We all have our own reasons for wanting to loose weight, but one of the more important ones is improved health for the individual.
Well first of all, I would say that I don't look overweight, and people who know me would say that this is no exageration. My interest in weight loss and healthy eating stems from a visit to the doctors, probably about 2 years ago. At the time, out of the blue, I was suffering from eczema, and it was, to be quite frank, getting on my nerves. Being at that age (i.e in my mid 40's) she decided to measure my blood pressure. It was rather high, but not high enough to warrant medication. She told me to loose weight which was a bit of a shocker and told me to come back in 3 months time or so - I never did go back. I'm one of those people who would never visit the GP unless I absolutely have to. She did say that if the blood pressure didn't come, I may have to go onto medication to keep control of blood pressure - now I definitey didn't want that! My concern was that if I ended up on tablets, I would be on them for life.
When I told my family that I had to loose weight - they couldn't believe it. They really thought I was lying!
So now I'm in March 2008 and the company I work for had one of those 'health weeks'. Something that caught my eye was having my cholestorol level checked. Now I should say I do tend to watch what I eat to some extent (i.e I don't go over the top) and do light exercises. So when the nurse measured my cholestorel at 6.79 it was a bit of a shock to say the least. I didn't get my blood pressure checked as I knew that was going to be high too. The nurse recommended a visit to the GP which I got round to in May 2008.
During the time between March and May, I was watching much more carefully what I was eating and counting roughly the amount of calories I was eating. I reckon I was eating on most days my 2500 calorie limit and exercising more regularly. I was definitely missing my junk food and cakes and I haven't found a satisfactory substitute to do away with the craving.
Anyway, I was nervous when the GP started measuring my blood pressure. However, it was coming down to more normal levels and I had lost around 7 pounds in weight - not great, but it made a difference. I couldn't get my cholesterol measured as the next day I was starting a new job (4.5 hour commute every day).
However, after a good talking to about dying early etc - I kept up a reasonably good diet, but with the long commutes, I was finding it very difficult to keep up. I was loosing the will power and was getting really bored with the mundane food regime - I'm mainly vegetarian. So we decided to purchase a blood pressure machine and I noticed that my blood pressure was near normal - I suspect my blood pressure has not been near normal for many many years. This encouraged me to keep up a healthy regime as much as I could - but there were notable lapses, especially during times when I was having a 'bad' week.
So where am I going with this - at the moment my blood pressure when measured at home seems near normal. But do I notice anything different in my own health. Well no - not really. The only thing I noticed a little different is in my taste buds - they seem a lot more sensitive for some reason. Oh should have said I'm a non smoker, but do drink, with the odd binge now and again. It is well known that if you have high blood pressure, you don't 'feel ill', but it the long term effects of high blood pressure that are of concern. For example, possible kidney problems.
I plan to visit the GP over the next few weeks to get my cholestorol measure more accurately and to see if it has gone down. should say that I have been taking those cholestorol reducing yogurts now and again - but I don't like buying them as thay do taste vile.
At this point, its worth summarising the well known benefits of not being overweight:-
- Weight loss will help with the reduction in blood pressure (I can vouch for this on a personal basis). This will reduce the chances of suffering from kidney problems, stroke and sight issues.
- Decrease the chance of suffering from Diabetes (This is more relevant to my background, being of south asian origin)
To summarize, the biggest problem for me has been will power. I've managed to keep on a healthy regime, I'd say for 2 months or so, then it goes downhill - until I remember the lecture I got from the GP. Its an issue I've not managed to get to grips with properly. Also, with long commutes, it very difficult to fit in some exercise. I have made progress without having to go to one of those weight loss programmes. Had I the nerve to go - I probably would have stuck with my diet a lot better.
BUT the positive note is that my blood pressure has gone down. I really didn't think it would make a difference loosing weight - but it has. I lost about 12-14 pounds but I should loose another 7 pounds to get to my ideal weight.
I will put an update when I get my cholestrol level measured.
If you find yourself in a similar position to me - try counting the number of calories you eat during the day - I found I had some control on the amount I found myself eating. But it does require a certain amount of willpower - which quite frankly I don't have. I did find myself continously thinking that I fancied a chocolate, cake etc......not a great solution, but I haven't come across a perfect solution so far.
And finally, Good luck!!
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