Exercising

Things change after your thirties, I knew that.  It became super clear when I went to the doctor for a check-up in December and found out that my cholesterol is slightly high.  I am 41 and all of my elders have high cholesterol and some even have diabetes. Needless to say, I saw this coming.  I have undergone periods in my life where I regularly exercised and those when I have not at all, but faced with the option of exercising or taking medication I would prefer to exercise.  My parents take all types of pills for the heart, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, and many more. You name an ailment they have the cure.  My mom, she likes to play doctor with the naive and will prescribe all kinds of goodies to them. She'll even break out the expired stuff. Yikes!  I just don't see myself as that person.  I mean, I am not overweight at all and have always had a decent metabolism. I have also tried to be careful. On December 26, 2011 I started exercising for at least a half hour every day. Additionally, I have modified the way I eat.  I cut out all junk food and sweets.  I also try to substitute carbs with proteins whenever possible. I am eating a lot more fruits, vegetables, and nuts (keeping in mind that you can't go crazy with the nuts, HA!HA!).  I  cut out red meat and when I do eat meat I have smaller portions.  I am also not drinking at all.  I miss my wine!!  I really don't look much thinner (my clothes fits better).  All that and I am not Twiggy.  I read somewhere that you have to shock your body with extreme exercise at first if you are older or closer to your ideal weight.  I am going to keep plugging away, because I feel better even though I look the same.  Additionally, I am hoping that when I go back for blood work in June my cholesterol will be acceptable.