​My Yearly Exam...

     So, as I said before, my health is my inspiration for losing weight.  Last week, I talked about how I need to get myself going again, and this week I definitely became more inspired because on Friday, Steve and I had our yearly medical exam.  We saw a nurse practitioner, and that's fine with me because nurse practitioners are often much more thorough and engaged than medical doctors, who seem to feel that performing regular exams is beneath their education level.  It worked out great because they took me first, and then they took Steve.  Next, we went downstairs and got all our blood work completed.  My blood work turned out really well except for the kidney function numbers, which are somewhat concerning and the keto diet is the likely culprit.  After researching what causes these high numbers, keto is the most likely problem, with dehydration and an overconsumption of proteins a common concern.  So I immediately set out to try to remedy the likelihood of dehydration and intend to dramatically reduce my protein intake by moving to a primarily vegetarian diet for the next few weeks.  I began using an electrolyte drink daily that might help with hydration.  It is a lemon and vinegar smoothie made with spinach, arugula, and kale, all complex carbs that support kidney function.  I'll back off the protein and integrate some really substantial vegetable dishes for my meals in addition to the arugula and spinach smoothie.  I've made a delicious eggplant Pharda dish as a start and will pick up some salads from the local deli.  I've also decided to use lots more spinach as sides and in dips.  I'll get another round of blood work in a few months, and hopefully, my numbers will improve.  Here's to my health!  And also, I am grateful that I have a blessed life where I am able to focus on my health as others in the world are trying to simply survive.  I am truly grateful for those who died serving our country on this Memorial Day.  It is because of these brave men and women that I am secure.  God bless America.