My highly anticipated (by me) date finally arrived. It was time to make my way to the VA and have my lab work done. It had been six weeks since I began this culinary journey into the depths of plant-based eating.

To recap, initially I was going to try this for four weeks and see how it looked; however, my doctor informed me that she really needed six weeks to see the difference in my labs.

So I agreed.

During this period I did not cheat a single time – although I did unintentionally have a few bites of a meal with egg in it. Once it was noticed, I was done.

As far as cravings – very minimal.

Detox – nothing that I can point to.

Results – well, I wish I had better news to report, but let me explain.

Having had the detailed discussion with my doctor about my lifestyle change, I was very curious to see all of my lab results. Glucose, Cholesterol, Calcium, B12…I really wanted to see the effects.

Unfortunately, all of those labs weren’t ordered. So I have nothing to report about my cholesterol…yet. I go back in two months for a complete set.

So, first off, weight loss. According to my weight at the VA I have lost a little over nine pounds! Additionally, I have lost an inch across my waist.

Glucose – my readings were consistently in the 300’s prior to starting. Yeah – that’s not good. That’s major diabetes.  I am now in the 110’s – 130’s. Still diabetic, but a huge difference in only six weeks.

Both calcium and B12 are in the normal ranges.

I specifically chose NOT to take any supplements during this period as I wanted to see the effects of the diet alone, so that was a welcome result.

A few other changes – my resting heart rate has gone from the mid 90’s to the mid 70’s.

Also, and this was another big one – my blood pressure. I went from 150/91 six weeks ago, to 117/79!

Last week I was noticing my energy level dropping though. So I have started taking a multi-vitamin with B12 to help with that. I don’t know if it really starts working right away or if it’s in my mind, but I do already feel better this week.

So, I consider everything a success so far. I go back on December 8 for more labs and will see how I’m progressing and decide if this is what I plan on sticking with.

Thanks for the words of encouragement that I have received and questions you have asked. Please feel free to continue.