Shirley's Journey

[starfire]

I'm not much of a journal person, but I think I'd like to keep track of my progress (or lack of) since I'm trying to make some drastic lifestyle changes.

On August 24, 2005 I decided to begin the Paleo (Hunter/Gatherer) diet.
Really nervous about such a drastic change but sick and tired of being tired and aching.
Prescription Meds at that time:
Nexium 40 mg
Lisinopril 30 mg
Zoloft 50 mg
Zetia 10 mg
Asacol 400 mg x 6
Palgic 3 mg
Nasonex 2 sprays daily

Goals........
1. Feel Good
2. Lose a lot of weight
3. Tone up muscles
4. Get off all/most prescription drugs.

I started using Rhizinate for (sure to come) heartburn.
=================================

It is now September 14, 2005

Nexium 0
Zoloft 25 mg
Asacol 400 mg x 4
I think I'm going to either cut my Lisinopril in half or just take 30 mg every other day. Blood pressure started falling too low (IMHO).

Also, for years (even before high BP), I have had a high pulse rate. Usually around 100 - sometimes higher - seldom lower. Never out of the 90's. This AM it was 82.

Have lost a total of 6 lbs.

I've had a very good experience with the Rhizinate. I haven't used any on a regular basis for a week and the only time I have heartburn is when I go off the diet.

I am feeling better. Mentally and physically.

Today, I purchased an enzyme supplement called Zypan. Anxious to see how I make out with that. I know enzymes bothered Wayne.
It is a blend of: Betaine hydrochloride, pancreas Cytosol (TM) extract, pancreatin, fatty acid, pepsin, ammonium chloride, bovine spleen & ovine spleen (ick - my comment). Other ingredients: Cellulose, lactose & Calcium Stearate (I wasn't dairy free before starting the diet, so I assume the lactose won't bother me)

I also purchased a bottle of Carlson Cod Liver Oil
1 tablespoonful a day for the Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Potency and Purity Guaranteed!!
I was dreading the taste but it's not bad at all.

That's it for now

[starfire]

Time for an update.............

I saw my GP this week and had total cholesterol blood test done.
Results were outstanding!!

Last May September (present time)
Total Cholesterol.....324 .................211
Total LDL ...............210 ................ 126
Total HDL ............... 40 ................. 46

My Doctor agreed that I was doing much better on the diet and didn't have a problem with the content of the diet. I told her that my blood pressure had dropped and I had started taking my BP med every other day. She agreed that was fine and wrote me a RX for less mg per day.
She said I could monitor it myself and adjust my med accordingly. She said I'm doing great. I already knew that but nice to have your Doc agree with you - LOL.

I can officially say that I have dropped my BP med (lisinopril) down to 20 mg.

Actually, it's been lower than that but I'll take the 20 mg until BP starts goiing too low again. By cutting the 30 mg pills I have left in half, I am actually taking 15 mg at the present time. When the 20 mg becomes too much, I will cut them in half and take 10 mg which is what I started on several years ago.

She also told me that I had lost 11 lbs since May when I saw her last. At least 7 of that was due to the diet.
Still

[starfire]

Man, did I ever get derailed!! I should say I derailed myself. After a looooong detour, I am seriously trying to get back ON TRACK now that my husband has returned to Pa. and I don't have as many temptations as when I have to cook for him and him bringing home all kinds of "goodies".
It sure seem strange here without him though.

Breakfast:
1 smoked pork chop
Blueberries
Decaf Hazlenut Coffee

Lunch:
Cob salad at Bob Evans with grilled chicken chunks and ranch dressing (yes, the ranch dressing is a no-no)
Strawberry Tea (unsweetened) but it sure tasted "sweet".

This afternoon:
1 A&W Root Beer (I seem to be adicted. I need to make a greater effort to find Virgil's as Wayne suggested)

Plan to have some marinated (my own mix) chicken for dinner and some Tangerine Tea (made myself - unsweetened) and maybe some broccoli with dill sauce (yep, dill sauce is mostly sour cream - another baddie)

OK, Here's what I really ate for dinner. A few chunks of marinated chicken, a banana, a few grapes, another cup of Decaf. and now I'm working on the glass of tea.

Oh, by the way. I am no longer taking any blood pressure pills and my BP seems to be behaving itself quite well. *shrug* Dont' know why.

[starfire]

I guess this comes under the heading of Report

Just wanted to note that I ate walnuts last night. I noted the time because I wanted to see what my intestinal transit time would be.
When I eat nuts I always see little pieces of them in my stool.
Thought I'd record the time and see if it ever changes.

Walnuts in: 8 PM
Walnuts out: 11 AM

Transit Time: 15 hours.

[tex]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

That's rapid transit, all right.

Tex

[starfire]

Probably the only thing I do rapidly anymore.

[starfire]

Just thought I'd note that I had a bone density test and the results are that my spine has had 7% improvement and my hips 4% improvement. Two and a half years ago my hips were borderline between osteopenia and opsteporosis. My spine was a bit better than my hips.

I am so pleased with these results. I only took Fosamax for a few months. Decided I didn't like the way it works and just stopped taking it. I increased my activity level and took Caltrate 600 + D.

I have recently joined "Curves" and have been there every day they have been open for almost 2 weeks. Although I haven't lost any weight, I know it will help my bones and will build some muscle and help "tone me up" under all the fat. In other words, it can only hlep.

[starfire]

Ugh........... Saw my GP today......got lab results.........
Total Cholesterol up
Good Cholesterol down'
Bad Cholesterol up
Triglicerides up
Blood sugar level up (first time that has been mentioned)

Gotta get serious about my diet.

[Polly]

Shirley!

So glad to see you posting in your journal again! But, of course, I am sorry to see that your blood tests took a step backward. The good news is that you have already found the way to make them improve - you know the "secret"! LOL! And you can do it again. I have complete faith in you.

I noticed when you said you had become derailed, and I specifically haven't asked you about it , because it is obvious to me that you really do want to be paleo again as much as possible. You are always so supportive of everyone else and it is so appreciated. It just takes time to get there.....just like any lifestyle change, there will be fits and starts (and steps backward) until it finally becomes habit. You WILL get there.....I'll even bet on it. Would it help to re-read Cordain's book? I still refer to it several times a week - not just for advice but for inspiration.

Also, one thing I find absolutely necessary in order to stick to this diet is careful planning. I try to map out at least 5 days worth of meals/snacks before I go shopping - and also build in those extras for hubby and son (like rice, bread, cookies, etc.).

How are you feeling right now? Have those aches/pains, etc., returned? Have you had to increase the meds again?

If I may be nosy, what do you think is the single biggest obstacle for you? (As I said, it is the planning for me).

Anyway, I will follow your progress with interest! Please share your frustrations and rant and rave all you want - it is the nature of the beast!

Love and admiration,

Polly

[starfire]

Polly,
Thanks for the encouragement. I have been floundering for so long, I'm totally disgusted with myself. I've gained back the weight I lost and gained about 10 more besides.

I have not increased the Asacol. I'm still on 4 per day. I seldom have D, just very soft stools at times.

I do have some aches/pains but I don't think they are as bad as they were at one time. I still get fatigued pretty easily.

I am taking no BP meds. BP seems to be OK which is still a puzzlement to me.

I think the "planning" is probably a large part of my problem, plus just a little "short" on will power. There are times when I get hungry and just grab "whatever" sometimes I'll be out somewhere and suddenly decide I'd REALLY LOVE to have this or that at some eating establishment - The Waterson Sandwich at Beef-o-Brady's comes to mind at the moment. Love those things.

Anyway, I sabotage myself. I know that. Got to work on it. Nice of you to say you will follow my progress. I hope there will actually BE some progress to follow.

Love, Shirley

[harvest_table]

Hi Shirley!

Stay away from the Beef O'Brady's and all fast and processed foods if you can. It's hard at first but worth it.

Thank you so much for your support - it means so much to me and many others.

Buy fresh foods- meats, vegies and fruits and see how that goes. If you can, stay away from sugars and dairy.

Love You, very much

Joanna

[Lucy]

Hi Shirley,

Wow, I just reread your early journal entries -- what a difference in your lab results back then!!
I should read that book!!! Is this what Cordain says usually happens?
Just think of all the $$$ people can save this way. Then, turn around and spend it at Whole Foods!!

I think you hit on something when you mentioned the part about being tempted most when you are hungry. It's like in a criminal case, ya know -- motive and opportunity!
Hee hee!

Sooo...my suggestion would be try to keep that protein in around the clock to help keep the blood sugar more level. Did the doc want to see how well you can control the sugar with diet and exercise?

Lately, although I don't eat the carbs that I am immunologicallly sensitive to, what I do is not get enough protein in frequently enough, and end up grabbing a rice bar or gf potato chips or gf corn chips of one kind or another. Cokes really keep me from losing weight. I'm sure they put it on me in the first place.

Anyway, those are the things that I grab when the blood sugar goes down, and it's hard to eat just a few. I felt much better when I ate smaller meals throughout the day, each having protein and vegetables.

When you see what happened to your lab values and need for meds after starting the diet -- isn't it amazing what the right diet can do for the body?! It's amazing we've all lived this long the way we used to eat, isn't it?

Wow, mosquitos are having a high protein late night snack about now -- already finished one of my arms, and starting on the other.
May soon have to type with my toes.

You no doubt can do it, Shirley, and you sound motivated, so go for it!
(Play that Rocky movie theme song in your head to empower yourself. Ha!)
Yours, Luce

[starfire]

Thank you all so much for the encouragement and tips. I have done some better this week - diet-wise - but still some slip ups.

I've made a pot of homemade veg beef soup and froze it in individual portions so I can pop it the microwave when I get need something in a hurry. I used to eat a lot of homemade soup when I was doing so well before. I think I got burned out on it.

I have Polly's Sticky Chicken recipie going in the fridge right now.

Instead of grabbing myself a root beer, I made a gallon of Bigelow's Tangerine Tea (unsweetened) and am mostly drinking that. Actually, I'm on my 2nd gal. of that. Still usually having 1 root beer a day though. I'll probably do that until I run out of them (ha). I'll try not to buy any more after that.

As I said, thanks. Sure nice to know people are pulling for me.

Love, Shirley

[starfire]

I'm listing the meds I'm on now. Just a little change.


Zetia 10 mg (providing Ins. Co. approves it again - waiting to see)
Asacol 400 mg x 4
Palgic 3 mg
Nasonex 2 sprays daily
AmbienCR 6.25 mg (when needed)

[Polly]

Hi Shirley,

Looks as if you are moving right along! I am impressed. PLEASE don't beat yourself up about getting derailed or slipping up. It happens to all of us and is to be expected. Just move on and don't look back. You can do anything you want to - I'll bet on it, as I said earlier.

The improvement in blood pressure is terrific. Do you have any idea why? Has your stress level decreased? Are you eating less salt?

Also, are you still going to Curves regularly. I think that's such a good idea.

OK, tell me about that Waterson sandwich. (We don't have any Beef-o-Brady's around here.)

Love,

Polly

P.S. I hope you can track down some Virgil's root beer one of these days. I am a root beer nut, too, and I think it is better than any other brand!