Murmurs #2: Two precious assets

A healthy body and a happy mood are the two most important things for me. Let me tell you why.

Five years ago, I weighed about 79 kg, and I was very fat. My BMI was about 30 and my waist was over 90 cm.  Although I was eating the same diet as before, and occasionally running and exercising, my weight still skyrocketed.

My job that have provided me with a free health check every few years. According to the results of the check-up at that time, my blood sugar was at a prediabetes level. If I didn't lose weight and exercise immediately, I was going to get Type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

I asked my doctor what I should do. He said that I had to lose weight and exercise, and eat fewer carbs.  I should eat only one bowl of rice per day at most.

At the time, I was a little bit worried.  Because my grandfather suffered from diabetes for a long time and later passed away. I remember that he liked eating fried rice noodles very much, and I like it as well. My father passed away in 2019 from Parkinson's Disease. He suffered from it for over 30 years.  Parkinson's Disease is caused by the accumulation of a large amount of amyl protein in the nervous system of the brain, so It is said that the brain can also get diabetes.

I know that some diseases are hereditary, so I made up my mind to take good care of my health. First of all, I tried to lose weight. I tried some methods, such as being vegetarian, skipping dessert, or eating smaller portions, but none of them worked. Instead, I often felt very hungry and ate more.

Eventually, I saw some information about intermittent fasting, low-carb diets, and the  ketogenic diet. I have found that many people who are prediabetic like me have achieved great results using these diets, and may has even reversed diabetes in some patients, so I joined the ranks of the ketogenic dieters without hesitation. I’ve been on this diet for 5 years.  I have been around 56 kilograms for almost a year, my blood sugar and BMI have returned to normal, and my mental and physical strength are much better than before. I feel like I am 25 again and I am very grateful in my heart.

Exercise also helps a lot. In the past, I often feel backaches, insufficient muscle strength, and my knees hurt when I was climbing stairs.  Since my wife has been learning Tai Chi for over ten years (she has coaching certification), at her suggestion, I started to learn Tai Chi and pushing hands 3 years ago. This exercise has not only helped me strengthen the endurance of my quads and gluteus maximus muscles, but has also improved my reflexes, flexibility and balance. More importantly, because the concept of Tai Chi combines the I Ching (Book of Changes) and the philosophy of  Daoism (Laozi and Zhuangzi) , I have also learned to let go of attachment and relax.  At present, I have two Tai Chi teachers and I am very grateful for their instruction.