From: TGE (we-66-27-72-28.we.mediaone.net)
Subject: Recent blood work shows no improvement in cholesterol despite.......
Date: April 27, 2001 at 1:53 pm PST

following the McDougall plan *almost* to the tee over the last 5 weeks. (more later)
I'm a firm believer in McDougall, and have been a 50-75% follower for the last 3 years. I have let stress keep me from following it completely.

I am a 45yo woman who is about 60 lbs overweight.
During the last 5 weeks I have consumed a no fat, no salt, no alcohol, no sugar diet. I am not comsuming any processed foods or flours. I take a brisk, 1 hour walk every night and use small weights several times a week. I have recently de-stressed my life and feel great!
I have only lost on average, only 4lbs.

Prior to March, I did not exercise at all, and I did have wine, salt, and limited amounts of soy products, cheeses and poultry.

My question is this: Does it take time for the numbers to drop, or did my one "boo-boo" contribute to these results? The boo-boo being a family celebration feast 2 days prior to the blood draw. I did have lean Carne Asada and chips.

My cholesterol this week is 229.
5 weeks ago it was 223.
(It's been, on average 250 for the last 10 years on a low fat diet.

My triglycerides are better, but still elevated.
It's now 167, 5 weeks ago it was 220.
(It's been, on average, 250 for 10 years.

I don't want to go on medication, however I am concerned that my cholesterol and triglycerides have been elevated for so long, despite a general low fat diet for 10 years.

Thank you for your help.