You can be skinny, exercise regularly and still have a heart attack. In fact 35% of heart attacks occur in people whose total cholesterol is between 150 and 200. American Heart Association and most Doctors will tell you this is an an acceptable range. But what does the research tell us? The goal should be a total cholesterol below 150. But I am not a Doctor, so I encourage you to do your own research. I have provided links below.
I was thrilled to see Michelle Pfeiffer on CNN this week, bringing attention to this important subject. She has always been skinny, exercised, and thought she was eating healthy - lots of lean protein, veggies. BUT - she had high cholesterol. She did her own research, was inspired by President Clinton in the CNN: The Last Heart Attack and decided to give a low fat, vegan diet a try. Guess what? Her cholesterol lowered and she is now hooked on a plant based diet.
I encourage you to:
- watch Michelle Pfeiffer's interview,
- watch CNN: The Last Heart Attack,
- read Heart Attack Risk Chart,
- look at Dr. Esselstyn's website and read his book!
- Dr. Ornish
It can be extremely discouraging to lose weight, exercise regularly, think that you are eating well, yet still be at risk of a heart attack. What you eat is the most important factor to good health. Switching to a whole food, plant based diet can be challenging at first, but then you realize how great you feel, and how fabulous the food is!
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