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Posts Tagged ‘lower cholesterol’

While I have been blessed with the longevity gene (my grandmother died right before her 107th birthday), I have also been cursed with genetic high cholesterol.  Despite over 35 years as a low fat vegetarian, I always had cholesterol around 280 or so.  My employer provided a Wellness Program, and the correspondent dietitian assigned to me put me on a strict diet.  Six months later, there was no change in my high cholesterol.  I exercise, I shun junk food, I shun fast food….still that unyielding high number, 280 or more.

The second phase of my work with the dietitian resulted in a more stringent diet.  It was a very limited eating program, further restricting my already -restricted food choices.  But I persevered, and yaHOO – I got the cholesterol down to 248.  Eventually, I was able to get it down to 210, grimacing the whole way.  It seemed prudent to give up anything resembling good food in order to, well, be able to LIVE.

It was a delight when I became vegan and discovered food for the first time.  Food, glorious food – fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and spices, seasonings and sauces.  Never had I enjoyed eating and never, ever had I enjoyed cooking, like I did when I became vegan. I had given up eating dairy products for a while many years before, but never fully knew what it was to be a vegan.  I started reading labels and avoiding anything that used animals in the product.  I started becoming a vegan.

This week I went in for another cholesterol test, hoping it would not be over the previous 280 mark. I had been learning to cook various yummy dishes and was not watching my diet at all –  purposefully.  I wanted to get a baseline count on my cholesterol before I started avoiding any specific food again.  I had even given up plant stearols (found in butter replacements) and instead used a delicious vegan spread, with abandon.  I admit it – I was indulgent. I even ate blueberry cobbler the night before the test.

I am thrilled to report my cholesterol was only 181! I never thought I could break the 200 barrier without medication.  Imagine – doing what is humane, environmentally sound, socially responsible, healthy and economical, and then getting this medical benefit out of the blue!!  Bye Bye Cholesterol – Hello Vegan Cuisine!!

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