A good, a bad and a question on calories.

Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.

But the good news again is that since taking the blood tests (so for about 2
weeks now) I've been eating great. With the test results news I only need to
make minor modification like omit the 3 slices of bacon I was having once a
week as well as the 2 eggs (twice a week). I'm going back in 3 months for
another round to see if my healthier lifestyle can improve the numbers (I'm
sure it will).

Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to eat
around under 1800 a day. Lately I've been finding that my meals are only
adding up to between 1200 and 1400, sometimes as low as 1100. I'm not
feeling hungry though. I eat 3 meals a day and I'm more than satisfied with
the amount. Is this O.K? I see it as just giving my body the food it
needs. I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time. Then I'm
assuming I will become hungrier and will consume closer to the 1800 range.
Is this right?

Thanks for the input,
Cp

"Cp" wrote in message
.cable.rogers.com...
Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news
of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

That's mmol, right??? :-o Europeans are used to talk in g/l there, I do hope
it's mmol for you

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.
g? mmol? That's a world of difference ;-) Did you get your HDL tested BTW?

But the good news again is that since taking the blood tests (so for about
2
weeks now) I've been eating great. With the test results news I only need
to
make minor modification like omit the 3 slices of bacon I was having once
a
week as well as the 2 eggs (twice a week). I'm going back in 3 months for
another round to see if my healthier lifestyle can improve the numbers
(I'm
sure it will).

My supermarket sells eggs with omega-3 and less cholesterol and saturated
fat (they advertise 25% less saturated in favor of unsaturated fat), and
also lard like this (they feed flax seeds to the beasts). That's mostly a
marketing ploy, since most people don't need that, but maybe that's just the
right stuff for you... You might also try eating stuff that will bump your
HDL and omega-3, like fat fish. Otherwise, HDL tends to drop along with LDL.
And maybe cut a bit on the animal fat and use some olive oil instead (maybe
with a mix of colza or walnut also).
Anyway, 80% of our cholesterol is made by our liver, only 20% comes from the
food we eat. It's also very linked to the hyperglycemia, with maybe some
inertia.

Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to
eat
around under 1800 a day.

Losing weight also naturally lowers both cholesterol and glycemia (and
triglycerides if it's a problem for you). It's perhaps even more important
than the died itself. I didn't cut much on saturated fat, I haven't cut at
all on the eggs, but my cholesterol dropped from 2.33g to 1.80g (4.6mmol) in
two months, with the weight loss.

I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time.

10-15 is a little too short for it to be really aerobic exercise. You should
try to get close (or past) the 30 minutes mark. Studies seem to point that,
when diabete and cholesterol is concerned, total duration is more important
than intensity - if you can't walk briskly for 30 minutes, it's better to
walk more slowly for the full duration. They also seem to point that
fractionning the duration (like, 2x15 minutes in a single day) works almost
as well as a single session.
This won't help much with weight loss, but physical activity works *great*
on the glycemia by reducing insulin resistance (which means less insulin,
and an easier time losing the weight) and on the cholesterol. According to
my doctor, exercise there is about as effective as weight loss and diet
control.

Then I'm
assuming I will become hungrier and will consume closer to the 1800 range.
Is this right?

That's likely, though it varies from one person to the next. Even if you
totally negate whatever you burn by walking by eating more, you're still a
winner. Biological parameters still get improved a lot, insulin resistance
is still lower, your metabolism is higher and maintening your weight loss
will be easier...

Bacon yes, probably a good idea to leave out.
Eggs -- well if you feel that way. I believe the
clinical studies show that what's wrong with an
eggs and bacon breakfast is the bacon not the
eggs.

I had some great eggs this morning. I steamed
some asparagus tips lightly, then saute'd them a
bit with onions, garlic, mushrooms and red bell
pepper and a little black pepper. Then I made a
two egg omelette and folded the veggies inside.
MMMMMMMM.


"Cp" wrote in message
.cable.rogers.com...
Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news
of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.

But the good news again is that since taking the blood tests (so for about
2
weeks now) I've been eating great. With the test results news I only need
to
make minor modification like omit the 3 slices of bacon I was having once
a
week as well as the 2 eggs (twice a week). I'm going back in 3 months for
another round to see if my healthier lifestyle can improve the numbers
(I'm
sure it will).

Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to
eat
around under 1800 a day. Lately I've been finding that my meals are only
adding up to between 1200 and 1400, sometimes as low as 1100. I'm not
feeling hungry though. I eat 3 meals a day and I'm more than satisfied
with
the amount. Is this O.K? I see it as just giving my body the food it
needs. I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time. Then I'm
assuming I will become hungrier and will consume closer to the 1800 range.
Is this right?

Thanks for the input,
Cp

"Patricia Heil" wrote in message
...
Bacon yes, probably a good idea to leave out.
Eggs -- well if you feel that way. I believe the
clinical studies show that what's wrong with an
eggs and bacon breakfast is the bacon not the
eggs.

I had some great eggs this morning. I steamed
some asparagus tips lightly, then saute'd them a
bit with onions, garlic, mushrooms and red bell
pepper and a little black pepper. Then I made a
two egg omelette and folded the veggies inside.
MMMMMMMM.


My doctor did say that I could keep the eggs but I think to err on the
cautious side I will cut down to 2 yolks a week (I usually have my eggs hard
boiled so leaving out the yolk will be easy if I want an extra egg white or
two).

"Lictor" wrote in message
...

My supermarket sells eggs with omega-3 and less cholesterol and saturated
fat (they advertise 25% less saturated in favor of unsaturated fat), and
also lard like this (they feed flax seeds to the beasts). That's mostly a
marketing ploy, since most people don't need that, but maybe that's just
the
right stuff for you... You might also try eating stuff that will bump your
HDL and omega-3, like fat fish. Otherwise, HDL tends to drop along with
LDL.
And maybe cut a bit on the animal fat and use some olive oil instead
(maybe
with a mix of colza or walnut also).
Anyway, 80% of our cholesterol is made by our liver, only 20% comes from
the
food we eat. It's also very linked to the hyperglycemia, with maybe some
inertia.

They are hugely overpriced eggs as well.

As for fish, unfortunately I'm not a seafood lover but I'm getting better.
We do try to have fish at least once a week for dinner. I eat quite a bit
of tuna fish as well for lunch.


Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to
eat
around under 1800 a day.

Losing weight also naturally lowers both cholesterol and glycemia (and
triglycerides if it's a problem for you). It's perhaps even more important
than the died itself. I didn't cut much on saturated fat, I haven't cut at
all on the eggs, but my cholesterol dropped from 2.33g to 1.80g (4.6mmol)
in
two months, with the weight loss.

That's great!! That's what I'm thinking will happen on my end as well. My
doctor keeps emphasizing the need for weight loss as well. Like I said
before my diet has improved greatly. I've been eating a veggie or fruit at
every meal and I'm completely eliminated junk food from my diet. I think
the drop in my sugar was largely due to the fact that I gave up sweets for
lent.


I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan
to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time.

10-15 is a little too short for it to be really aerobic exercise. You
should
try to get close (or past) the 30 minutes mark. Studies seem to point
that,
when diabete and cholesterol is concerned, total duration is more
important
than intensity - if you can't walk briskly for 30 minutes, it's better to
walk more slowly for the full duration. They also seem to point that
fractionning the duration (like, 2x15 minutes in a single day) works
almost
as well as a single session.
This won't help much with weight loss, but physical activity works *great*
on the glycemia by reducing insulin resistance (which means less insulin,
and an easier time losing the weight) and on the cholesterol. According to
my doctor, exercise there is about as effective as weight loss and diet
control.

It is short, but it's also a start, not a goal. It's more like trying to
get into the habit of doing it regularly. Spring is upon us and it's
getting easier to get out so it shouldn't be a problem to up it.


Thanks for the comments
Cp

Cp wrote:
Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.


Chances are, your body is making most of that Cholesterol - it's
probably not dietary. Did the test divide LDL from HDL?

You could try a high Vitamin C/L-Lysine/Proline regime to mitigate the
harmful effects of high cholesterol. Also, a diet high in antioxidants
will inhibit oxidation of the LDL - which is where the damage is done.

Excessive cholesterol production can be hormonal, but is most likely
because your system perceives too many calories - either because of
inactivity, or over-eating; a low carb diet might also exacerbate this
if it's high in saturated fat.

--
Succorso

Hi Cp,

I think your calories are fine. It's better to listen to the body instead
of forcing yourself to eat the additional calories. I wish I had that
problemg

Good to see you posting again. I hope you continue to stay around and post.

Beverly


"Cp" wrote in message
.cable.rogers.com...
Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news
of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.

But the good news again is that since taking the blood tests (so for about
2
weeks now) I've been eating great. With the test results news I only need
to
make minor modification like omit the 3 slices of bacon I was having once
a
week as well as the 2 eggs (twice a week). I'm going back in 3 months for
another round to see if my healthier lifestyle can improve the numbers
(I'm
sure it will).

Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to
eat
around under 1800 a day. Lately I've been finding that my meals are only
adding up to between 1200 and 1400, sometimes as low as 1100. I'm not
feeling hungry though. I eat 3 meals a day and I'm more than satisfied
with
the amount. Is this O.K? I see it as just giving my body the food it
needs. I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time. Then I'm
assuming I will become hungrier and will consume closer to the 1800 range.
Is this right?

Thanks for the input,
Cp

"Succorso" wrote in message
...
You could try a high Vitamin C/L-Lysine/Proline regime to mitigate the
harmful effects of high cholesterol. Also, a diet high in antioxidants
will inhibit oxidation of the LDL - which is where the damage is done.

Careful with Vitamin C if you're under oral meds for diabete. Some of them
mix badly (random enhancement of the diabete medication). Check with your
doctor first.

1200 is too low for your current weight. Maybe you could add some
light snacks such as a yogurt, or some nuts, maybe some sauce to your
meals. Congrats on making healthy choices and on the exercise. Good
luck with the next round of Blood tests.
Michelle
Ozzie in Switzerland

WW WI 69.8 / 60.2 / 61kg 134 lbs

On Fri, 09 Apr 2004 17:42:38 GMT, "Cp" wrote:

Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.

But the good news again is that since taking the blood tests (so for about 2
weeks now) I've been eating great. With the test results news I only need to
make minor modification like omit the 3 slices of bacon I was having once a
week as well as the 2 eggs (twice a week). I'm going back in 3 months for
another round to see if my healthier lifestyle can improve the numbers (I'm
sure it will).

Here's the question about calories though. I'm still 260 and aiming to eat
around under 1800 a day. Lately I've been finding that my meals are only
adding up to between 1200 and 1400, sometimes as low as 1100. I'm not
feeling hungry though. I eat 3 meals a day and I'm more than satisfied with
the amount. Is this O.K? I see it as just giving my body the food it
needs. I haven't been very active lately (10 or 15 minute brisk walks 3
times a week if lucky) so I'm figuring I don't need as much. I do plan to
start walking more frequently and building up on the time. Then I'm
assuming I will become hungrier and will consume closer to the 1800 range.
Is this right?

Thanks for the input,
Cp

"Succorso" wrote in message
...
Cp wrote:
Hey all,

I've just had some test results come in and here's the good and bad news
of
it. The good news is my glucose level is down from 6.6 to 5.7.

The bad news is my cholesterol is up from 6.4 to 8.


Chances are, your body is making most of that Cholesterol - it's
probably not dietary. Did the test divide LDL from HDL?

Yes it did. LDL was 5.30 (normal range is below 3.40) and HDL was 1.31
(normal range is between 0.90 and 2.07) The LDL/HDL ratio was 4.05 (normal
range is belwo 3.20)