I'm a regular runner - usually a couple of shorter runs (4-5 mi) during the week, then at least one longer run of at least 10 miles (usually hills) on the weekend. In addition to that, I do push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups, and some weights, about 3 times a week. I also cycle and mountain bike, and ride trails on my dirt bike. But I do eat a lot of stuff that's considered "bad" and has a lot of cholesterol (eggs, bacon, sausage, hamburgers, pizza, lots of dairy, butter, ice cream, fried stuff, etc.). Regardless, I stay at ideal weight (180) for my height (6'2") due to all the exercise. I can eat whatever I want and not gain anything. (I might gain a few lbs. after a couple of large meals, but it's right back off after the next longer run.) But I do think about all that cholesterol and wonder if my arteries are getting clogged. They say if your fire burns hot enough, you can eat anything and not worry; it'll just be burned off. But I'm not sure. Being from the South, I grew up on lots of butter, bread, fried food, BBQ, (stuff that tastes good, dangit!). It's hard to give that up. I will say, I do love vegetables and fruits, and eat a lot of those, too. I've also wondered if eating lots of brightly and darkly-colored veggies serves to counteract all the "bad" stuff. I think it does have an effect.
I do go to the doc at least once a year and have bloodwork done. So far nothing's been a red flag. HR, BP, cholesterol levels are always "in spec". I'm 38, so, we'll see if that changes.
