Food vs. Medicine

Genes are a peculiar thing.  We joke about “getting the funny genes” or the “he/she got the smart genes”, but what we don’t joke about is the fact that sometimes we get the “unhealthy genes”.

Two decades ago, Scott lost his mom to cancer, was shocked at his older brother’s heart condition, and helped care for his dad after quintuple bypass surgery.  Prior to that, he lost one of his uncles to a massive heart attack.  His uncle was 50.

And then he lost his brother to a massive heart attack in August.  Buster was 62.

But this post is about the positive, I promise.

These family events could’ve left Scott with an attitude of “why bother, it’s hereditary” or “live it up now since I might die young”, but instead he got moving.  He started running – to the mailbox and back.  Keeling over at times, he continued improving his speed and stamina as that run to the mailbox and back became easier.  And faster. 

Extremely goal oriented, Scott signed up for a half marathon.  One half marathon lead to another, which ultimately lead to his first marathon.  30+ marathons later, Scott discovered the ultrarunning world.  Skipping the 50K distance, he went straight for the 50-mile distance at StoneCat Trail Race.  After several 50K and 50M distances, he brought his training to a new level and nailed a 24:37 finish at his first 100-mile race at Vermont 100 in 2017.

With all that running, one would think Scott can eat whatever he wants, right?  Nope.  Remember those genes?  Yeah, they continue to work against him, no matter how hard he trains.  So recently, after a routine checkup that left him with some challenging results, Scott took his nutrition to a new level.  No fad diets, no pills, and definitely no cholesterol regimen.  No way.

He bought a couple of cookbooks and has been focusing on a more Mediterranean diet.  He has said more than once how quickly spices and olive oil disappear from the cabinet when you actually use them!  And one of the items that has NOT been disappearing fast from the cabinet?  Table salt.  How many of you grab the salt shaker and apply to your meal, even before tasting the food?  Yeah, me too.  We have made a conscious effort to stop that behavior and to make ourselves more aware of hidden salt in foods.

Today, three months after that checkup, the doctor was pleasantly surprised at his results.  Scott wasn’t over weight to begin with, but the change in what he’s been eating, how he’s been preparing it, and of course, proper portion control, has resulted in a significant weight loss and in a management of his cholesterol without medication.  Don’t worry, he looks good, feels good, and most importantly, is reaping the reward of mindful cooking and consumption.

I’m so grateful for Scott’s tenacity and drive to self-correct via more natural methods around food.  He knew cholesterol medication could be in his future if he didn’t try something and he wasn’t going to give in without a fight!  Staving off maintenance drugs is something we’re both happy to have been able to do so far.  I hope we both remain healthy for a very long time and, like ultrarunning, keep moving forward, be selective at aid stations, and celebrate in moderation. 

The moral of this story?  You really are what you eat. 

Cheers!