Last year, I get some very depressing news. Though only 24 years old, an 8-year vegetarian, and just 6 pounds into the "overweight" range for my height, my fasting total cholesterol was at 215 (bad cholesterol at 139). My doctor said she was concerned that I might have inherited my grandfather's genetic tendency toward heart problems (despite my excellent 105/58 blood pressure), especially when combined with the fact that my "good" cholesterol was at a miserable 35, at the borderline of below-normal, making me very susceptible to even slightly elevated levels.
Since then, I cut back some on junk food, began exercising more often (though not always as much as I should), and lost down to 138 (8 lbs. total). And, last week when I got tested again (but not fasting, I forgot and had a big breakfast), my doctor called back and said she was "amazed." Though my "good" cholesterol is still just at 35, my bad cholesterol dropped 32 POINTS to 107, well within the normal range !!!! Plus, my ratio of good-to-bad has improved dramatically, putting me at no increased risk of heart disease.
I can't wait to see what it will be like once I reach my goal, but this goes to show that little, even seemingly insignificant changes can make a HUGE difference.
This is wonderful news!!!!