A Plant-Based Mum: Starting Point

With a background in business, I am a very analytical person by nature. To confirm to myself and family that moving towards a plant-based diet is beneficial to our overall health, I underwent some general blood tests before the start of our journey. My blood tests included checking my kidney function, cholesterol, blood glucose and iron levels. I will also monitor my blood pressure, keep track of my weight and key body measurements (waist and hips).

Based on my current blood results, my fasting glucose levels are good and have been stable for the last two years. There were no alarm bells going off for my kidney functions or iron levels. However, my LDL-cholesterol levels are higher than the recommended target levels. For the last two years, my LDL-cholesterol is at 3.6 mmol/L and that’s higher than the target level of <2.5 mmol/L. My doctor has expressed some concern on my LDL-cholesterol level and with my family history, I too, would like to see some improvement. I have been warned that unless there is some positive change, she will consider prescribing me medication to manage it. I definitely don’t want to be taking medication daily to manage my cholesterol when I can make some changes to my diet and avoid medication altogether.

Like a lot of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have put on some iso-weight. I jumped on the bathroom scales and checked my weight. My BMI (Body Mass Index) is 23.55 kg/m2. This is within the generic healthy weight range of 18.5- 24.9 kg/m2. However, according to the Australian Government – Department of Health and WHO, with my Asian background, my current BMI places me in the increased risk group of heart disease and diabetes. Ideally, my weight range needs to be between 18.5-23 kg/m2.

Prior to the long periods of lockdown, I was going for walks with a friend twice a week and also going to Pilates class once per week. At the very start of lockdown, I fell down and sprained my right MCL (knee) and this meant that I have not been able to exercise for nearly three full months. Hence, the iso-weight gain.

Everything that I’ve learnt from the documentaries suggests that moving towards a more plant-based diet should address my iso-weight gain, combat my LDL-cholesterol levels and reduce my risk of heart disease and diabetes. I should also see a boost to my energy levels!

I am really looking forward to seeing whether there are quantifiable changes to my health in 3 months time. I will be tracking my progress in a spreadsheet that I’ve created in Excel.

• Journal 14
  • 17 July 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Introduction
  • 19 July 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Starting Point
  • 21 July 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: First Steps
  • 30 July 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Plant-based butter chicken alternatives
  • 10 Aug 2020 A Plant Based Mum: Lockdown 2.0
  • 1 Sept 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Virtual Grading
  • 9 Sept 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Lockdown Extension
  • 17 Sept 2020 Plant-based vs. Vegan Diet: What’s the difference?
  • 5 Oct 2020 Plant-Based Protein Source: Chickpea
  • 22 Oct 2020 A Plant-Based Mum: Lockdown Eased (Ever so Slightly)
  • 13 Dec 2020 Plant-Based Protein Source: Soybean
  • 22 May 2021 A Plant-Based Mum: Adjusting to COVID normal
  • 12 July 2021 A Plant-Based Mum: Check In
  • 20 July 2021 A Plant-Based Mum: Lockdown Fatigue
• Recipes 2
  • 26 July 2020 Homemade Vegetable Stock
  • 3 Sept 2020 Healthy Banana Oat Waffles (Gluten Free)