Friday, January 5, 2018

Low Carb Diet

I teach a Bible class on Wednesday nights for my local fellowship when I'm here in Fremont, NE. The ladies delight in bringing snacks for all of us to enjoy during the fellowship period. Toward the end of December 2011 I announced that I didn't want the ladies to be offended if I no longer ate any snacks after the beginning of the coming new year and the reason was that I wanted to lose weight and would need to cut back on calories or carbohydrates or both.

Beginning January 1st, I tried first one diet then another but didn't lose any weight. This continue until the end of May when I decided that I knew how to lose weight...so why wasn't I doing what I knew would bring my weight down?

Well, what I knew I had to do is not what my wife wanted me to do. She felt that the low carb diet was not a healthy diet and discouraged me from going down that path. It just happened that during the final week in May I had an appointment with my family doctor. During our 15 minute check-up time, I casually brought up the idea of low-carb diets and what did he think about them. He pounced on the question like a hungry lion on fresh meat. "I think they are great...! Are you thinking of losing weight?" I told him my problem and he related that he had just returned from a seminar where the merits of this type of regimen were discussed in great detail. He was a believer! Armed with his support I cut way back on the carbs and immediately began seeing the results on the scales. He wanted to do a blood lipid panel before I began and then do another one after 6 months on the program. The results after a loss of about 60 or 70 pounds were terrific. All the bad numbers came down and all the good numbers went up. He was dancing with excitement and so was I.

That process began in mid-year 2012 and continues to this day. Overall, I lost about 80 pounds. It's always a challenge over special days like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years day celebrations. However, I'm very happy to report that again this year I had a taste of everything I wanted, ate the protein and fat that I needed and got through this current holiday season without gaining any weight. I feel great, my lipid numbers are terrific and I'm still wearing size 32 pants...!!! (Down from size 43 in 2011.)

While my family doctor enthusiastically supported my regimen, my cardiologist took more convincing.  It was after my second lipid panel that I first met with him and talked to him about my diet. He asked me what I ate and didn't eat and then was silent for what seemed to me to be a very long time. Deep in thought he finally said, "Well, it's not what I've been taught; but, I can't argue with your numbers...! Just keep on doing what you're doing. With these numbers you should live to be 105."

Even my wife has now reluctantly accepted the fact that I intend to stay on this regimen for the rest of my life, or until there is proof that it's unhealthy. I long ago lost my craving for carbs and sweets. I love steak; pulled pork; fried, grilled or roasted chicken; fried or grilled fish; boiled, fried or scrambled eggs; all kinds of hard cheezes; sugar-free Jello; stevia sweetened coffee; and several kinds of flavored water or Coke Zero.

The regimen may not work for everyone; but, it has been working for me over 5 years now and I'm evangelical about promoting it to all who will listen. Several of my friends have tried it and have successfully lost weight. One especially has been following it for well over a year now and found that his doctor fully supports his efforts. He looks better, feels better and has fewer neuropathy attacks. I'm posting just one of any number of addresses on the internet where those interested can do their own research.  For all of you reading this, I wish you a long, healthy, carb-free life. I also wish you eternal life. Contact me if you're ready for that dialog.

Your comments are welcome. Just click on the "Comment" Button. God bless.
sc

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831

3 comments:

John Bailey said...

You need to include your health history. It is important for us to know that you have a history of major heart surgeries. Your vital signs and blood work indicate that you have lost the pounds and maintained your weight for a long time now. I don't know if I am disciplined enough for this diet.

Steve Cate said...

My first by-pass surgery was in January of 1986 (in Omaha, NE), 2nd in 1994 (in Pomona, CA) and 3rd in 2005 (in Singapore). In 2008 I had a small heart attack and in 2009 I had another (a stint was inserted) followed by periods of passing out. A defibrillator-pace/maker was inserted in February of 2010 (battery will need to be replaced within the next few months). .

In a separate note (since I don't seem to be able to include a photo in this comment) I'll post a photo of the lipid panel records I kept for the first few years after starting this regimen.

I'm not as strong as I used to be and I don't travel to Indonesia as often as I would like; but, then, if God allows it, I'll celebrate my 80th birthday this year...!. I don't expect to keep up with my grandchildren at this age. On the other hand, I intend to fight this slowing down process called aging with whatever strength I still have for as long as I still can. I look forward to the future no matter what it holds because I know my body will be resurrected and I'll live eternally. I have absolutely nothing to dread.


The Zezinho said...

Hello Steve! How are you ? I agree with you, low carb is the best way to go if you want to lose weight and also have a healthy lifestyle. Great article!