If you have read my blog before, you’ll know that I have been following The Paleo Diet for much of the past year. In short, I have removed all grains, dairy products and legumes from my diet. My food intake consists of: lean animal protein, eggs, veggies, fruit, nuts, oils. I have increased the amount of healthy fats I eat on a daily basis & have also started eating WHOLE eggs for the first time as an adult. Previous to this, I had strictly eaten egg whites due to my high cholesterol levels. Family history caught up with me at the young age of 23; my total cholesterol was 263 and I was put on cholesterol medication. After being on medication, my cholesterol dropped to 225- still not what is considered to be “normal”. Five years & 2 PCP’s later, I was taken off the medication because family history was the only negative risk factor I had. I was not overweight, I was active, I did not smoke at all or drink in excess, and my diet was clean. My PCP (and I) felt that the risk of keeping a 28 year old on cholesterol meds for life was not the most appropriate course of action. I stopped taking the medicine and never looked back.Last week, I had my cholesterol taken and was quite nervous about what I’d see in my results. I have been eating whole eggs, avocados, oils, coconut, nuts and red meat very regularly. Things high in saturated fat and cholesterol have been part of my daily routine, and I was partially convinced that my cholesterol would be back up to the high 2oo’s, if not worse. I couldn’t have been more incorrect! My results made me ecstatic: total cholesterol 202!!!! My triglycerides were in the normal range, too. The research I had done and the articles I read supporting the Paleo Diet have proven true for me. Organic fruits and veggies, grass-fed lean meat, organic eggs & the right healthy fats are exactly what my body needs. I have never been more convinced that eating WHOLE, REAL, high-quality foods is the best preventative medicine. Sure, organic might cost more up front, but the amount I’m saving on cholesterol medication alone (let alone other medical expenses) evens the playing field a bit.
Now, don’t get me wrong- I’m not saying that all foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol are good for you & that you can expect your cholesterol to lower if you make these foods part of your diet. Things high in saturated fat and cholesterol that are also PROCESSED and FAKE will do just the opposite; you can expect them to raise your cholesterol as well as your risk for heart disease and even premature death. A McDonald’s burger is NOT the same as a grass-fed, 90% lean grilled burger. Cauliflower casserole made with an entire block of cheese is NOT the same as steamed/grilled/sauteed veggies. And lastly, a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory is NOT the same as some coconut milk based ice cream or some dark chocolate with almonds.
Here’s the bottom line: Choose real food. Choose that which is the LEAST processed & in the form closest to its original. Eat what is best for your body. Check with your doctor before making any drastic changes in your diet. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure taken regularly.t.
Now, don’t get me wrong- I’m not saying that all foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol are good for you & that you can expect your cholesterol to lower if you make these foods part of your diet. Things high in saturated fat and cholesterol that are also PROCESSED and FAKE will do just the opposite; you can expect them to raise your cholesterol as well as your risk for heart disease and even premature death. A McDonald’s burger is NOT the same as a grass-fed, 90% lean grilled burger. Cauliflower casserole made with an entire block of cheese is NOT the same as steamed/grilled/sauteed veggies. And lastly, a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory is NOT the same as some coconut milk based ice cream or some dark chocolate with almonds.
Here’s the bottom line: Choose real food. Choose that which is the LEAST processed & in the form closest to its original. Eat what is best for your body. Check with your doctor before making any drastic changes in your diet. Get your cholesterol and blood pressure taken regularly.t.
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