Blood Work and South Beach WOE

[wendysmiling]

Hello!

When I was on Atkins my cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure all came into perfect numbers within 3 months (blood sugar meds took 6 months to get off them completely).

I haven't checked my numbers on SB. Do any of you have blood work storeies to tell?

[tngal07]

I started SB in Jan. of this year. I had blood work done before I started and my cholesterol and everything was off the charts and high. When I went back a month later my total cholesterol had dropped 9 points and my other numbers where way better in just a month of being on SB.

[jlieb62]

My last two reports:

07/10/07 (Before South Beach)

Total cholesterol = 218
Triglycerides = 214
LDL = 141
HDL = 34
Fasting glucose = 114

01/04/08 (After South Beach)

Total cholesterol = 170
Triglycerides = 157
LDL = 111
HDL = 28
Fasting glucose = 88

As you can see, all my numbers are greatly improved except for my HDL cholesterol which is going the wrong way unfortunately. My doctor was very happy with my results and told me to add more healthy fats into my diet to boost my HDL. I have now become much more liberal with the canola and olive oil in my cooking, I eat fish at least three times a week (tuna and/or salmon usually), increased my fiber, and I've added at least one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to my meals everyday.

Any other suggestions regarding how to increase HDL will be gladly accepted.

Jim

[luisafernanda]

Jim - maybe try walnuts? I'm not an expert in this field, but I remember reading about this. Google HDL with walnuts and you'll find more info.

I have an appointment for blood work next Tuesday, and the results will take about 8 days after that, so I will be interested to see what happens. My numbers weren't bad last time (a year ago), but I'm hoping they'll be better now.

[jlieb62]

Originally Posted by luisafernanda

Jim - maybe try walnuts? I'm not an expert in this field, but I remember reading about this. Google HDL with walnuts and you'll find more info.

Thanks for the tip! By pure coincidence I've actually been using chopped walnuts recently as a topping to my fat-free cottage cheese and berries. I had no idea they were especially good for raising HDL as well.

[wendysmiling]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[potatoreplacer]

Here ya go...bloodwork not really a problem before SB but here are the results after 9 months:

Total Cholesterol: Old 179...New 150
HDL: Old 50...New 58
LDL: Old 109...New 84
Triglycerides: Old 101...New 40
Glucose: Old 98...New 90

[jlieb62]

Originally Posted by potatoreplacer

Here ya go...bloodwork not really a problem before SB but here are the results after 9 months:

Dang, those are some nice numbers!

[potatoreplacer]

Originally Posted by jlieb62

Dang, those are some nice numbers!

Thanks. I assure you I was STRESSED before I went to get tested. In the 9 months before the test I had eaten probably 8-10 eggs a week and tons of olive oil, smart balance, and red meat (albeit lean). Since I did not know much about dieting, foods, and bloodwork I thought for sure I would end up with crappy results.

Before the tests I used to say half-jokingly to my wife, "well I may have clogged arteries but at least I'll be thinner." Little did I know, I should trust Dr.A and what I read about good fats on the web.

Knock wood, I am hoping my results are still good as I continue with SB WOE.

The funny thing is I think half the battle is genetics rather than diet.

[potatoreplacer]

Originally Posted by jlieb62

My last two reports:

....SNIP

Any other suggestions regarding how to increase HDL will be gladly accepted.

Jim

Jim-

I do not know if this will work for you but I use only the following oils/"butter" in my diet:

Olive oil
Smart Balance
Canola Oil

I am pretty much all over the olive oil and even purchased a sprayer which I fill with olive oil. I also eat oatmeal, walnuts, quinoa, and Dark German Wheat bread (I forget who makes it).

I do use salad dressing which sometimes have a mix of oils.

[Dig62]

Hi potatoreplacer...

Looks like we're on the same page!

I use canola oil and smart balance buttery spread quite often, and olive oil when I can afford it (grad student on a budget here). To be honest I prefer canola in most things anyway because it doesn't impart a taste. Also love the Dark German bread. The one I buy is made by Arnold's and it is a heavy loaf of bread.

I'm going to take your suggestion and start eating oatmeal in the mornings and maybe add some chopped walnuts to it as well. That oughta kick my HDL up a bit.

Jim

[potatoreplacer]

Originally Posted by Dig62

Hi potatoreplacer...

Looks like we're on the same page!

I use canola oil and smart balance buttery spread quite often, and olive oil when I can afford it (grad student on a budget here). To be honest I prefer canola in most things anyway because it doesn't impart a taste. Also love the Dark German bread. The one I buy is made by Arnold's and it is a heavy loaf of bread.

I'm going to take your suggestion and start eating oatmeal in the mornings and maybe add some chopped walnuts to it as well. That oughta kick my HDL up a bit.

Jim

Since I started Phase 2 I probably eat oatmeal with chopped walnuts, dried apricots, and a little SF syrup once a week.

Another 2-3 days a week I eat plain yogurt with berries and walnuts.

At least 5 days a week I have the peanut butter cup dessert. Unfortunately, this is the WORST thing I eat. The dessert uses peanut butter (OK) and No Sugar Added Fudgsicles (on plan). The problem is the fudgesicles have so much garbage in them and artifical sweetners. If I could eliminate these things from my diet I would be a happy guy.

In other words, I eat my nut allowance almost every day so I'm getting a dose of good fats. Be careful, nuts are tasty, calorie filled and have stalled many South Beachers.