The Meantime: How Life Has Changed
From Shawn: How My Lifestyle Changed After My Diagnosis
Since my diagnosis, my lifestyle has taken a sharp but positive turn. It all boils down to establishing two essential habits: getting daily exercise that fits within my activity restrictions, and embracing the DASH diet, which helps manage my blood pressure. My blood pressure wasn’t high to begin with. But with an aortic aneurysm, it’s crucial to keep it as low as possible to prevent unnecessary strain on the artery's weak point. As part of my diet change, I also cut out alcohol. I wasn’t a heavy drinker, but since we don’t have clear medical guidance on alcohol and my condition yet, I’ve decided to cut it out entirely. These changes have not only improved my energy levels and mood, but I’ve also lost 15 pounds so far—and my resting heart rate has dropped by 10 beats per minute!
Daily Activity: Walk the Walk
Every morning, I lace up my shoes and head out for a 4–6 mile walk. It’s been one of the most enjoyable shifts in my routine, and a lot of times my wonderful wife joins me. Besides getting to know moleskin (a lifesaver for blister prevention), these walks have added a sense of calm and consistency to my days. My trusty Hoka Bondi shoes, with their heavenly cushioning, have become my favorite companions on the road (besides the aforementioned wonderful wife.)
A key motivator has been tracking my progress with my Apple Watch. I’ve made it a mission to close my activity rings daily, and I’m proud to say I’ve hit my goal for 23 consecutive days so far; stay tuned for a future post about my deepened love for that watch!
Diet Reboot: The DASH Way
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) has been the cornerstone of my new eating habits. Designed to lower blood pressure and support heart health, the DASH plan emphasizes whole foods packed with nutrients like potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium in your body, reducing the tension in your blood vessels and ultimately helping to lower blood pressure. Similarly, magnesium relaxes blood vessels, making the DASH diet a powerful tool for cardiovascular health.The diet encourages eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while cutting back on salt, sugary drinks, red meat, and saturated fats.
What I love about DASH is how practical and adaptable it is. It offers balance rather than strict restrictions, making it easy to maintain in the long run, and it’s been a game-changer for my overall cardiovascular health.
Winning the War on Salt
The hardest part? Letting go of salt. I didn’t just like salt—I loved it. What surprised me most was discovering just how much sodium I was unknowingly consuming in my old diet. The list of “no-go” items was daunting: soy sauce, fish sauce, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, seasoning blends, most processed foods, and frozen meals all had to go.
Fortunately, I’ve found three salt-free alternatives that have transformed my meals:
Kirkland Signature Organic No-Salt Seasoning – A great start, adding some depth of flavor.
Palo Alto Firefighters Pepper Sauce (No Salt) – This spicy sauce is like a bolder, tastier version of Taco Bell’s hot sauce. I buy it in bulk from their website, but it’s also available on Amazon.
Granulated Lemon Powder – This one has been the real MVP. It’s a powerful secret weapon that delivers the zing I used to get from salt. A sprinkle of it makes everything pop with flavor.
A Surprisingly Smooth Transition
As someone who enjoys food, I expected the dietary changes to be tough. Surprisingly, the shift has been easier than I thought. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of seeing the weight come off, or maybe it’s just feeling healthier overall, but the transition has been smooth. I’m confident these changes are sustainable for the long haul—and that feels great. I’m looking forward to meeting my new cardiologist at Mayo and hearing what he has to say about any modifications I may need to make.
These small but significant changes have reshaped my days—my health, my routine, and even my outlook on life. It's a journey I'm proud of, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Also wow on the 15lbs instantly down by cutting out alcohol!
Oh wow thank you for the tips on the salt replacements finds! I’ve added these to our shopping list :-)