Happy August! I realize I unintentionally took the month of July off from posting. I suppose I’ve been busy with work and life outside of my creative outlet. And one of the reasons I haven’t felt the urge to write about food or clothes is because I’ve had a contentious relationship with both recently.
This past spring I went to the doctor for my annual physical. My weight has been something that’s fluctuated since I quit smoking cigarettes almost 20 years ago. But no matter where the needle fell on the scale, my cholesterol remained elevated. It’s a family thing. Everyone in my family has high cholesterol. Until now, however mine has been at a manageable high - not requiring medication. That changed this year. My doctor put me on a well known cholesterol medication. I have not yet returned for new blood tests to see if it’s dropped. What I have noticed, though is that I have gained weight - much more than usual - since starting the medication. Could it be the medication? Maybe. Could it be that I’m just getting older and my diet and level of exercise just aren’t cutting it anymore? More likely.
Without question, every summer I eat and drink a little more than I do during the winter months when I’m trying to drop weight for the summer. Usually it’s a matter of putting on a few pounds or holding steady wherever I plateaued in the spring. I still exercise 4-5 times per week which includes at least two runs; sometimes three. And at least one of those runs is five or more miles. Running has always helped keep my weight in check. It’s part of how I managed to lose thirty pounds back in 2011-2012 when I’d reached my heaviest - almost 200 pounds - not good for a guy who’s only 5’8” on a good day.
After a video visit with my doctor, we decided I would pause my meds for a month to see if anything changes. I did read that one side effect of my medication was muscle soreness. That would explain why I’ve been quicker to fatigue during a run. Or maybe it’s just my age. Or that it’s been ridiculously hot and humid during my outside runs. Or that I continue to enjoy foods that simply don’t mesh well with my body chemistry. It’s probably a combination of everything.
For now, my plan is to eat healthier, drink less alcohol, drink more water, exercise smarter, and post to my chats once in a while. I am hoping my readers will help hold me accountable. Will you do that for me?
I just might have to report back on this next week. Got a doc appt to look at a number of things related to muscles, knees, and other body parts that seem to be overdue for their annual maintenance.