I am beginning this blog primarily for myself for accountability. However, anyone who may be interested in what I am doing for a healthier lifestyle is welcome to follow me.
Almost two years ago my only brother died of a massive heart attack. He was only 53. This was a wake up call for me. This is when I first started my journey to a healthier life style. I am 50 years old and I want to be healthy, strong, and fit. In September of 2012 I had blood work done and found out my cholesterol and triglycerides were out of control. Just because someone is relatively small doesn't mean they are always healthy. My triglycerides were 220 and HDL cholesterol was only 25. Not good! I had my blood work checked again in April and my HDL was 39 and my triglycerides were 130!. So happy to see the great improvement. However, my doctor wanted me to go on meds for my cholesterol. I told her I did not want to go on meds. I've got this. With God's help I know I can get my cholesterol where it needs to be.
What am I doing to work on this?
I am exercising at least 4 out of 7 days a week, sometimes more. I ride my bike or speed walk. I try to get in 2 to 3 miles speed walking or 3 to 5 miles biking. I have now cut out most refined sugar. I have given up drinking my beloved Dr. Pepper. I am eating more veggies and fresh fruit. In future blogs I will actually record what I am eating. When people ask me how am I doing this I tell them "It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter." It is a daily choice I am making because I want to be healthy. Sometimes I give in and eat something I shouldn't. I haven't arrived but I'm a lot better than I was. I'm looking forward to getting my blood checked again to see my progress. I am also taking red yeast rice and fish oil daily.
This morning I rode my bike for 3.26 miles and walked for 1.1 miles. It was hot outside but it felt good to get out there and sweat and move. I hope this blog will encourage you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Jan, I am very happy to see so into fitness. You're an inspiration to many. It has been a soapbox issue to me for years. I didn't start taking it seriously until my father had four heart bypasses in 1998. I was always active, but I had to learn a lot about healthy eating. I've been frustrated at times with the lack of interest/focus in some of the churches we've attended on healthy lifestyles. Not all of them of course. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro was one of those that pushed fitness. God gave us this temple and it is our responsibility to take care of it. Although as Christians we recognize that spiritual exercise is more important, that doesn't mean we should ignore bodily exercise. We all need to take care of the mind, body and spirit. To see a Pastor's wife pursuing a healthy, exercise and nutrition based lifestyle is very exciting to me because I know many others in your circle of influence will follow in your path, especially the younger ones that are not set in their ways yet. Keep up the great work! Su hermano en Cristo! Lonnie Hammack
ReplyDeleteThank you Lonnie. Your words are very encouraging. I trust I will be a blessing to many through this blog. But if I only inspire one person to take care of their temple then it's well worth it.
DeleteI'm so excited for you that tears come to my eyes. i am encouraged by your words and want to improve my health as well and will use you as my role model in fitness as well! You are an inspiration to many and I miss you dearly! May God continue to give you lots of health and happiness! Love you my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you my sweet friend. I pray God helps you make wise choices in your eating and exercising. We can do this! :)
DeleteI'm so proud of you! You will get that cholesterol down and feel wonderful because of it. I look forward to reading your entries and hearing the exciting things that happen to you on this journey. Love you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Leslie. You are my cheerleader!! I so appreciate you being my accountability partner on this journey we are on together.
DeleteGreat job PJ!!! keep up the good job...I'm proud of you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle. You are my hero. Girl you are doing so awesome!!!
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