The Results are In: My Whole 30 Results

Well, my whole30 results from the blood work I got done are FINALLY in (one month later). Many of you who have been following my journey know from my Whole30 Reflections Recap that on day 32 I went to measure my whole30 results by going to the doctor and getting blood work done. I was so diligent about eating clean and taking care of my health throughout my entire Whole30 journey and I wanted to see if the foods you put in your body really do make a significant difference in your overall health. In some ways I felt like I was using my body as a science experiment. There were certain health goals I had and issues I was looking to reverse during my whole30 by using food to heal myself and be my medicine.

My goals when I started the Whole30 are below. You may recall them from my initial post when I announced I was doing the Whole30.

1. Eat for my health and no slip ups

2. Not to step on a scale. I will however, take my body measurements.

3. Lower my cholesterol and homocysteine levels in my next blood test.

4. Lower my body fat and lose the last 5-7 lbs.

And here are my results:

1. Eat for my health and no slip ups: I passed this one with flying colors. I was really dedicated to eating 100% clean and did so for over 30 days with no slip ups – no wine, no cheese, no ice cream, no gluten-free crackers. Nada. ZERO. So proud.

2. Not to step on a scale. I will however, take my body measurements. This was such a mind **** for me because I always step on the scale in the morning. But on day 4 I put the scale away in a cupboard and kept it there. I only monitored my progress through my measurements. I have decided this is a better way to keep track in general and have been sticking to it. I only weigh myself every 1-2 weeks now.

3. Lower my cholesterol and homocysteine levels in my next blood test. This is a big one for me. So big I am going to wait under the next paragraph to talk about it.

4. Lower my body fat and lose the last 5-7 lbs. Well, I didn’t lose 5-7 lbs but I sure as heck lost some body fat. I’ve been struggling with my body fat ratios my entire life and was so disappointed to see my body fat at 29% on my doctor’s scale when I felt noticeably leaner and thinner. I had to settle this issue once and for all and went to get a hydrostatic body fat test which is the most accurate way to get your body fat measured. My results came in at 23.5%. OMG. Amazing. I was and continue to be elated over this news. You can read more about my experience with the hydrostatic body fat test in my recap post here.

Alright, and now the moment you’ve all been waiting for: My blood test results!

When I first started the Whole30, my cholesterol levels were at the highest they had ever been to date at 255. Normal cholesterol range should be under 200 so this was alarming for me. I was also told high cholesterol runs in my family and may be genetic and I would have to take medicine. I refused to believe this and was determined to prove that I could reverse this 100% by diet. I was also told I have a high level of homocysteine which puts me at a greater risk for heart disease. Not okay for someone who works out 5-6 times a week!

I am happy to report that since doing the whole30, my cholesterol levels have dropped from 255 to 198. I am now back within normal range. This is huge! Additionally, my homocysteine levels have been high for years and have just now with my most recent blood work gone back down to normal. I also have had a history of high levels of leptin ( a fat hormone) in my blood which promotes inflammation and makes losing weight more difficult. Last year at this time my leptin levels were at 13.4. A normal person’s levels are around 5-6 so I basically had 2.5x more fat hormone than the average person. Well, I am happy to report that my leptin levels have dropped from 13.4 to a whopping 5.2! This number has been dropping steadily over the past year and in August I was at 7 and thrilled. Now I’ve gone even lower. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Overall the doctor was very pleased with my blood work results and told me to keep it up. The nurse who went over my results with me on the phone even asked me what I did to drastically reduce my numbers in such a short amount of time. I was happy to tell her about the Whole30 and she asked where I found out about the diet and how she could get more information. I think I may need to bring several copies of “It Starts With Food” to my next doctor’s appointment.

I am just so happy with these results it makes me want to do the happy dance:

The best part is that I have continued to see results post-whole30. I still feel like I am continuing to slim down and tone my body even though I have reintroduced some foods back into my diet (and the occasional glass of wine). I think I truly have begun to see and feel what it means to be fat adapted. And I love it!

The bottom line is this: YOU CAN HEAL YOUR BODY WITH FOOD! I am a living example of it. You just need to really commit to making a change and stick to it. Make it happen. Now. Because you have no reason not to and the only way to go from here is up!

Start with this:



It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways

Over and Out,

Lindsay

Have you ever made a serious change in your diet and exercise lifestyle? What kind of results did you see? How did you feel? Post in the comments and let me know!