The Results are In!

Blood work results came back today, there's good...and well...read on.

Triglycerides: 98 (should be under 150)
Cholesterol: 150 (should be under 200)
HDL (good chol): 50 (should be greater than 40)
LDL: (bad chol): 80 (should be less than 130)
Glucose: 84 (should be between 75-99)

I expected some things to be higher than June because I've added eggs pretty much every day. I am pleased that my good cholesterol is now where it should be and that my Glucose number is lower than it was.


These were JUNE 22 results for comparison.

Tryglycerides: 96 (should be under 150)
Cholesterol: 136 (should be under 200)
HDL (good chol) 39 (should be greater than 40)
LDL (bad chol)78 (should be less than 130)
Glucose 91 (should be between 75-99)

So here's the rather annoying, I want to kick someone news that made me get emotional and cry a minute. My TSH levels (thyroid/pituitary function) are low. TSH 2011 - .014
TSH 2009 - .893. So what are the symptoms of low TSH? Weight loss. I can't tell you how unbelievable upset it makes me to have my weight loss attributed to my thyroid (which I have unsuccessfully tried to blame for my obesity my whole life even though the results always came back as normal). I have worked HARD. I have stopped eating bad things, I have exercised nearly an hour EVERY day. So f*!$ you TSH levels. You may not have the credit.

I will have them rechecked in one month.

Subtracting Pounds, Adding Life

I have taken out a lot of things in my life. I've taken out high caloric meals, fatty snacks (mostly) fast food. I've taken away sitting on the couch/chair all day long. By subtracting these pounds, I'm adding to my life.

Not just adding exercise, but I've noticed other changes too. I shave my legs nearly every shower (I hated my body so much before I hardly ever did). I wear make up much more often just for the heck of it. I wear jewelry now because I'm not afraid to have people looking towards any part of my body (I was so minimalist because I didn't want anyone to look at ANY part of my body). I've added smiles and smiles to my days that weren't there before.

I'd be my friend today if I met me. Probably not before. I was so insecure. I still have those moments and probably will the rest of my life, but I'm able to reach out without as much fear. I'm worthwhile knowing and I'm starting to really believe it.

:) Loving life.

Cycling Success

Two years ago I posted this:

http://biggerthanababyelephant.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-could-i-forget-to-mention-bicycle.html

I did not do that loop again until today. I was probably about 280 plus pounds then. I rode today at least 60 lbs lighter and I did NOT have to stop and rest at all and I did NOT need to walk my bike up the hill.

To think about it, it makes sense. If I were to walk around carrying 60 lbs in my arms, I'd be tuckered out right away. It's these continually apparent things that make me want to continue to succeed!!

I hope you have a restful Labor Day!

I am Balanced.

Over a year ago, I started going to therapy because I had been having really negative reactions to other people's positive things (which is NOTHING like me...I'm a rejoice when you rejoice type of Gal!) Something was out of whack and I was living in a self pity, woe is me type of mentality (some of it maybe justified) and even the happiest news for someone else would make me cry in sadness because my life was never that good or easy.

I can say honestly, nothing was balanced in my life then. My eating was out of whack, I didn't exercise much, my parenting was not consistent, I wasn't always treating my husband very well. I went to church, but I hated it. I spent too many hours dwelling on squabbles with friends past and present. I was a mess.

I was able to say goodbye to my therapist on Friday. She told me that I have achieved a lot more balance in my life and that I'm one of the most balanced people she has been seeing. I eat well, exercise well, I have balanced my friend life between church and non-church. She said she sees it so much in my demeanor. I feel good. I don't stress about little things so much. I'm embracing life in a way I haven't done in a very long time. (if ever)

Today we took the girls on a bike ride along the river. We rode about 6 miles. Fun times!

Sometimes you just need a little rest!

I was supposed to take Pilates this morning, but I'm pooped. I did a few double workouts this week, so I think I need some much deserved rest. I'm curious how most people break down their calories per day. Do you eat more at breakfast, lunch or dinner?

Right now I eat about (approximately)
Breakfast: 400 calories
Lunch: 400-500 calories
Dinner: around 500-600 calories (I think...this is the most varying meal)
Snacks: 200 per day.

How do you break down yours?

How far I've come

The last time I visited the doctor in April, it was for that serious, possible hernia. (which resolved itself quickly. In just the basic stats for BP and Resting Heart rate there was a huge improvement:

Resting heartrate: In April: 70 Today: 52
Blood pressure: In April: 120/80 Today: 110/68

This means that I have moved from the Pre-hypertension stage into the Normal stage for blood pressure! NORMAL (my one of my favorite words). And the 52 resting heart rate is BELOW normal which means I am in good cardio-vascular health! GO ME! YAY!!!

Here is a very good quote. It might be my new favorite!

"It's never too late to be who you might have been" - George Eliot

Shout out for September!!

So, was your August astounding? Mine was good, but maybe not astounding. I had a loss of 9 lbs. Less than prior months, but it's pretty stellar.

But let's hear it for September!! WOOHOO!! Seriously, September is my most favorite month of the year. Probably because it has my birthday it in, but really because it was always back to school (and I loved school) and the weather gets cooler, the leaves begin to change... I love it!

With the kids in school, I'll be adding a bit more activity (ie walking the dog, adding fitness classes here and there.) I already work out a lot, but if I'm not doing anything else, why not?

Tomorrow is my annual doctor visit. I'm excited to go in weighing much less than I was the last time :) It's a happy day!