Shocking Discoveries brought me here!
Good day everyone!
I've actually been using this site for about 21 days today. I have always known that I've been gradually gaining weight. I must admit, I like good food, good beer and great friends. I developed a case of Bursitis about a month ago on my elbow. I went to the doctor to get it checked out. He took my blood pressure and put me on scales. My blood pressure was 150/102 and I weighed about 208 while fully clothed. I'm 35 years old, 5'9" and considered "sedintary". I'm a graphic artist and don't really get ANY excercise, aside from the occasional softball game or batting cages. Anyway, the doctor commented on my weight and blood pressure and made it an area of concern. I was put on Benicar for my blood pressure and sent to a lab to get bloodwork done.
A week later, I followed up with the doc and my bad cholesterol was 100 points over norm and my good cholesterol was 10 points below. I think overall, my cholesterol score was about 250. That day, I found this site and began eating better and keeping my calories in check (10th), as well as being put on Vytorin for my cholesterol. The week I had been taking the Benicar brought my BP down to 123/87... which is a vast improvement, but still considered "Hypertension". I have follow up blood work in a week to see what that has done. As of Monday, I've lost 7 lbs by keeping my intake at about 1650/day. I know some of this weight loss is water, since the Benicar is also a diuretic (sp)... but over all, my daily averages for cholesterol are at about 135mg/day. Sodium has proven to be a difficult thing to reduce...
My diet has been Slim Fast shakes in the morning, and the random meal replacement bar or shake for snacks and lunch. I usually eat a healthy meal for dinner. I now consume a Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with snacks in between. I still drink beer, but not nearly as often and not nearly as much. I've also switched from Guinness and other darker beers to Miller Lite... (about 100 cals less per beer) I also used to only eat a large lunch... and occasional dinner... so I know my metabolism has sped up a bit since I eat regularly now... In 2 weeks, after my bloodwork results... I'm going to start on Power 90. I did this about 2 years ago and lost some weight just by eating according to "Michi's Ladder"... but didn't stick to it. That time was just to feel better about myself. This time is so I can be around for my daughter.
Love this site! Makes it so easy to have a log that I can update when checking email. Good luck to everyone!
Welcome! As you read through the forums, profiles and journals, you'll meet many people who have lowered their blood pressure and cholesterol score with diet and exercise. Many have been able to go off medication! I hope this proves to be true for you too.
I'm also an artist, but not a professional. I've revived my interest in art now that I'm retired.
). So he does not feel deprived and so far no rebellious cheat days. If you are really serious about losing weight and being able to judge"proper" food (of proper proportions), a electronic food scale with a Zero function is great especially if you know you will be eating towards the high end of the calorie allowance. Until one weighs food one has no idea how off ones guess (even using measuring cups) can be. Over time one may not use the scale much except on high calorie items. 25grams of lettuce is 2 calories but 25 grams of Cheddar cheese is 101 calories. I do not fuss about 2 cups of shredded lettuce enough to weigh it but the cheese added to the salad is weighed. 
