically said to get them lower in 3 months or we have to consider meds. I don't want meds but I want to live, so the alternative is to control with diet and exercise.

I asked if it was to dangerous for me to start training for the 1/2 and he said no that is the best thing for me. So now the question is....what do I eat, what don't I eat???? Does anyone know of which foods are better for me???

I am just lost...and scared.

Any input or insight would be appreciated.

Kim

 

[goofyguy1958]

Hockeychic, good for you in getting a chack up before starting your workout program. You will most likely receive a lot of suggestions regarding diet from all the helpful folks here on the dis. So, I guess I will start. Having a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol I can relate to the anxiety about meds you have. The easy thing for you to do is to watch the saturated fat intake. One thing that is a real help in reducing the cholesterol is to increase the fiber in your diet. You can also, take the supplement flaxseed oil - this helped lower my total cholesterol and raise my HDL counts - that you can get at any pharmacy. Good luck and keep in mind that each workout is helping on the cholesterol front as well.

 

[TiffJ]

I do the Weight Watchers program (on my own at home) and because the less fat/calories something has the less points it is it is a good way to watch your fat intake. Good luck!

Oh-the cherrios box says it helps to lower cholesterol

 

[chimera]

Kim,

See if your doctor can refer you to a dietitian...that's the best way to get a diet plan that will be specific for your needs. Insurance may even pay for it if you have a diagnosis like diabetes or high cholesterol.

In the meantime, we usually recommend cutting back on fried foods, red meats, full-fat dairy products and increasing white meats and vegetables. If your triglycerides are high, too, that means cutting back on carbs.

Good luck!

 

[Hockeychic]

Great, thank you all for the info.

I didn't realize that I have to cut back on carbs, my triglycerides (sp) are high as well.

I think the shock has worn off a bit, but I am determind to get control of my health. I am glad my DR said it was still OK for me to train for the1/2. Now I am looking at is as a reward for getting healthy.

Kim