Tackling the weight gain being hypothyroid

[JanKindon]

Hi! I’m Jan, 53 years old, self-employed, about 2 stone overweight, hypothyroid (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis which is a version of hypothyroidism that means the antibodies attack and kill the thyroid, and there is usually some sort of inflammation involved) with a roller coasting weight gain/loss as a result. Suffer IBS and acid reflux as a result too, so finding foods I can eat (tolerate) is very hard. Tried cutting down on gluten and going lactose free (ish) but really struggle with those and don’t seem to feel that much better, digestion wise, tho I know I should persevere I end up feeling as though I’m starving myself lol. Going to tackle the 5:2 Fast Diet but not sure it will work for me and I'll admit I’m horrendously negative about diets as have tried so many different times and plans, none of which worked due to the hypothyroid slow metabolism. Downloaded a load of Fast recipe/meal books so am hoping that they will give me some inspiration as I will have to personalise those to ensure there’s not too many grains, carbs and fats involved (thyroid’s worse enemies when it’s not working properly)

I’m kinda getting desperate now as a month ago I was 3/4 stone lighter than I am now and a few days ago I was 4lbs heavier. So certain types of food are very important part of getting healthy as regards the thyroid, and I have promised myself I will start jogging this year (tho I have osteoarthritis in my right big toes and when that flares up limpy is what I become), as cardio is important to the thyroid too.

So even if I can get back to 11 1/2 stone (12st 2lbs right now) I'll be happy as I've been there quite recently

[Keep_on_going]

Hi! It might help to not think of it as a dirt, rather healthy eating. What does your doctor say? Is it a side effect of the condition or medication?

[Keep_on_going in reply to Keep_on_going]

That should say diet and not dirt!

[JanKindon in reply to Keep_on_going]

haahaaa I did wonder what you meant. Tbh I only think of some eating plans as diets when they are the ridiculous ones, and generally it is a healthy eating plan I'm after

[JanKindon in reply to Keep_on_going]

It's to do with my condition. Being hypothyroid and not optimally medicated means the metabolism will always be slow. I'm self-medicating now and building up to being optimal on the meds I take. I know when I'm not optimal as I eat all the time because I'm hungry all the time. And this is despite the acid reflux and IBS flares.

Once I'm optimal on my meds (which could still take many more months yet) I should find losing weight, and keeping it off, easier. But I still need to eat healthily and for me finding healthy small meals or snacks to eat throughout the day is my ultimate goal, as this will stop me snacking on junk food.

I kinda know what I need to do but simply don't know where to start, and have overloaded myself with so much useless information I'm bogged down and confused. It is then easy just to make a sandwich and grab some crisps, naughty me lol

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome Jan

I replied to this new member and thought that the two of you have lots in common and could help each other on your journeys.

All the best to you

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[JanKindon in reply to moreless]

Thanks moreless, I'll take a peek now

[Penel]

Hi Jan

I have to avoid gluten, most grains, and lactose, and it can be a difficult way of eating, until you get used to it. It certainly takes some planning and I find that I have to make most of my meals from scratch. Have you had any help from your doctor or a dietician?

This is one site I have found useful.

authoritynutrition.com/12-b...

If you want to persevere with eating gluten/lactose free, there are various sites that might help you with ideas for meals.

glutenfreegoddess.blogspot....

Hugh FW has a cookery book called "Light and Easy", with recipes avoiding wheat and dairy, which might be useful.

You can get lactose-free milk in most supermarkets, if you haven't found it already, but it's a good idea to steer clear of most of the supermarket gluten-free foods as they are often full of sugar, and additives that can upset a sensitive stomach.

Good luck with finding a diet that works for you.

[JanKindon]

Thanks Concerned I'll take a peek at some Med food plan recipes

[Juanita1963]

I understand exactly how you feel. I have no thyroid anymore as they gave me radiation to kill it as it was over working but at then I could eat as much as I liked and was less than 9 stone. I find it extremely hard to work out what I can and can not eat. I also have fibromyalgia syndrome, IBS, chronic Fatigue and a few others. I feel for you. I have noticed what does help which is low lactose, low starchy carbs only and mainly eating high protein. Also important to drink a lot of water and exercise about 30 minutes 5 times per week.

Juanita

[Goodies13]

I'm the same regarding. Thyroid hate food even looking at it makes me nauseous. I'm not loosing any weight as I barely move due to pain.

Had cancer 3 years ago had hysterectomy total. Still go for checkups and awaiting two knee replacements and I have 2 displaced discs.

Before this I walked around 6 hours a day in my job, which I really miss.

Barely leave the house other than to attend hospital appointments.

Have a lovely caring family.