On why the diet...

My gynea is really great - she reasons that busy moms do not go to the GP for a yearly check-up and as she catches you in her office once a year, she gives you a good general checking - including the blood tests etc. Today I am going for my yearly check-up. So the week before last I went for all my tests and to be honest, apart from the mammogram that was an unknown and really not as bad as the press it gets, I was only worried about my blood sugar. Because I love sugar most of all and if there is something wrong with my diet, it is possibly sugar related.

Out of the blue I got a call from her last Friday afternoon -it seems my cholesterol has taken a rather huge, irregular leap. So big, that she immediately put me on medication with the proposal to see a dietitian to get it sorted by diet asap. You see, my dad passed away when he was 45 from a heart attack so I have always been on cholesterol alert - but have always maintained a rather nice and low one. Not any more.I was a bit flabbergasted by it all and did not ask more questions, but immediately booked an appointment at the dietitian she referred me to  - who she assured me is realistic and will understand my busy life. She did mention that the medication she has other positives which will assist with my blood circulation and help for the winter hands etc. So there is a plus to staying on it.

So I went to see her - a working mom of 4 so certainly she does understand. It turns out that in the few days that I have been taking the meds it has made a difference but I am not even in safe levels yet. She did a lifestyle survey with me and was a bit puzzled as to what caused the cholesterol as my levels are not what hereditary typically is, but more what eating constant fatty food will result in - which we really do not do. My stressful work does tick off one notch on the stress levels, but the she asked - are you an insomniac? I said no! I fall asleep at the drop of a hat if my kids will only allow me to sleep. And I went on the describe the sleep situation and how little sleep we got over the last 4 years. She was surprised that it only happened now. It turns out that not sleeping triggers cortisol, the stress hormone, that in turn aids in storing fat and cholesterol. And disturbs your blood sugar - hence my craving for sugar. Turns out by luck my body does compensate for that.

So now I am on a low cholesterol diet - I have to eat very regularly, but can eat a very good selection of food and will get checked for blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and fat percentage every week. I also have to try and stick to the 3 times a week gym. As the diet works, we will phase out the medication or lower the dosage if we decide to keep me on it for general health purposes. I also have to drink a huge amount of calcium (1200mg) and Magnesium(600mg) a day at night - and she has also told me to get Hunter and little L to do the same for the men's dose, which is 800 Ca and 400mag.. She has also suggested some supplements for Little man L and agrees that we should continue with the Melatonin. In fact, we should also take some if our sleep pattern gets disturbed. And I need to try and keep those stress levels down. Because stressing about his issues and the work stuff is just too much. My body has spoken and given ample warning.

We did have a laugh that I have lost so much weight over the last 3 years and now have to diet, but she promises to get my weight down too - and you show me a girl that would not love that idea. And as my biggest problem is not sugar but fat, I am allowed some nice treats - in limited amounts which makes it a lot easier - for instance white Kit Kat which has minimal fat.. I am also allowed one "all out" meal a week - where you literally eat all you can of any food you want in a meal, including desert etc. So we shall see how this all goes.I need to do this - I need to see my children grown and be a granny some day.

Regards
The Reluctant, but enthusiastic dieter.