I have been eating whole foods and limiting processed foods for over 5.5 years. In that time, I've lost 70+ lbs, 10 inches off my waist and when from a size 18 to a size 6. I have more energy, I love pictures of myself. I got married recently and shopping for a wedding dress was the joyful experience I had always dreamed about.

I recently got my yearly healthy screening test back. Besides the cute pants and tiny underwear, I thought I would post some of the other advantages to healthy eating:

Blood pressure - 90/68 - optimal
less than 120/80 is desirable

Glucose - 72 - optimal
65-99 is normal fasting result

BMI - 21 - optimal
Less than 25 is desirable

Cholesterol (total) - 146 - optimal
Less than 200 is desirable

HDL Cholesterol - 54 - optimal
Greater than 59 is desirable
(my doctor explained that the good cholesterol is like little trucks that carry away the bad cholesterol. Since my bad cholesterol is low, I need fewer trucks to haul it away, I have also improved this number from 36!)

LDL cholesterol - 81 - optimal
Less than 100 is desirable

Triglycerides - 53 - optimal
less than 150 is considered normal

So, here's to a long, healthy life wearing cute clothes

Congratulations! Look at you being optimal all over the place! That's wonderful

Very cool - congrats and thanks for posting!

That's very nice. Keep up the great work.

Oh, this is exactly the kind of thing I am starting to track now. I have an eye on my blood pressure and thrill at watching it and my HR go down.

I have my first ever screening in April. I wish I'd had it done before I started this, but I know when I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 my fasting glucose was 104. I'm really hoping it's better now.

wow, very impressive!!!

a question - how did you raise your HDL? I was kind of surprised that mine went down after losing almost 30 lbs (the last time I had blood work) despite eating with a focus on portion controlled healthy foods, exercise and weight loss.

Congratulations! This is awesome news! I have been tracking a decrease in my resting heart rate which is cool but now when I go back in I will look forward to other good numbers!

I am unsure, I know that now that I am maintaining my weight loss, I eat more healthy fats. Nuts, olive oil, avocado. The kind of GREAT FOODS that were too calorie-dense when I was trying to lose weight.

Per this list, I do most of these things (still a slacker about exercise):
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cho...a/raiseHDL.htm

Aerobic exercise - I should do better
Lose weight - been at a healthy weight for 5 years
Stop smoking - never smoked (mom did, it was so disgusting, I would never smoke!)
Cut out the trans fatty acids - I actively work to eliminate all transfat in my diet. I do eat the occasional bag of microwave popcorn, but that's abouit!
Alcohol - I drink at most 1-2 glasses of wine a week and haven't drank much at all since August - (trying)
Increase the monounsaturated fats in your diet - check!
Add soluble fiber to your diet - I eat so much fiber! I eat oatmeal 2-3 mornings a week, tons of beans, veggies, whole grains, etc.

Awesome results!!!

Way to go Glory!

I used to DREAD going to the doctor (& rarely did). Now, I LOVE going for my check-ups. I wish I could go more than the once a year, that's just how much I enjoy it.

Woo hoo! Fantastic results!

I got my numbers back today, too, actually.

BP - 104/60
Resting heart rate - 71
BMI - 21
Glucose - 80
Cholesterol - 167 total
HDL - 67
LDL - 89
VLDL - 11
Tri - 55


My cholesterol has decreased by 21 points in 15 months, with HDP up by 12 and LDL down by 30. We rock!

And, your posts were a big inspiration to me in my process, so I give you and the other maintainers a lot of the credit for my results. Thanks.

Those are great numbers!

I have a question that seems so ridiculous, I am almost afraid to ask. I haven't been to the doctor for as long as I can remember unless I needed medication and then it was only a clinic.

I have yet again started a "lifestyle change" and I would really like to get my before numbers like you posted here. If I make a doctor's appointment, what do I say I am going for? A physical? Does that guarantee that they know I want those blood tests? Is this something normally covered by insurance companies?

Hangs head in embarrassment

"Good morning, Doctor's Office. I would like to schedule my annual exam. I would like to have my lipid panel and a fasting glucose checked. Could you please verify with my insurance that those labs will be covered? What will my co-pay be?"

If they refuse to check or will not tell you if those preventive and screening services and tests are covered, the call your insurance company and ask them directly. A Pap is probably also indicated if it has been a few years. Some Family Practice docs don't do Paps, so you might add on to your inquiry "I am also due for a Pap. Will that be part of my Annual Exam? Is that covered by my co-pay?"

Don't be shy! Their job is to help you get the care you need. And I guarantee you won't ask something they've never heard before.

Congrats!

This makes me think of my grandma who's suffering from high blood pressure and it has gotten worse recently. I support the lose weight and limit unhealthy food way but my Mum seems to like bringing her for buffets! I know she loves her and wants her to enjoy her old age, but what can be more enjoyable than feeling fit and great?