Expat Community > Ecuador

casadecuenca
Joined 2013
Posts: 1365

Walking is the magic elixer

11 years ago

When I began moving to Ecuador in late 2011 at the age of 71, I weighed between 225 and 230 lbs and my waist was 42-43”. Living in Florida did not help, I would drive 2 blocks to a supermarket, I had high blood pressure and I was in terrible shape. In June 2012 I went to an internist in Cuenca for a complete physical, blood work, nuclear stress test—the whole shebang. My BP was about 175/85 and the doctor prescribed a beta-blocker. It was my intention not to buy a car because of the excellent public transportation in Cuenca, so I have been walking everyday.

I just returned from another checkup and my weight is 175 lbs, my BP is about 145/60 and my doctor is overjoyed. We both attribute the weight loss and resulting drop in my blood pressure to my walking, because I have not really changed my eating habits. I go to Tutto Freddo regularly for their warm walnut brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel topping. Walking at 8500 feet also burns many more calories than walking at sea level. I usually walk between 15 and 20 km per week. And best of all I am not taking any prescription drugs of any kind, I kicked the beta blocker about 6 months ago, when my weight dropped below 200.

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Expat Community > Ecuador

Walking is the magic elixer

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