This time a year ago I was on 3 different medicines for BP. Over the year we had reduced it down to 1 (40 mg pill). My BP Tuesday was 101/64. I am now reduced to 20mg and we are watching to see if I even need that! My HDL and LDL are within 2-3 points of the goal.

So awesome sunflower....doesn't that make it all just worth it? I'll bet you exercise...everyone keeps saying exercise is the key when it comes to bp.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Just had blood work a couple of weeks ago. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL are improved. However, BP is still a bit high, HDL is low (36), and fasting glucose is a bit high (103).

I will be honest that I am discouraged. My "improved" numbers were not terrible to begin with, and I am really discouraged about the fasting glucose. Like kaplods, my real motivation was to be healthier and any weight loss is a nice by-product. I've really cleaned up my eating, but see I need to make more adjustments. I walk a lot, but guess I need to move more, too.

Retesting at the end of September, so I'll see what happens with my next round of adjustments.

Unfortunately... I haven't lost any weight... (stupid plateau!!) BUT... seeing as how BETTER HEALTH has been a long-time goal for me, I do feel "successful" in that I have lowered my cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. This has been since March.

Way to go beach patrol....awesome

Had my BP checked again the other day, three weeks later, and my diet modifications and increased exercise seem to be working. Am now looking forward to having blood work done again in September as I expect improvements everywhere else.

After reading your post and checking this journal, I ordered one on Monday. I received it today, and it's what I've been looking for for years!

Long story short, my weight has doubled following a circus of health problems over the past 16 years (with my pregnancy, then with thyroid cancer, and now inflammatory breast cancer). I have a lot of time to focus on my weight control journey right now as I'm on extended leave, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the posts on this site. It's particularly encouraging to read about all the positive changes to BP, etc. that you are reporting following your focus on healthier foods and exercise. You're showing me the light at the end of the tunnel!

I agree, as my BP went up without a significant weight gain and it is now on its way down without any significant loss. The only change is a bit more exercise and a much better diet. I am at 110/70 now, whereas my upper number was about 140-150 (don't remember the lower number).

Edited to add: I checked my records and this is the lowest my BP has been in four years. What you eat really does matter.