Today’s post offers a personal glimpse into a recent “a-ha” moment on my health journey. Here’s the short version:
Focusing on one area of health can ripple into other areas—for better or worse.
The “story” we tell ourselves about health findings (like lab results or new diagnoses) shapes how we navigate them, either helping or hindering progress.
Now, here’s the longer story—what I’ve learned, what I’m working on, and how I’m reframing my health journey along the way.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that heart disease runs in my family. My dad had quadruple bypass surgery at just 52 years old, a life-changing moment that deeply influenced how I think about my own health. (P.S. He’s thriving and enjoying a beach getaway with my mom this week!)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. For women, the risk rises dramatically after menopause—a sobering statistic that’s become even more relevant as I face this near future phase of life.
A few years ago, when my LDL cholesterol spiked, I became a bit obsessed with lowering it. I committed to eating a LOT of plants—and it worked! In just 3-4 months, I brought my LDL back to normal levels. The problem was that my approach wasn’t sustainable. Meals took a lot of time and energy to make, some were less than enjoyable, many dishes were not ones my family would eat, and all that extra fiber disrupted my digestion and running routine. (Insert poop emoji )
