Good change of diet

Several weeks ago after reviewing some bloodwork results with my doctor, I made a couple of shifts in my diet, which have had a couple of positive effects so far.

First: I dropped having a muffin as part of a "second breakfast" at work most mornings.

Second: I added having a handful of almonds as a mid-morning snack (as opposed to the aforementioned muffin)

Third: I am taking fiber pills with dinner. The purpose is to help absorb some of the LDL cholesterol, which is what had been more elevated than should have been the case.  Given some follow-up bloodwork (mostly intended for other numbers that were out of range), it is clear that these changes have helped, since my LDL has dropped 10 points in just 2-3 weeks. Hopefully there will be a decent continuation at my next workup -- either 6 months or 1 year from now. I certainly have zero desire to be put on any statins. Not only do I generally hate taking medicine, I don't like the list of side effects that are common.

Nice side effect of both the almonds and the fiber pills -- sorry for the TMI -- I'm even more regular.

All of this has contributed to my stable weight range being 5 pounds lower than it was previously, certainly much closer to my goal weight to maintain. Obviously, by carrying less weight around my midsection, my running is easier.

Even with the above changes of diet, I still have the occasional cheat. And I haven't cut out having something for dessert nightly -- whether it's ice cream or a few ounces of semisweet chocolate morsels. So, while the diet mostly cuts out the "bad" stuff, there's some in it to help maintain my sanity.