Life and health updates. - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all. It seems like I post once a year these days.

Not much is happening except a few life changes, nothing real bad, mostly aging mom issues, and the dreaded aging process that has caught up with with me especially after menopause. No fun clothes for a while.

Back in May, I got a physical and had concerns about the creeping weight and cholesterol (COVID and Retirement didn't help) and my doctor recommended a plant-based diet, specifically the Forks Over Knives plan. This plan cuts out all oils, all meats and seafood, processed foods, all dairy and eggs...pretty much all the things I ate. After some more research, I found that it could be sustainable since I didn't have give up my beloved bread as long as it was whole grain. I could also eat all beans, brown rice (no white), and all fruits and vegetables, plus nuts and seeds. It was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, but once I got into the groove, it wasn't that difficult. Having a vegetarian husband helped too.

I went hardcore for 2 months and lost 10 lbs, in 2 months. I was shocked/pleasantly surprised that I lost that amount of weight in such a short time. I have another 10 lbs. to go. I have been la bit lax on the plan due to family events and restaurants outing, but am more mindful of what I'm eating now.

After seeing my doctor after 2 months, my LDL had dropped a bit which was a good sign, but my A1-C was still a problem. Apparently, I'm genetically disposed to high cholesterol which I've never had before. Anyway, he told me to come back in 4 months and keep on the plant based plant to see what happens. If no changes, they may want to put me on statins and I do NOT want to go on statins if I can help it.

I hope to have more good news in the future. At least I'm taking control of the weight gain.

5 months ago

LJP

Veteran

This was an interesting read, thank you for sharing! I'm not familiar with the Forks over Knives plan but I'm off to google it right now. Changing one's eating habits is such a difficult thing to do and maintain permanently. But....health is more important than absolutely anything , and shedding extra weight and eliminating the need for medication is a great goal to have.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great to hear that you're looking after yourself, and it's working, Naz! Good health is not be underestimated, and I hope you continue to have lots of it!

Suz

Nice to hear from you. I'm glad to hear you are taking care of your health!

4 months ago

April

I did Forks Over Knives online culinary class and they do offer many delightful recipes. So glad it's helping you manage health issues - so so so important.

citygirldc

Suz. --- Health is so important as we age. I look at my boomer parents and realize we have so much more information than did.

April -- The class sounds fabulous. I've been trying lots of new recipes, while cutting out the oils. It's been working just fine for me.

Suntiger

Active Member

Downloaded Forks Over Knives ebook, and just started listening to it today! I've been veg most of my life, but wanting to reduce my dependence on dairy, so switching to hummus or avocado as possible. Found a vegan smoked provelone cheese thats pretty good and some non dairy ice cream (but sugar v high).
I can already tell that I'll struggle in winter, when I can't just pop to the farms though

Suntiger - I've pretty much given up meat and dairy products and can truly say it's made a difference on the waistline. Cheese, eggs, and yogurt were my downfall. My doctor also mentioned that the #1 cause of cholesterol is not red meat but chicken. Who knew?

It is amazing how much food affects our health especially as we age and the hormones are all over the place!

I've been focusing on my health for about a year and a half now, but despite having less sugar, more veggies, and adding some strength exercises and light cardio, my weight was not budging the whole year. I finally cut out the Greek yogurt and protein powder two months ago and surprisingly the weight started to slowly go down. I have hope again!

Kudos to you for prioritizing your health and getting over that tough transition off the foods you once enjoyed. Hope to see you posting fun clothes soon!

AJ - Thank you and I will try to post more.

Laurie

Very interesting. Bad news about chicken!
I find it really hard to adapt to plans where I have to make a lot of recipes, though...
Having just started on a statin for hereditary high cholestrol, and suffering from arthritis, I am interested in making more of an effort....

Kyle

We are very familiar with Forks Over Knives and went to a Dr. John McDougall seminar some years ago. He died recently, which I was sorry to hear. My husband is better at doing plant based than I am, but we both eat little meat. Good luck on your own plant-based journey.

Laurie - Yes. I've pretty much given up on chicken and dairy.

Kyle -- Information is power. It's amazing what one can learn from just one documentary. It's definitely hard but we make do. Hubby is a vegetarian so that helps a lot.

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