A Fresh Start Part 2- How to Develop an Action Plan When Your Child Says "Please Take Care of Yourself."

So...back to my story.

STEP 1: I procrastinated until April. Then I put on my big girl britches and made an appointment with our family physician. She referred me to a top notch cardiologist at the Medical University of South Carolina. After a thorough assessment and a number of tests, the news was encouraging. My calcium score scan came back at zero, which is perfect. I was thoroughly amazed by that. Cholesterol still high. Blood pressure under control with meds.

My Friends: Insurance does not generally cover the calcium score scan BUT it is only $125. It is non-invasive and I declare that it took me longer to walk from the parking garage to the hospital that it took for the procedure. Best $125 I ever spent.

STEP 2: Nutrition
Oh my heavenly days how I love food. The greater-Charleston area is a fabulous place to live when you are a foodie. And a great TEMPTATION when you are an overweight foodie with high cholesterol and blood pressure issues. I am a loyal person...how in the world was I going to shut my best friends Ben and Jerry out of my life??? What would they think at Magnolias when we don't show up for Sunday brunch. Kaminsky's....I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU.  River Street Sweets...stop pushing that sample tray of pralines in my face when I walk by...you know I'm weak! Husk! McCradys! The Grocery! GiGi's Brasserie! (OK I'm stop now...there's not enough room to list them all.)
.
My cardiologist suggested that I utilize the services of her nutritionist. And I am.  I am not proud of the fact that I cannot hold myself accountable for making good food and exercise choices.  I am almost 53 and have good insurance. I will pay the nutritionist to be my accountability partner. My visits are every 4-6 weeks and for the first time in my adult life, I have some measure control in a part of my life where I had none. Since June 1 and as of this morning, I have lost 20 pounds. I'm not taking appetite suppressants or doing any sort of crazy fad diet/food thing.

Stay tuned.  Next post...how I am changing the way I eat and how I am battling my reluctance to exercise.