Navigating Metabolic Syndrome: A Coach's Journey to Optimal Health

Updated: Apr 5

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Metabolic Syndrome

For nearly four decades, my health journey has been anything but ordinary. At just 19 years old, I received a startling diagnosis: high cholesterol. With a cholesterol level of 240, I embarked on a lifelong mission to manage it naturally. Through the years, despite the ups and downs, my commitment to health never wavered.

Every year, the ritual of receiving my blood work results was both frustrating and reassuring. Frustrating because my cholesterol levels remained stubbornly high, but reassuring because my good cholesterol (HDL) consistently soared above 100, keeping my overall risk ratio low. Despite the persistent challenges, I resisted medication, determined to manage my health through lifestyle choices.

Fast forward to November 2023, a pivotal moment in my journey. After decades of dedication to a healthy lifestyle, I decided to eliminate sugar from my diet completely. I embarked on a transformative journey, embracing clean eating, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices with unwavering commitment. I felt empowered and hopeful as I awaited my blood work results in early 2024.

The anticipation turned to devastation when the numbers came back. My cholesterol had skyrocketed to 270, despite my meticulous efforts. Tears streamed down my face as I grappled with the crushing reality. How could this be? I had done everything right—walked the walk, talked the talk, and yet, I found myself facing a new challenge: metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol—shook me to my core. It was a humbling reminder that health is not solely determined by our actions; genetics and other factors play significant roles too.

But amidst the despair, I found a glimmer of hope. I refused to let this diagnosis define me. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. I immersed myself in research, sought guidance from experts, and crafted a personalized plan to combat metabolic syndrome head-on.

Central to my strategy was a renewed commitment to a healthy weight and a no-sugar diet. I prioritized nutrient-dense foods, ditched added sugars completely, and incorporated stress-reducing practices like mindfulness meditation and quality sleep into my daily routine.

And slowly, but surely, I began to see progress. My blood pressure normalized, my blood sugar stabilized, and I felt more vibrant and alive than ever before. My journey wasn't just about physical changes—it was a profound shift in mindset and habits.

Despite my initial reluctance, I ultimately made the decision to incorporate a low-dose statin into my treatment plan. My doctor explained that I was fighting a losing battle against my genetic predispositions, and without a little help, I would continue to see these elevated numbers.

Notably, throughout this journey, I maintained a 65 lb weight loss for 24 years. This achievement underscored my dedication to health and served as a testament to the power of lifestyle choices in shaping our well-being.

Sharing my story is about more than personal reflection; it's about empowering others facing similar challenges. Metabolic syndrome may present obstacles, but with the right approach and support, it can also be a catalyst for transformation.

In the upcoming posts, I'll delve deeper into the strategies, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Together, let's navigate metabolic syndrome and reclaim our health and vitality.

Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips to support your journey to optimal health!

Do you know someone who needs to read this? Share this with them. I look forward to sharing more of my journey and the changes I continue to make. My next blood test will be in May and I will share my story more.

Don't ever think you are fighting a losing battle.

The more we share and learn the more control we have.