My blood test lab results are normal!!

I joined MFP in January, after getting my worst blood test results ever at my company-sponsored health fair:

January 12, 2012:
Cholesterol - 263 (normal range = 125-200)
HDL (good cholesterol) - 102 (normal >46)
LDL (bad cholesterol) - 147 (normal <130)
ALT (liver enzyme) - 58 (normal 10-35)
ALT (liver enzyme) - 86 (normal 6-40)

My liver enzymes were high all last year. I was poked and prodded and tested through the year to determine the cause. I eliminated alcohol and cut out all supplements. All blood tests to detect liver problems were negative, my ultrasound was normal, and finally the liver biopsy was completely normal. I was told that the elevated liver enzymes must just be "normal" for me, even though they were much lower (in the normal range) in 2009 and 2010. My family doctor and the gastroenterology specialist both assured me that I did not have "fatty liver", which is one of the most common causes for elevated liver enzymes.

Finally, in January, when I saw how high my cholesterol level was, I decided I needed to lost weight. Both my parents are taking a statin medication for high cholesterol, and I knew I would rather change my diet and ramp up my exercise program than take drugs. My weight had been creeping up over the last decade, and I knew I needed to change my diet to take control of my health.

Followed the MFP recommendations for calories and macronutrients, and all the helpful suggestions from the people on MFP who have been successful, I cut out refined carbohydrates, started eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and tracked my food obsessively. I also ate my exercise calories (tracked on Polar FT60) back. I have exceeded my calorie goal on the rare days I don't exercise, but make up for it and my average every week is right on target. I have lost 12 pounds and have been, which is pretty close to my MFP goal of one pound/week.

On Friday I went to my doctor for my annual physical and to review my new lab results:

March 13, 2012:
Cholesterol - 193 (-70, 36% reduction)
HDL (good cholesterol) - 84 (-18, 18% reduction)
LDL (bad cholesterol) - 95 (-52, 35% reduction) :happy:
ALT (liver enzyme) - 27 (-31, 53% reduction) :happy:
ALT (liver enzyme) - 27 (-59, 69% reduction) :happy:

I never thought I would be so happy to have "normal" blood test results!! I am very grateful to MFP and all the great role models on this site for helping me. I still have a ways to go to reach my goal, but I know I will stay on track with MFP.