GlennM's Journal, 04 February 2009

That's funny! I'm sure the Omega-3 helps but it would help your doctor to know you have been on Atkins. My cholesterol went to normal too on Atkins and my doctor still thinks I'm on a low-fat diet! I've tried to tell him but his nurse never makes a notation in my chart, so whenever my labs come back now they say "we want you to continue on your low-fat diet". *eye roll* Great job getting healthy! 

I struggled with high cholesterol when I used to eat a low fat diet. Several months after I went low carb I had my levels tested and they were great and they have stayed that way ever since. Atkins really does make a big difference. I think that I have my husband just about convinced. At his last check up his triglyceride levels were down in the normal range. He has been fighting this for as long as I've known him. The last time he had his blood work done he was eating very low carb and that was the big difference. His doctor also said that all of those refined carbs are really bad for triglycerides. Hubby has another check up in about a month so we'll see if he is still where he needs to be. If so, I think he will finally be completely convinced. It really does take a long time to get that low fat diet myth out of your head. Sounds like you are doing great Glenn. Also, congrats on the addition to your household! 

Atkins works dramatically - my triglycerides were over 500 plus I think a few years ago. Now they're still high, if I remember correctly mid 100s. Cholesterol was sky high, now 192. Meds and genetics key here of course. EVOO needs to be added to my diet more and nuts today I had a lot of almonds. And Omega 3 every day too (when I'm not preparing for a colonoscopy that is). I'm already exercising a lot more with the dog so that is going to help, and a gym membership will be coming when my tax rebate comes. Even in the cold I'm probably walking a mile a day with the dog, when summer comes it'll be many more - she BEGS to go out! :) not for food! It is so funny today I came back and took her out and a half hour later took her down to get my mail on the first floor and we came up and she was begging to go out - doing her shake that means it's time to go outside! Hee hee. So I took her out a half-hour later. I hope to get published to get a house. She needs a yard to run in... One of my friends said her dog was a hassle. This dog is a joy to me. I want to take her everywhere. And I can leave her she is OK alone and housebroken well. She doesn't care much for my taste in music and has sort of retreated to the bedroom and the bed to chill out - I listen to pop, rock and country... 

Sara - I told my P.A. months ago I was on Atkins. He may know it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. But it goes against everything they learned in medical school. It is a tough pill to swallow. I for one eat little red meat now though, which will help him see the light maybe. He just assumes it's the Omega 3 it's not I took it before I did Atkins full- time it was not much help. Carbs are the culprit. I just need to eat more salads maybe as I am so near to maintenance basically and now Toto is going to really get me exercising. I will write my P.A. a detailed letter about Atkins, I was going to tell him but a pharmacist student was in the room with him when I visited and as a former nurse I tend to act like a know-it-all so I didn't bring up Atkins.  

Kudos on getting a good lab report. That is GREAT! So glad things are working out well with the dog. :)