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AIBU?

To think I can address cholesterol during lockdown

9 replies

CholesterolLolz · 12/06/2020 15:12

I'll try and keep it brief. I take methotrexate and have regular bloods. Last year I was told my cholesterol was raised so I improved my diet and next test it was within acceptable range.
I was admitted to hospital last night with chest pains. Have had ecgs, bloods etc and all ok but my cholesterol is now apparently 7.2.
I'm 42. Have put on maybe half a stone over lockdown but am not hugely overweight. Over the last 3 months my diet has been really, really poor including drinking more alcohol.
So I know I need to massively overhaul my diet. I have been walking every day but no more than 45 minutes as I have underlying health conditions which cause fatigue.

AIBU to think this is something I can fix with a much better diet and more exercise?

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sleepismysuperpower1 · 12/06/2020 15:17

Eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise can help lower the level of cholesterol in your blood, so yes, you should be able to lower it by changing your diet. this website below has loads of recipes for people with high cholesterol, and you can sort by the amount of time needed to cook, what time of day the food is for, etc
www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/healthy-eating/recipe-finder?condition=high-cholesterol&showAdv=1#searchresults
all the ebst x

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veryvery · 12/06/2020 15:21

Absolutely! You've got nothing to lose!

You might even find your fatigue improves as you exercise more and eat better. Losing any excess weight will also increase your energy levels as there will be less of you to carry around and move cement will be easier.

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veryvery · 12/06/2020 15:25

My DH has height cholesterol in his family. I remember once making a logistic of good food to eat.

Avocados, apples, artichokes, walnuts, oats, olives, aubergines were all on it from memory.

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lljkk · 12/06/2020 15:27

Elderly relative is convinced that going pescatarian without milk products made her cholesterol go down. I'd have fun experimenting if it were me.

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EasternDailyStress · 12/06/2020 15:29

Try using the Amelia Freer Nutrition Pyramid to guide your food choices (Google it). Basically, it tells you they types of food to eat every day to properly nourish your body.

On top of that, cut out sugar. It has helped me so much in terms of stabilising my blood sugar, meaning that I don't crave food all the time.

Make sure you get enough sleep too, as this has knock-on effects to your diet. When you're low in energy you crave carbs, particuarly easy to digest sugary carbs.

I think that the exercise will also help, as will weight loss.

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ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 12/06/2020 15:52

Oats are good too so porridge for breakfast.

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Crystaltree · 12/06/2020 16:04

Absolutely you can use this time as an opportunity. But make sure it's sustainable, eg write meal plans you can use going forward, don't just try to follow a book, take the time to try things you really like and enjoy eating, that will set you up for long term success.

One of the benefits of lockdown is that after you have queued for ages to get into the supermarket, things are more relaxed and less crowded in there and there's time to really consider what you are buying and look at things you might try.

It's brilliant that you've been able to keep up a 45 minute walk every day. Many many people started lockdown with good intentions but have lapsed. You could try adding 2 minutes to your walk each day. Or go out in running gear and try to do 4 or 5 one minute runs in the 45 minutes.

I have to tell you though that the easiest and quickest way to drop weight and feel better quickly is to stop the alcohol.

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CholesterolLolz · 12/06/2020 21:29

Thanks for the positive replies. They are really motivating and I feel like I can do this

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covidco · 12/06/2020 21:53

Definitely. I've lost 5kg and 11 inches in lockdown. I'm fitter, healthier and blood pressure has gone down. I'll get my cholesterol checked once lock down is over but I'm expecting good things.

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