I recently had my cholesterol tested. Though still healthy, the LDL number has creeped up, and it was recommended I start now to make changes to keep those levels from creeping higher.
This is a big deal, because there’s a significant history of heart disease on both sides of my family.
So I’ve ramped up my exercise routine. I make an effort to get in at least 30 minutes a day on work days. My goal, however, is an hour per day. This includes a variety of activities including yoga, walking, elliptical and line dancing. Yes, they offer line dancing activities at work and I go every day I’m in the office. Weekend exercise is housework. Otherwise I take those days off.
I’ve also decided to go back to vegan eating.
from vegan.org
I’ve been moving in this direction for two weeks now as I clear out the house of animal-based food products, but I was struggling with the idea of giving up cheese and coffee creamer. But Silk coffee creamer is stepping up to the plate, and the cheese simply has to go. Besides, Daiya melts great and will get me by when I must have pizza.
If you’ve followed this blog for awhile, you know I practiced veganism five years ago, but gave it up because I became so fanatical I drove myself and everyone around me crazy.
Now I’m going to try it again. I vow to not be the crazy fanatic I was before. If you find me creeping in that direction, I humbly ask for your gentle reminders to cut it out. That means I won’t be researching sugars to see which is bleached with animal bones and which is not, or if my shoes are made with glue not made of animal products.
This is more the Bill Clinton approach to veganism. My win-win approach is good for animals, the environment, and my health.
No animals living in this household will be held to the same standard. There are vegan options out there for dogs, but the food is very expensive and I’ve not seen enough information to convince me vegan dog food is a good idea. Cats, I believe, should NEVER be forced to eat a vegan diet.
I’ll keep you posted on how things go, especially the cholesterol numbers.
Good luck!
Posted by Ingrid D. | August 13, 2016, 9:03 AMThanks!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 9:03 AMI’ve found Trader Joe’s coconut creamer quite acceptable in my coffee. Not Half & Half…but then, nothing is… 😉 xoM
Posted by Margarita | August 13, 2016, 9:21 AMI’ll give it a try. Thanks!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 9:31 AMI wish you the best. I know going vegan can be an excellent idea, especially for those with health concerns. If you avoid things like vegan toaster pastries, it can really help clean out a toxic system. My son recently announced he is going to try going vegan, or maybe he said vegetarian, either way it will be good for him since he is overweight and was diagnosed a year ago with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
I still eat meat, but much less than I did years ago and usually only for dinner, rarely for breakfast or lunch. I don’t think I could be vigilant enough to obtain all the nutrients I need as a vegan.
Posted by Charles Huss | August 13, 2016, 10:54 AMThanks. There was the added effect of weight loss last time I went to a vegan diet. 😀
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 11:24 AMThat’s a great side effect. 🙂
Posted by Charles Huss | August 13, 2016, 12:46 PMGood luck and good health and don’t give up on the exercise!
Posted by willowdot21 | August 13, 2016, 12:02 PMNope, the exercise is a vital part!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 12:19 PMAnd I bet Rumpy is grateful not to have to go vegan!
Posted by willowdot21 | August 13, 2016, 12:38 PMThat would never happen. LOL
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 3:42 PM😎😍😘
Posted by willowdot21 | August 13, 2016, 3:57 PMYou are absolutely correct about cats not being forced to eat vegan. They are obligate carnivores. I don’t think I need to tell you what that means. 😉
Good luck!
Debby (Cat Staff)
Posted by The Feline Contingent | August 13, 2016, 12:45 PMThanks Debby!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 3:42 PMThat is a good decision, for you and animals. We have been vegetarians more than twenty years. The reason is that no animal has to be born just for killing. These animals are badly treated, the biggest profit by minimum costs.
Posted by Photofinland by Rantasalot | August 13, 2016, 1:07 PMYes it is a factor in my decision.
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 3:41 PMWelcome [back] to the club! Minor ‘concessions’ [which minimize as the market offers more and more delicious alternatives] are sweet to make once you think that you just saved one animal… Coffee and cheese were also the hardest part for me but my soy milk [provamel with calcium - after a long period of trying various brands] does the job well and also we’re lucky to have a greek company that does all [and I mean ALL!!!] types of cheese, so that’s covered too! 😉 Take care of your health and happy healthy eating. You’ll get your LDL down in no time. 🙂
Posted by marina kanavaki | August 13, 2016, 2:14 PMThank you!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 3:41 PMGood luck with the new eating plan. I don’t believe I could adapt to a vegan lifestyle. But I know that no animal should be forced into a similar diet regimen. My dog is a carnivore, as all dogs are!
Posted by Alejandro De La Garza | August 13, 2016, 4:38 PMI don’t want to take meds for the rest of my life or have a heart attack so to me it’s worth it
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 5:33 PMAre u saying silk coffee creamer ok?
Sent from my iPhone
>
Posted by sorrygnat | August 13, 2016, 5:06 PMI’m saying it satisfies my creamer desire.
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 5:32 PMYay!! 🌱💚🐷
Posted by bumpyroadtobubba | August 13, 2016, 5:33 PM🍎🌽🍒
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 9:05 PMGood luck. I will eat a little extra cheese to make up for the cheese you’re missing, because that’s just how I roll. You’re smart to leave the pets out of it. Vegan pets and kids scare me a little.
Posted by Genevieve Petrillo | August 13, 2016, 6:18 PMYeah me too.
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 9:05 PMGood luck. Remember if you can’t go completely vegan you can adjust it a little.
Posted by Lynda Fisher | August 13, 2016, 6:21 PMI walk over 80 miles a week. I don’t eat meat. My diet is mostly vegetarian. I weight less than I did in elementary school. My cholesterol is not good at all. I have decided not to drive myself crazy. It must be genetic. I refuse to take statins. Good luck to you in your quest for lower numbers.
Posted by corkscot | August 13, 2016, 7:04 PMWow! Heredity does play a role. I knew you told me you walk a lot but that’s impressive!!!
Posted by rumpydog | August 13, 2016, 9:04 PMIf I sit, my hip hurts me. If I walk, I am fine and pain free.I got my Fitbit in the beginning of December 2015. I have almost 6,000,000 steps racked up. All of them make me feel better.
Posted by corkscot | August 14, 2016, 10:05 AMGood luck! I have lots of easy vegan recipes on my blog you might like! http://www.foxesandfood.com Jess x
Posted by Jess2569 | August 13, 2016, 11:21 PMI’ll check them out. Thanks!
Posted by rumpydog | August 14, 2016, 8:49 AMGood Luck, dear Jen! Love, nia
Posted by niasunset | August 14, 2016, 2:00 AMA while ago the Mr. said “these veggie links are good fried in butter.” He only did it once 🙂
Veggie links are pretty good though, and there is a great chocolate pudding recipe using soft tofu that is awesome! Tofu “scrambled eggs” are pretty good too. Now you have me motivated to switch out more food, thanks!
Still getting mozzarella sticks for the dogs though.
Posted by 2 Punk Dogs | August 14, 2016, 4:30 PMGood luck! Several years ago when my gall bladder was bad I started eliminating foods that made me hurt. I got down to just dry lettuce (which is hard to live on) my cholesterol didn’t go down at all. I don’t eat a lot of food anyway. Hope your new choice makes you feel good and get your numbers down.
Posted by tylersat99 | August 15, 2016, 12:50 AMAs a long time vegetarian, I whole-heartedly applaud your efforts. Though not vegan, I totally am cheering your efforts. Good luck! ღ
Posted by Tails Around the Ranch | August 15, 2016, 9:00 AMFruits and veggies and non processed food is always a winner. Moderation is good, too. Find what works for your body. (If I don’t eat some lean meat, fish, or eggs 2-3 times a week, I my immune system goes down and I get sick. I have done the vegetarian thing a couple of times in my life.) RIght now my “good” cholesterol is beating the crap out of the bad ones, so work to keep those high.
I suspect we’d all be much better if we lived on the fresh farm diet of years past - and outdoor exercise (previously known as “work”). Our bodies are adjusting to modern life and they are trying to figure out the best diet for that.
Just FYI, check the labels on mild substitutes/almond drinks as some are high in sugar and stuff/chemical additives you can’t pronounce. I was surprised. A few years back there was an about face on the egg yolks which are now promote “good” cholesterol and are loaded with vitamins (E, D + ?) and trace minerals. So now my doc says to eat complete eggs a coule of times a week.
How the heck are people supposed to know what to do when they keep changing the recommendations? (Not to mention each individual has a completely unique body chemical make up)
I know you’ll be successful as you have a great deal of common sense and determination. Go for it! (and paw waves to the pets!)
Posted by philosophermouseofthehedge | August 16, 2016, 9:29 AMGood for you, Jen! We are glad you’re making such healthy decisions and resolutions, ’cause we love you and want you around for a long time! 🙂
Posted by meowmeowmans | August 18, 2016, 10:17 PMGreat post. I wrote a post about my own journey. https://corporateveganblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/winkle/ please have a read and leave a like or a comment if you can ❤️ thank you.
Posted by Vegan_Charms | August 24, 2016, 6:52 AMThis is awesome! I actually helped my mom with her cholesterol by being vegan and it dropped lower than it had been in years in a month! 🙂 I have a blog as well. https://cecemisty.wordpress.com/
I’m still really new to all of this blogging, but I’m definitely excited to help others. Going to start posting vegan food today!
Posted by cecemisty | August 26, 2016, 1:05 PMGood luck!! You are going to love it and you are going to feel amazing! http://jalapenoyosoy.wordpress.com
Posted by Jalapeno Yo Soy | August 29, 2016, 9:26 AMGreat post, good luck http://jalapenoyosoy.wordpress.com
Posted by Jalapeno Yo Soy | August 30, 2016, 9:40 PMVery interesting blog post for me because I got the result of my anual health check-up last week and the number of LDL cholesterol wa high, too…..it surprised me because I don’t eat fatyy food a lot and my BMI is still under average….but my cholesterol is much higher….I think that I need some exercise like you do and have to think of what I shoud eat……
Posted by eripanwkevin | August 31, 2016, 6:56 AMGood luck!! & Daiya cheese is amazing!!! So is nozorella it’s made for pizzas 🙂
Posted by everythingthateverwasandwillbeofme | August 31, 2016, 7:13 AMGood luck with trying Veganism again! Cheese is always the hardest!
Posted by inversexpression | September 2, 2016, 4:47 PMI just decided to go back to being vegan as well, congrats to you! It’s the only right choice. I’ve been vegetarian for years (and sometimes vegan) but now I realized how much more important my health and the animals are than eating cheese.
Posted by whyshelivestorun | September 3, 2016, 10:02 AMActually it’s the coffee creamer I’m having the most trouble with. Finding one that is dairy free but not full of sugar has been a struggle.
Posted by rumpydog | September 3, 2016, 10:05 AMLuckily I drink my coffee black. Have you tried almond milk or even coconut milk? (which is apparently what Starbucks is using and I’m in Thailand right now, they always put coconut milk in)
Posted by whyshelivestorun | September 4, 2016, 2:38 AMI’m going to try straight coconut milk, and I found a blog post recommending a product I can buy from Amazon. I just don’t want all the added sugar in much of the processed stuff.
Posted by rumpydog | September 4, 2016, 11:11 AMNo I totally get that! Good luck 🙂
Posted by whyshelivestorun | September 4, 2016, 9:48 PMI think your approach is great, your rules and do what works for you, I deffo will be, I’m starting to become vegan this week for the very first time, I’ve made a few changes already but going for the big swap over the next couple of days, good luck, check out my first blog ☺️
Posted by agreenergreen | September 8, 2016, 9:51 AMI completely agree about dogs and cats not being vegan or veggie. I’ve been vegetarian for 25 years (I’m 25 years old and born veggie) and certainly think you’ll find being vegan amazing for you like you say and it will help you! Good luck xxx
Posted by Lucy Blackall | October 2, 2016, 4:11 PMI hope to hear great things about your transition to vegan eating. It is a wonderful way to live
Posted by newholisticsoul | October 3, 2016, 7:39 AMIf I can give up cheese I swear anyone can! I was present at Cheese festivals, ate it daily. I don’t crave it. Going vegan best thing ever!
Posted by The Vegan Mystic | October 6, 2016, 9:22 AMActually with all the choices of vegan cheese products out there, one really doesn’t “give up” cheese, do they? Though once I stopped eating dairy, my desire for cheese plummeted,
Posted by rumpydog | October 6, 2016, 10:28 AMYey!! Get back on that vegan diet! You can do it!
Posted by linneakindstrom | October 6, 2016, 8:07 PMGood job and good luck, being vegan does wonders for you health! We think you’d like our blog too. We’re basically aiming to raise awareness of the ethical and environmental issues concerned with animal agriculture. Not only does being vegan benefit our health but it if you think about it it benefits everything around us. If you have a moment check us out at misteaken.wordpress.com and let us know what you think!
Posted by avocadorachel | October 8, 2016, 6:11 AMBeing Vegan is such a massive change, but its not only incredibly beneficial for health but the planet love it too!
Posted by KennedyPaige | October 11, 2016, 3:10 PMThanks for not making cats go vegan!
Posted by LadyRedot | October 19, 2016, 3:40 AMThat, I think, is a no-brainer.
Posted by rumpydog | October 19, 2016, 4:02 AMLol!!
Posted by LadyRedot | October 19, 2016, 4:11 AMWell, you know what they say, common sense is not at all common for some.
Posted by LadyRedot | October 19, 2016, 4:12 AMYou’ve got this! If you need any help with the transition, I’ll gladly give advice. I’ve been an animal advocate and eaten a vegan diet for nearly two years. Thank you for helping save our planet, the lives of animals, and yourself. We’re all cheering for you
Posted by theearthlyadvocate | October 19, 2016, 4:16 AMI believe you can do it! Going vegan is the best thing you can do in your life <3! good luck getting there!
https://veggablonde.wordpress.com/2016/10/28/dealing-with-meat-eaters/
Posted by veggablonde | October 28, 2016, 5:34 PMAbout to try the same-ish (much more gradual). Good luck!
Posted by The Diary of a Potentially, Maybe Someday, Transitioning Vegan | November 7, 2016, 4:21 AMI have been mostly vegan for a couple months now. I say mostly because I don’t spazz out if I’m eating out with friends or family about a bit of butter or egg in a dish, though I do try to avoid those things. Hang in there! It’s great!
Posted by rumpydog | November 8, 2016, 4:45 AMGood for you! Last year my hubby found out he had really high cholesterol, so we cut out dairy and most meat. Now, a year later, I am going fully vegan after everything I’ve learned about animal welfare! So far so good, although like you , I tried once before and ‘fell off the wagon’ so I’m hoping that by being a LITTLE flexible, it will be more sustainable this time around 🙂
Posted by ashley | November 10, 2016, 12:02 PMHey! I´m pescatarian and I respect and admire your choices. I have a massive soft spot for cheese, so the idea of veganism for me is scary. But each to their own. Good luck with it
Posted by PescetarianPleasures | November 11, 2016, 11:43 AMYes, to each his or her own. Thanks for the visit.
Posted by rumpydog | November 11, 2016, 12:48 PMThis is quite similar to how I feel about veganism 🙂 There is a point where we have to draw the line for ourselves, one a personal level. We are still making a change and trying our best!! 🙂 Best of luck!
Posted by lightenup3 | November 17, 2016, 8:56 PMThanks! And thanks for the visit!
Posted by rumpydog | November 17, 2016, 9:00 PMGood luck keep at it! Watch Earthlings again it helps!
Posted by Valiant Vegan | December 5, 2016, 10:52 PMI haven’t seen Earthlings, but I have remained on a vegan diet since publishing that blog post.
Posted by rumpydog | December 6, 2016, 3:11 AMThat’s awesome! I always say if you Dont need to watch it then stay away! That shits traumatic……
Posted by Valiant Vegan | December 6, 2016, 4:06 AMI’m thinking of once again trying a vegan lifestyle (mainly for health-I have tonget my gallbladder removed and I’m wanting to make some dietary changes moving forward). But, I have tried it before and I too became so fanatical that I drove myself and friends/family crazy so crazy that I ended up quitting my veganism…hopefully not this time. Good luck to you! 🙂
Posted by Steph | December 19, 2016, 1:28 AMIt has been easier this time, though, to be honest, there is always going to be somewhat of a struggle when one does not engage in lifestyle choices that match those around one. I live in the southeastern US and the idea of someone not eating meat is foreign and frightening. I dare not say I’m vegan for fear they’ll shoot me on sight!
Posted by rumpydog | December 19, 2016, 4:19 AMI was born in Florida and I spent my life living all along the east coast of the US so I totally get what you mean and the shooting comment is spot on, lol(I now live in Canada)
Posted by Steph | December 19, 2016, 8:59 AMIt gets easier!! I had a hard time with cheese too! There are so many replacements though. You’ll do great! I am excited for you!
Posted by holyherbivore | December 28, 2016, 6:17 PMI’ve been eating vegan several months now, but I love me a grilled cheese with follow your heart american.
Posted by rumpydog | December 28, 2016, 9:58 PMYes! SO good (: How is it going?
Posted by crunchesNmunches | November 29, 2018, 9:53 AMYay! I’m so happy that you are going back to being vegan, this is definitely the best thing you can do for your health 🙂
Posted by NourishingIndulgence | December 28, 2016, 7:28 PMI’ve been eating a vegan diet for several months now and feel much better!
Posted by rumpydog | December 28, 2016, 9:58 PMGood luck!
Posted by krysdubs17 | December 29, 2016, 9:05 PMCan’t wait to follow this journey!
Posted by Meghan Capps | January 1, 2017, 8:44 AMI’ve wanted to transition to veganism for over 2 years now, but every time I try I end up just eating salads every day for a month and get burnt out (and always hungry)… how do you find variety???
Posted by Mallory Bartow | January 7, 2017, 12:56 PMOh there are LOTS of great blogs out there to help! Be it eating out or cooking yourself, you can find all sorts of guidance.
Posted by rumpydog | January 7, 2017, 12:59 PMHow did it all go in the end? Did you remain being vegan? 💛
Posted by thecrumbyvegan | January 13, 2017, 2:10 AMAs of today, yes. Each day is a choice and I choose to continue this way of eating for the greater good of all- including me.
Posted by rumpydog | January 13, 2017, 4:15 AMExcellent 🙂
Posted by thecrumbyvegan | January 13, 2017, 6:22 AMAmazing!
Posted by Ben | January 17, 2017, 7:35 AMFeel free to track your blood lab results @ https://www.healthmatters.io. It’s a vegan blood tracking platform and it’s free :).
Posted by Ben | January 17, 2017, 7:37 AMWhy a vegan blood tracking platform?
Posted by rumpydog | January 17, 2017, 7:38 AMWe provide plant-based lifestyle recommendations on how to improve certain markers 🙂
Posted by Ben | January 18, 2017, 4:34 AMDefinitely agree about not being fanatic, good luck with your vegan journey 🙂
Posted by wherethewildlizzieblooms | January 17, 2017, 8:42 AMTo me today the fanatic I was then sounds as annoying as a fundamentalist preacher. Who’s going to be encouraged to go vegan if I’m acting like that?
Posted by rumpydog | January 21, 2017, 5:07 AMHello friend, Reducing your processed sugars and diary / meat will have the biggest impact on your cholesterol. Dont forget to be eating those good fats to get everything running normal again, The best sources of fats are Seeds, Nuts avocados things like that 🙂 You can get some rare violatile omegas from making things like thyme tea 🙂
Glad your on the road to recover keep up the good work youll feel amazing!
Kindest
Andy - Natural Health
Posted by naturalhealthtrainer | January 22, 2017, 3:49 AMThanks. Ice not heard of thyme tea. Will research it.
Posted by rumpydog | January 22, 2017, 5:55 AMGood luck with your vegan living, I have loads of recipes if you need 😊
Posted by angelamilne | January 31, 2017, 3:52 PMThanks!!!
Posted by rumpydog | January 31, 2017, 3:53 PMGood read! It sounds like you’ve got a great plan for yourself. With your experience from 5 years ago, you can go back into veganism with more experience and live a much happier and healthier lifestyle. Best of luck friend!
Posted by thomasthevegan | February 3, 2017, 2:44 PMThanks! Still hanging in there!!!!
Posted by rumpydog | February 3, 2017, 5:27 PMhaha good to hear my friend.
Posted by thomasthevegan | February 10, 2017, 9:45 PMI’m trying to go vegetarian for a month. I still include little eggs and dairy in my diet just to get a more balanced nutrients. good luck with your vegan journey!
Posted by FWT Geek | February 9, 2017, 7:31 PMMy vegan journey is going fantastic! I just had my cholesterol checked and I’ve lowered it 25 points in a mere 7 months through regular exercise and a vegan diet. Totally worth all the shit the meat eaters try to dish out. But I won’t rub it in… maybe.
Posted by rumpydog | February 9, 2017, 7:34 PMI nominated you for an award. See details. Liebster Award
http://chronicallygratefuldebla.com/2017/02/10/liebster-award/
Posted by ChronicallyGratefulDebla | February 10, 2017, 1:06 PMGreat post and good luck on your journey!
Posted by ecoRDN | February 24, 2017, 8:38 AMThanks! I’ve lowered my cholesterol levels 25 pts since I started.
Posted by rumpydog | February 24, 2017, 8:42 AMI’ve been eating a lot more vegan meals recently for this exact same reason, I’m such a cheese addict! Good luck with it!
Posted by VeggieGirl | February 27, 2017, 4:47 PMI tink going vegan is a very good thing. Of course, it is not easy for everybody. Thank you for sharing your tips and experiences. That makes it much easier to follow a vegan life style.
Posted by myorganiclifestylesite | March 1, 2017, 9:38 AMgood luck this time round - i’m rooting for you!
Posted by thebalancebrigade | March 24, 2017, 5:54 PMThanks! I’ve been all vegan since September and going strong!
Posted by rumpydog | March 24, 2017, 6:04 PMGreat post - hope your still going strong! 🙂
Posted by theveganblast | April 11, 2017, 10:43 AMGreat read. I especially like the vegan food pyramid you included! If you ever need any vegan recipes, I’m working on amassing a nice library of them here: https://veganminneapolis.wordpress.com/
Posted by veganminneapolis | April 13, 2017, 8:26 PMgood luck to you on this! A whole-food plant-based diet seems to work wonders for the cholesterol! have you read The China Study?
Posted by thebalancebrigade | April 14, 2017, 11:53 AMI think its great that you are going vegan, I just posted a “6 easy tips to becoming Vegan” on my blog. From my own experiences of going vegan. https://fridayfrida.com/2017/04/12/6-easy-tips-to-becoming-vegan/
Posted by Frida | April 14, 2017, 2:21 PMI did the Happy Pear Happy Heart course in January… learned so much. I didn’t miss meat at all! Although if I feel like it I will eat but that is rare. Have you heard of The Happy Pear.. fab recipes! My youngest is converted to their homemade ketchup! Happy days!
Posted by yaketyyakyak | April 14, 2017, 5:16 PMhttps://yaketyyakyak.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/to-vegan-or-not-to-vegan-that-is-the-question/ I even wrote about it lol
Posted by yaketyyakyak | April 14, 2017, 5:17 PMCongratulations! Good luck! I’m excited to see any tips you have! I live in the Midwest and not eating meat is looked at like a sin almost. 😉 I have gotten off of the medications I was on by not eating dairy and meat. I feel great and you will too! 🥗
Posted by Jennifer Helps You | May 1, 2017, 3:36 PMMy cholesterol levels went below 200 within 7 months.
Posted by rumpydog | May 1, 2017, 3:37 PM