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8:42:00 PM EDT
Feeling Loopy
Hearing "The Lord Bless You And Keep You" - Dallas Christian Choir
my blood pressure is falling!
Yes, you read it right: My blood pressure, which has been pushing 140/80 for the last couple of years, is back down around 120/60 now, where it used to run when I was in my 20's.
I usually put this sort of entry in my boring health journal, but I thought maybe this would help somebody.
My blood pressure has lowered since Cliff came home from his open-heart surgery. Why?
Well, most of the weight I've lost was already off before then, so that isn't it.
I was already walking a half-hour a day, although I've increased that, now that the weather is cooler. Most days I take two half-hour walks. Plus, since Cliff began doing fifteen to twenty minutes daily of calisthenics and light weight-lifting, I've joined him in that activity.
I use only olive oil. Once the current bottle is empty, I'm going to virgin olive oil. Let's see how low my BP can go!
I'm eating one ounce of nuts a day... currently almonds, but sometimes it's Planters unsalted mixed nuts Next time it may be walnuts. This adds almost 200 calories to my calorie tally each day, but I've read too much about the benefits to give them up now.
We have at least two meatless days each week, and at least one "fish" day. Talapia is our fish of choice, but I sometimes mix canned tuna (packed in water) with a salad.
We have lots of sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cooked cabbage and spinach. I use frozen veggies and add no salt.
The only caffeine we have is in our coffee in the mornings. The rest of the time, it's de-caf Diet Coke, tea, and coffee.
I buy no-salt-added canned goods such as tomato sauce, tomatoes and ketchup. Since I've not been able to find a low-sodium spaghetti sauce on the grocery shelves, I make my own, from scratch.
Oh yes, we do eat out at least once a week, but we are careful about portions.
I wonder if it's any one of these things that lowered my blood pressure 20 points, or the combination?
Opinions, anyone?
I've heard so many nay-sayers who pooh-pooh the idea of limiting salt and cholesterol and caffeine; trouble is, none of them are very healthy! Meanwhile, my blood pressure says something is working; my efforts seem to be paying off. I made all these changes for Cliff's benefit... but I'm reaping a harvest of my own.
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I think you are doing all the right things, and it shows in your numbers!
Congrats Ms Healthy movie producer! hee
Hugs
Jackie
http://journals.aol.com/siennastarr/Hopefloats/ -
Good for you. I do believe that the salt intake is a biggie. Glad to see you taking steps to increase your health.
Traci -
All of the above and GOOD genes will do it everytime. Proud of you Donna. Anne
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I vote for the salt and caffeine. Wish I was as strong willed as you.
http://journals.aol.com/magran42/FazeDaze/
9/20/06 10:19 PM
Thanks for sharing.