It is so exciting to be part of such an important discussion. After mainly lurking here for so long, and getting so much good advice from other people on so many topics, it's nice to have the opportunity to contribute.
Jani22, it sounds like you are doing great, and following a sensible and healthy diet. I am always amazed by the numbers of people who have been willing to undergo all types of surgery and try very potent medicines, but resist having to change the simplest thing--their diet--in order to get healthy.
AerikaJ, good luck, and let us all know your progress. Make sure to have your cholesterol/lipids rechecked in 6 months, if possible.
Hi Janice. First of all, flax seed is NOT bad, and it will NOT increase one's triglycerides. It's still a good supplement to add to your diet, but it is not as high in omega-3's as once thought. It might have even contributed to your grandmother's improvement in her lab values. It would be hard to say why her trig went up, without knowing the meds she is on, as well as seeing a food diary of what she's been eating. So many factors can contribute, and lab values can change so easily. If everything else has improved, and her trig is under 200, I wouldn't worry. As far as your husband, his total chol is great, but the HDL of 33 definitely needs to be increased. Does he know the HDL of anyone else in his family? I am always curious of a genetic link with someone having an HDL of under 40. Please let me know. For your husband, I would definitely get omega-3 oil and put a tablespoon or 2 on a plate of salad every day.
I cannot say how long it will take before you notice any changes in blood levels, because again, everyone is different, and so many factors are at play. Diet and exercise WILL make a change, but genetics is something that is not changeable. Your heart is craving aerobic exercise. Just remember, all changes are lifetime changes for good health, and quality life. Don't worry about the short-term goals. You can look back on those when you are 120.
As for soy and tofu, these are foods that should be consumed daily, unless, of course, you have allergies or a thyroid condition. Some ideas: I use tofu in lasagna instead of ricotta, I eat steamed soybeans (edamame) plain or in salads, and I drink soymilk daily. (Favorite brand is Edensoy light vanilla, or for a splurge, Soy Dream carob). I make a cheeseless cream pie, which is very simple. Take you favorite pie crust. In a bowl combine 3 containers of Tofutti cream cheese, 1 tsp of pure vanilla, and maple syrup to taste (this is usually about 1/4 cup). Blend the Tofutti mixture together and pour into the pie shell. Bake at 350 for about 1/2 hr. then chill. My kids love it. P.S.: many, many years ago the Vegetarian Times did a whole spread on vegetarian body builders, and there were plenty of impressive ones!
Thanks for letting me get on my soapbox.
Good luck everyone!
Jani22, it sounds like you are doing great, and following a sensible and healthy diet. I am always amazed by the numbers of people who have been willing to undergo all types of surgery and try very potent medicines, but resist having to change the simplest thing--their diet--in order to get healthy.
AerikaJ, good luck, and let us all know your progress. Make sure to have your cholesterol/lipids rechecked in 6 months, if possible.
Hi Janice. First of all, flax seed is NOT bad, and it will NOT increase one's triglycerides. It's still a good supplement to add to your diet, but it is not as high in omega-3's as once thought. It might have even contributed to your grandmother's improvement in her lab values. It would be hard to say why her trig went up, without knowing the meds she is on, as well as seeing a food diary of what she's been eating. So many factors can contribute, and lab values can change so easily. If everything else has improved, and her trig is under 200, I wouldn't worry. As far as your husband, his total chol is great, but the HDL of 33 definitely needs to be increased. Does he know the HDL of anyone else in his family? I am always curious of a genetic link with someone having an HDL of under 40. Please let me know. For your husband, I would definitely get omega-3 oil and put a tablespoon or 2 on a plate of salad every day.
I cannot say how long it will take before you notice any changes in blood levels, because again, everyone is different, and so many factors are at play. Diet and exercise WILL make a change, but genetics is something that is not changeable. Your heart is craving aerobic exercise. Just remember, all changes are lifetime changes for good health, and quality life. Don't worry about the short-term goals. You can look back on those when you are 120.
As for soy and tofu, these are foods that should be consumed daily, unless, of course, you have allergies or a thyroid condition. Some ideas: I use tofu in lasagna instead of ricotta, I eat steamed soybeans (edamame) plain or in salads, and I drink soymilk daily. (Favorite brand is Edensoy light vanilla, or for a splurge, Soy Dream carob). I make a cheeseless cream pie, which is very simple. Take you favorite pie crust. In a bowl combine 3 containers of Tofutti cream cheese, 1 tsp of pure vanilla, and maple syrup to taste (this is usually about 1/4 cup). Blend the Tofutti mixture together and pour into the pie shell. Bake at 350 for about 1/2 hr. then chill. My kids love it. P.S.: many, many years ago the Vegetarian Times did a whole spread on vegetarian body builders, and there were plenty of impressive ones!
Thanks for letting me get on my soapbox.
Good luck everyone!
