Cholesterol, a Love Story

Carla asked if my cholesterol improved after being diagnosed Celiac. As usual, I can’t tell a short story and it’s not even well-told.

My Cholesterol’s Character Arc

Short answer: No.

Medium answer: I fixed it before Celiac diagnosis.

Long answer: Since a KID, doctors said:  You inherited this and you’re screwed. I had high cholesterol and triglycerides.

I flung myself into a vegetarian lifestyle, eating meat once a month, around my period when I’d crave tacos or chili. I wouldn’t eat turkey at Thanksgiving so I could have dressing! I adhered to the prescription of low fat, whole grains, vegetarian as best model for lowering cholesterol and cardio health. BEFORE that, I was ‘quasi-vegetarian.’ I’d skip meat so I could have vodka — that was about calories cos I was young and dumb

My cholesterol grew worse over those 20 years. Doctors repeated their BS about whole grains, low fat… I’d show them my food journals (tracked most of the time since 1985). They’d shrug. With everybody in my family on cholesterol lowering or BP meds, I’d have to get on them SOME day. Then, that day came.

With nowhere else to go, I tried something crazy, based on what I’d seen lifters doing:

eat animal protein — lots of it —  healthy fats and remove processed foods (which excised a LOT of grains!).

In less than six months of eating ~1g animal protein per lb of body weight, increasing fat intake (avocados and EVOO) but mostly binning the low fat Wheat Thins and 17 grain breads…

I had blood panels for which people would kill. My doctor was GIDDY.

Let me digress: I was 98% on program  during this period because I knew what was waiting at the GPs: meds. It’s a strong incentive!

She said most people aren’t willing to do what I’d done for health. I proved that I would. I’m going to be honest: those first three weeks of meat-eating after non-meat eating was ROUGH. My body didn’t know what the hell to do with it!

My GPs next move was to tweak my autoimmune. My first food challenge was wheat.

After the Celiac diagnosis, my gut healed and I packed on a layer of blubber that I still haven’t shifted. I was deeply worried (just KNEW that I’d ruined my ‘fixed cholesterol’). To my RELIEF, my blood panels are still great!

Then, mum had her latest big hospitalization where they found she had to get quadruple bypass and that sent me into another tizzy about heart health. I had a full work up. Turns out, mine’s fantabulous. My genes are still my genes. I’m fighting them (sometimes I hit the frozen custard, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Doritos — and vodka).

Robb Wolf with Dr. William Davis

It’s important to note: I’m not Paleo. I’m stricter than Paleo in some ways and loosey-goosey in others! I’m not STRICT as in a zealot/believer. I’m strict as in I had about 2 years of doctor supervised elimination testing for autoimmune triggers, whose first finding was I’m Celiac. Where I’m concerned, this shit’s serious and medically tested. The rest is just fun talk.

I came upon this old podcast with Robb Wolf and Dr. William Davis. You may like listening to it.

A long time ago, I read WheatBelly and didn’t ‘fall’ for it. I was indoctrinated in ‘whole wheat, vegetables, no red meat’ as the prescription to FIX my inherited high cholesterol/sticky blood problem that it didn’t sit well (even though my cholesterol kept getting worse from teen to two years ago).

As you can imagine, after my Celiac diagnosis, I reread (audiobook) WheatBelly. I still think it’s a bit out there in some places but I’m open-minded enough to know I could be wrong about that still, too.

I’m experienced enough at this point to know every little thing reacts differently for different people — and will react differently at different times in the same person. I’m proof!

If you’re a fan of either Wolf or Davis, you may enjoy their conversation. If you’re a carb queen and have years of experience where wheaty nums lead to binges, if you have autism in your family, gastro-intestinal issues, high cholesterol/bad cholesterol or blood sugar issues, you may enjoy it, too.

note: I can’t give a crap about ‘what would Grok do’ BS.

I’m THANKFUL for the whole foods/ open range meat and wild meat/ spring water that I grew up eating. We ate legumes, too, which has turned out to be highly reactive for me but at least WE RAISED THEM, TOO.

It’s my belief, had I not eaten so clean my first 15 years, I’d REALLY be effed. I believe this may possibly be what ‘saved’ me so far from keeping up with my mother’s cadre of illnesses. We’re Celiac. That’s genetic. We have lupus. That’s genetic but its symptoms are far-worsened by trigger foods. I’d rather skip her Crohn’s, being rendered type I diabetic – not TWO but ONE – when her pancreas was attacked by autoimmune, Ulcerative Colitis and coronary artery disease.

 

‘healthy’ snack bars, a mass review

What a drag! I’m trying to find some ideas for the trip that don’t require refrigeration and can easily be portable, too.

I stupidly bought ThinkThin bars (one of each that Trader Joe had on offer) without reading the package. WHY AM I THAT DUMB?

For one, cos everybody in the WORLD has told me to try ThinkThin bars. They’re gluten free and I guess that’s why people suggest them.

Number one ingredient? WHEY. I can’t do dairy. I took one bite and immediately my tongue and throat started itching. Fifteen minutes later, they’re still itching and I’m having a hard time swallowing the phlegm it’s causing to drain. Eff ThinkThin bars!

Now, I’m stuck with 5 more EXPENSIVE pieces of allergic shite. I gave them away because I’d rather not go into anaphylaxis.

I bought 3 boxes of Larabars, too. STUPID. Gluten free and dairy free, how could I go wrong?

They’re disgusting. OMG. People who like them? Yeah. Put a nipple on a bottle of maple syrup or honey, you’ll love it. The 3 flavors are like eating squishy sugar gelle (see nutrition data, bottom). Seriously, people? ::shudders::

Since they’re only disgusting and not allergens, I’ll eat them but I won’t like it.

My fruit and nut bars

I suggest my knock-off recipe that is FANTASTIC. Well, unless you love Larabars.

Then you’d better add a cup of Karo to the mix. When I said, ‘knock off,’ I meant after hearing people talk about Larabars, I picked up several at the store and read the ingredients, pretty much fruit and nuts. Bam! Made my own. They’re obviously not as sweet.

I’d make my own recipe but it must be refrigerated. Being that fresh, that natural means it spoils/starts growing things.

I take raw almonds with me wherever I go but that gets old.

The Kind bars that I tried are okay but more like a candybar than something substantive that can be used when I’m hungry and will not be able to find proper food for several hours.

Mrs. May’s Trio bars contain pistachios, which are the only nut that I know of which I cannot digest.

A lot of Celiacs, particularly long misdiagnosed ones, have trouble eating other foods due to prolonged damage to our guts. I’m extremely lucky that most nuts don’t bother me! Pistachios,tear.me.up. Bummer. Mrs. Mays are delicious (although also very sweet but in the Kind realm, not Larabar realm).

An addendum, I’ve only used Mrs. May’s Trio bars. They have many other things on offer, including Sesame-based items. I just haven’t had the extra cash to try them — I bet they’re nice if I can tolerate that much sesame (never tested).

The other thing about all of these bars: even found at deep discount, they’re dead-expensive.

EDIT: my online buddy Carla couldn’t comment here due to work firewall, so I’m pasting what she said cos it may help YOU!

I like the “peanut butter cookie” Larabar, but don’t care for their other flavors at all. [It should be noted that I love sweets/desserts.] That said, I don’t buy them anymore. I’ve been really cutting down the carbs, and they’re full of sugar. KIND bars are pretty good, but again, full of sugar. I’ve not tried the others you’ve mentioned. The Think Thin bars I considered buying once but I noticed they have soy and sugar alcohols, so I’m not touching them.

 

what you’re eating may be killing you [quicker], and you probably don’t know it

This was a video somebody shared on SP. I watched it, warily.

A lot of things ‘anti-gluten’ are theatre of the absurd but this video speaks of my direct experience!* The article is here, following is excerpted. Or just watch the video at the bottom.

A recent large study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with diagnosed, undiagnosed, and “latent” celiac disease or gluten sensitivity had a higher risk of death, mostly from heart disease and cancer.

This study looked at almost 30,000 patients from 1969 to 2008… There was a 39 percent increased risk of death in those with celiac disease, 72 percent increased risk in those with gut inflammation related to gluten, and 35 percent increased risk in those with gluten sensitivity but no celiac disease…

An estimated 99 percent of people who have a problem with eating gluten don’t even know it. They ascribe their ill health or symptoms to something else–not gluten sensitivity, which is 100 percent curable.

*My Celiac went misdiagnosed for over 4 decades. I still have other autoimmune but not constantly irritating my system with what amounts to poison? Massive help. The only downside was I still haven’t gotten rid of the layer of blubber I put on after my gut healed. I had various sizes/body fat over the years but always had malabsorption. I’m way healthier with the extra fat than chronically inflammed tissues!

Review: Rainbow Light Protein Energizer (gluten free)

I reported my protein supplement’s gluten-free (plus dairy-free) status was revoked.

It’s a chore. While I love eating real, whole foods for nutrition, it’s wonderful to have an easy option when you don’t have time or need to take something ‘ready made’ with you. I began strength training again this week, so I absolutely need my protein!

The other thing I liked about the promise of this supplement is all the amino acids and digestive benefits, obviously, if I have problems digesting!  This is my best replacement, considering all issues (Celiac, then cannot do dairy and I avoid a bunch of other things that are reactive to autoimmune).

Product Highlights

• Delivers 14 g of nutrient-rich and gluten-free brown rice protein to support healthy energy levels throughout the day*
• 80 mg Herbal Blend helps promote energy and stamina, with stimulant-free adaptogenic herbs, including eleuthero, American ginseng, and rhodiola*
• 720 mg of nourishing green foods, including spinach, kale and organic spirulina, provide whole food nutrition and fuel for natural energy.*
• Natural digestive support with broad-spectrum, plant-source enzymes and 3 g of fiber per serving.*
• VeganGuard®: Free of animal products
• Allergen SafeGuard®: Contains no gluten, soy, yeast, milk, eggs, nuts, fish or shellfish
• 100% Natural — Free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and additives

 

Lily Likes: I haven’t reacted badly to it any time I’ve used it! I plan on continuing to use this product. I love many of the ingredients in it, although I’m not using this as a daily supplement.

Downside: it’s gritty. Protein powders are. Its grit is more sand-like than flake or fibre-like, if you’ve used many brands, you’ll know what I mean! It’s too sweet for my preference but that may be a plus for others.

 

 

 

More:

Protein Energizer™ Chocolate is a convenient, great-tasting source of protein and energy support. This high-protein, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate shake provides 14 g of brown rice protein, targeted superfoods, botanicals, fiber, as well as digestion-supporting enzymes for comprehensive energy and stamina support.* Rainbow Light’s formula is 100% natural and free of artificial colors, flavors sweeteners, preservatives or other additives. Protein Energizer™ Chocolate is gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free and a great choice for people with allergy concerns. It is free of most common allergens, including soy, yeast, milk, eggs, nuts fish and shellfish. It is also vegan, vegetarian and free of animal products. Protein Energizer™ can be mixed with a favorite beverage for a healthy, delicious, immediate protein boost!

Protein from Nutrient-Rich Brown Rice

Protein Energizer™ Chocolate delivers 14 g of brown rice protein to support healthy energy throughout the day.* Non-allergenic brown rice is an easy-to-digest, gluten-free source of protein and provides a complete amino acid profile.

Targeted Herbal Blend Promotes Energy and Stamina

An 80 mg Energizing Herbal Blend, (equivalent to 402 milligrams of herbal powder), is complete with stimulant-free adaptogenic herbs, including eleuthero, American ginseng and rhodiola, that help promote energy and stamina.*.

Superfoods Deliver Nutrition and Support Energy

720 mg of nourishing green foods, including 200 mg of organic spirulina, along with kale, spinach, and beet, provide whole food nutrition and fuel for natural energy.*

Fiber and Plant-Source Enzymes Promote Natural Digestion

Each serving of Protein Energizer™ Chocolate provides 3 g of fiber in every serving to support regularity and heart health and to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels already within a normal range.* Broad-spectrum, plant-source enzymes, including 30,000 PU of bromelain, 4,500 HUT of protease, and 352.5 DU of amylase, break down protein for optimum assimilation and energy release with no noticeable stomach upset or bloating.*

Purity Guarantee: Vegan; Free of Most Common Allergens; Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Lactose-Free & 100% Natural

Protein Energizer™ Chocolate is VeganGuard® guaranteed to be free of animal products. It is Allergen SafeGuard® guaranteed to contain no gluten, soy, yeast, milk, eggs, nuts, fish or shellfish. Protein Energizer™ Chocolate is also sugar-free, lactose-free and guaranteed to be 100% natural, containing no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or additives.

Trader Joe’s Hemp Protein Powder: REVOKED Gluten-Free Status!

I bought my usual protein powder last trip and noticed when sorting things back home: the canister is now white instead of black…otherwise same but no! Gluten-free claims were removed. That said, no warnings were provided, either (many products have a disclaimer that reads something like, ‘contains no gluten but produced in a facility that also manufactures products containing gluten.’ That means: prepare for cross-contamination.

I emailed Trader Joe’s that night and they got back with me today.

“Even though hemp does not contain gluten, there is a risk of gluten contamination from other gluten containing grains. Just one wheat kernel in 50,000 hemp seeds can cause a positive gluten reading over 20ppm which will be the new FDA cut off.“

Regular readers may recall that I’m truly Celiac, I’m not faffing about here. A spoon that has been previously used to stir a beverage containing syrup with gluten (many do have it, like caramel flavor or even many vanilla extracts use gluten, too!), then used in my drink will make me seriously ill for days.

So, there’s that.

I guess I not only have to return it but also don’t have a current option as whey makes me nauseated for several hours until it gives me the shits. I haven’t tried egg white powder as protein booster. I love eggs and eat a lot of eggs. The idea of egg white powder seems overkill but at least it wouldn’t kill me.

Steak. It’s what’s for breakfast and lunch

I don’t like steak, never have — which is odd for somebody who grew up on a working ranch.

(at this point, it’s a by-line)

I still eat it now and then to mix things up. I got this non-freakly-raised steak and seasoned it up, leaving it sit overnight.

1. As always, I’m guessing about measurements as I ‘granny-cook’

Lots-a-Spicy Steak Salad

• 1/4C lime juice
• freshly-cracked black pepper, lots
• orange peel, enough to minimally season
• ground cinnamon, enough that you no longer see steak or previous spices
• cumin, to taste
• no salt

I grilled this (pre-heated grill) doing the one way, then the other for cross-hatch (dunno what that’s called — I’m not gourmet here) then finished it in the oven. Personally, I prefer rare to medium rare but I made this well-done as I made them as leftovers.

I cooked it this morning, hoping for a freshest lunch but forgot it! Luckily, I couldn’t finish my breakfast (ahem, the same thing — I’m boring) and had a nibble for later.

As you can tell, I call anything drizzled, dumped or plopped on a bowl of mixed greens as ‘salad!’

Starbucks gluten-free?

I was trying to find if Pumpkin Spice lattes are gluten-free. I doubt they are (anything that color — of the syrup — usually has ‘caramel color’ in it and that’s usually derived from barley, whose chemical breakdown includes Evil Protein Gluten).

I’m not pleased with the answer but I’m pleased with the article — and Starbuck’s policy, pasted here:

“We’re unable to guarantee a gluten-free environment,” one rep told me. “I wouldn’t order anything from behind the counter — only packaged products marked ‘gluten-free.”

Jane Anderson, the author of the article, goes into a great explanation. Here’s another quote.

Starbucks is extremely cautious when it comes to the gluten-free status of its various drinks. According to the company’s corporate customer service personnel, nothing prepared at the stores is considered gluten-free due to the possibility of gluten cross-contamination from gluten-containing products and ingredients.

It’s worth reading the whole piece, if gluten is a concern for you or a loved one.
Aside: I prefer non-fat, plain lattes. Please bring me one!

In other words: espresso with scalded skim milk. Truly! I don’t take whipped cream (ew!) and I normally don’t like it sweet but sometimes a treat can be fun.

Lily’s Best Honeycake (grain-free)

This isn’t health food but it’s something I can have as a rare treat without my fussy body freaking out!

I can’t take a photo from today…coworkers gobbled them all up. I’ll link to the recipe posted earlier for:

Lily’s Honeycake

I used cupcake papers to do cupcakes this time! My honeycake was as delightful as ever, whether in round shape or hand-held!

Here’s the ‘nutritional breakdown’ for what I ate today — not one serving but 1.5 servings (it’s my birthday, I can do that)!

Lily’s Honeycake

 

Sweets: Hershey’s gluten-free list

Just in time for Halloween…

They should totally give me swag!

A while back, Hershey’s did not have a print version (they wouldn’t even email me one!) of gluten-free items. When I rang Corporate, they were free with info over the phone but declined any written format. One assumes (they did not admit this) it was for legal purposes.

I handled this by never eating Hershey’s products (since my diagnosis in 2011).

Today, I had a yen for Reese’s Pieces. I reckoned that somebody, somewhere had posted something (don’t necessarily trust what you see on the internet but if I see it in a few places, I may experiment).

Hershey’s now has a webpage devoted to their gf products.

Thanks, Hershey’s, for pulling your head out of your arse!

Look, it’s processed and full on SUGAR, therefore nothing anybody needs.

I am Celiac — genetically, I cannot digest gluten. I react harshly to the slightest contamination; I would never knowingly ingest anything with it due to these extreme reactions for like one microscopic particle.

Reese’s Pieces are not gluten-free. They were not on the list–but I found Hershey’s list looking for them!