Thom Downing
04-11-2006, 01:38 AM
First I must say why I am writing this. I am only one person, and one person a study does not make, however, I feel the results of the past month are remarkable enough to take note of. Secondly, I am writing this as a reminder for myself and my family. And finally, for other people looking for a reason to take your health seriously, I ask you "how far will the elevator go down, before you get off"...
I am 39 years old, 5'9" tall and two months ago weighed in at 183lbs and 26.5% BodyFat (about 10lbs heavier than I had ever been). I will spare you the 'before' pics, although I do have them.
How I got this unFIT is long, yet the details are important for my story here, and are probably similiar to a lot of people.
In the span of 4 years, in no particular order, I moved six times, started a business at the worst time in silicon valley history (see crash of 2000), my wife at the time left me, I was clinically depressed, diagnosed with a severe viral infection to my middle ear, rendering me bed ridden for weeks (the effects of which I still deal with today), I ruptured a disc in my low back (rendering me bed ridden for weeks), trained for and completed my first Ironman (on Viox because of my back), i got married to the girl of my dreams, the girl of my dreams got breast cancer at 29 years old, and following 1 year of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, we got pregnant with our first child.
Exercise and healthy living took a back seat, as a matter of fact they got way in the back, like in the trunk. The more I was encouraged by others to exercise the less I wanted to do any. I ate, and drank, and was wondering what bolt of lightning would strike next...
I had 'comprehensive' blood tests on two dates (9/05,2/06) showed elevated Triglycerides 202 (normal 35-200), Total Cholesterol 238 (130-200), Direct LDL 128 (<100), HDL 44 (This is the 'good' chol, should be high, norm is 40-90), VLDL 66 (0-42). Blood Pressure on 3 separate occasions was 135/88 (putting me in the mildly hypertensive category). bummer.
My CHD or 'Coronary Heart Disease Risk Ratio' was 5.4 putting me at the 'high end' of average CHD risk. Lipitor or Niacin was recommended, and the docs told me to not take fish oil, for reasons i cannot explain (nor could they). In addition to these horrible numbers, my liver metabolic panels came back with 'several' elevated enzymes due to the medications, alcohol, stress, poor diet, etc I would assume. All else was 'normal'. The Life Insurance company raised my risk level and told me I was 'above average risk', which means, "you gotta pay more now because we think it's likely you'll die sooner rather than later." bummer.
Since this test in Feb '06, I began the Scott Kolasinski nutrition plan. I kept a journal www.calorieking.com , bought a food scale (6$), and began to measure my portions and track what I ate. I cooked all my meals for the week on Sunday and PLANNED for the week. I was amazed as to how little food actually makes up a serving size. As I looked around at people eating in cafes and restraunts I realized how big a problem portion control really is, what a waste.
I ate every 3 hours and increased my protein intake to 1g/lb of bw/ day (or as close as I could come). Each of my 6-8 meals/ day were no more than 500 cals/ meal. My supplements consisted of a powdered multi-vit from Life Extension Foundation www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00836.html , 1,200mg Fish Oil www.lef.org/newshop/itemsitem00820.html , and Life Flora for my digestive system www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00263.html . I occasionally had a muscle milk or protein bar for a snack, otherwise, i stuck to as close to raw whole foods as I could.
Exercise began slowly with walking daily, 1-2 crossfit www.focusedtrainers.com/services/crossfit.htm workouts in the gym www.focusedtrainers.com , and a bike ride once per week. I was starting to feel better and enjoying the time in the gym again.
I tested my bodyfat and weight after one month. Down 6lbs and, more importantly BF% had decreased by 6% to 19%. This was with very little exercise, so I knew I could continue to improve.
Around this same time (March 9th to be exact), I had my blood work re-done by another insurance company. This company was VERY efficient, they measured EVERYTHING. An MD did the testing, which included, EKG (for normal heart function), Liver function Panel, CBC, CHEM 7, Lipid panels (cholest), Hepititis B and C, AIDS, Nicotine (urine and blood), Fasting Glucose, Blood Pressure.
My results were amazing. My Blood Pressure dropped to 118/78. Triglycerides 117 (from 202), Direct LDL 79 (from 128), total Cholesterol 151 (from 238), HDL 48 (up from 44), my ratio was 3:1 which moves me into the 'below average CHD risk', my goal is 'protective levels' which is 2:1. Oh, and I don't have Hepatitis B, C or Aids, whew. :rolleyes: Needless to say this insurance company cant wait to insure me.
For details on what all these enzymes are and mean go to this link
http://www.biodia.com/test218.html
Now I find, I dont have to write everything down. I still plan meals, i can enjoy an 'indulgence meal' (not day) every so often. I stick with pinot noir due to its high anti-oxident content www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/030929/29wine.div.htm , in moderation of course. I am learning everyday about food choices and essential nutrients, and how these things affect my energy, sleep, mental state, etc.
To be continued.....(Anyone else care to share their story?)
I am 39 years old, 5'9" tall and two months ago weighed in at 183lbs and 26.5% BodyFat (about 10lbs heavier than I had ever been). I will spare you the 'before' pics, although I do have them.
How I got this unFIT is long, yet the details are important for my story here, and are probably similiar to a lot of people.
In the span of 4 years, in no particular order, I moved six times, started a business at the worst time in silicon valley history (see crash of 2000), my wife at the time left me, I was clinically depressed, diagnosed with a severe viral infection to my middle ear, rendering me bed ridden for weeks (the effects of which I still deal with today), I ruptured a disc in my low back (rendering me bed ridden for weeks), trained for and completed my first Ironman (on Viox because of my back), i got married to the girl of my dreams, the girl of my dreams got breast cancer at 29 years old, and following 1 year of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, we got pregnant with our first child.
Exercise and healthy living took a back seat, as a matter of fact they got way in the back, like in the trunk. The more I was encouraged by others to exercise the less I wanted to do any. I ate, and drank, and was wondering what bolt of lightning would strike next...
I had 'comprehensive' blood tests on two dates (9/05,2/06) showed elevated Triglycerides 202 (normal 35-200), Total Cholesterol 238 (130-200), Direct LDL 128 (<100), HDL 44 (This is the 'good' chol, should be high, norm is 40-90), VLDL 66 (0-42). Blood Pressure on 3 separate occasions was 135/88 (putting me in the mildly hypertensive category). bummer.
My CHD or 'Coronary Heart Disease Risk Ratio' was 5.4 putting me at the 'high end' of average CHD risk. Lipitor or Niacin was recommended, and the docs told me to not take fish oil, for reasons i cannot explain (nor could they). In addition to these horrible numbers, my liver metabolic panels came back with 'several' elevated enzymes due to the medications, alcohol, stress, poor diet, etc I would assume. All else was 'normal'. The Life Insurance company raised my risk level and told me I was 'above average risk', which means, "you gotta pay more now because we think it's likely you'll die sooner rather than later." bummer.
Since this test in Feb '06, I began the Scott Kolasinski nutrition plan. I kept a journal www.calorieking.com , bought a food scale (6$), and began to measure my portions and track what I ate. I cooked all my meals for the week on Sunday and PLANNED for the week. I was amazed as to how little food actually makes up a serving size. As I looked around at people eating in cafes and restraunts I realized how big a problem portion control really is, what a waste.
I ate every 3 hours and increased my protein intake to 1g/lb of bw/ day (or as close as I could come). Each of my 6-8 meals/ day were no more than 500 cals/ meal. My supplements consisted of a powdered multi-vit from Life Extension Foundation www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00836.html , 1,200mg Fish Oil www.lef.org/newshop/itemsitem00820.html , and Life Flora for my digestive system www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00263.html . I occasionally had a muscle milk or protein bar for a snack, otherwise, i stuck to as close to raw whole foods as I could.
Exercise began slowly with walking daily, 1-2 crossfit www.focusedtrainers.com/services/crossfit.htm workouts in the gym www.focusedtrainers.com , and a bike ride once per week. I was starting to feel better and enjoying the time in the gym again.
I tested my bodyfat and weight after one month. Down 6lbs and, more importantly BF% had decreased by 6% to 19%. This was with very little exercise, so I knew I could continue to improve.
Around this same time (March 9th to be exact), I had my blood work re-done by another insurance company. This company was VERY efficient, they measured EVERYTHING. An MD did the testing, which included, EKG (for normal heart function), Liver function Panel, CBC, CHEM 7, Lipid panels (cholest), Hepititis B and C, AIDS, Nicotine (urine and blood), Fasting Glucose, Blood Pressure.
My results were amazing. My Blood Pressure dropped to 118/78. Triglycerides 117 (from 202), Direct LDL 79 (from 128), total Cholesterol 151 (from 238), HDL 48 (up from 44), my ratio was 3:1 which moves me into the 'below average CHD risk', my goal is 'protective levels' which is 2:1. Oh, and I don't have Hepatitis B, C or Aids, whew. :rolleyes: Needless to say this insurance company cant wait to insure me.
For details on what all these enzymes are and mean go to this link
http://www.biodia.com/test218.html
Now I find, I dont have to write everything down. I still plan meals, i can enjoy an 'indulgence meal' (not day) every so often. I stick with pinot noir due to its high anti-oxident content www.usnews.com/usnews/culture/articles/030929/29wine.div.htm , in moderation of course. I am learning everyday about food choices and essential nutrients, and how these things affect my energy, sleep, mental state, etc.
To be continued.....(Anyone else care to share their story?)