1. stay up on your blood tests and get on the right dose

2. Don't give up

3. Think of your eating and your workouts as ways to get healthy. They are worth doing regardless of whether or not you lose weight.

4. Start small. A hypothyroid person does not want to work out or eat less food, because we are HUNGRY and TIRED and cold and grouchy.... Just do what you can. If you don't feel up to working out for an hour, do it for just a half hour, or even ten minutes... just do something. Also, when you're trying to reduce calories, don't go from 2500 calories one day and then all of a sudden get on the MFP train and eat 1300. That just won't work like that. Go from 2500 to 2400 for a week, then 2300, then 2200, then 2100.... until you get to the number of calories you think you should be at.

5. Take a look at your other medications. I used to be on Depakote for migraines and birth control pills. Both of them probably gave me an extra few pounds and losing weight was easier when I got off these meds. Obviously you don't want to stop taking something without talking to your doctor, but read the side effects carefully when you pick up your prescriptions.

I've successfully lost about 20 lbs. I'm not going to pretend it was easy, because I struggled for many months before it came off. You need to be on a healthy lifestyle, regardless of whether or not you lose weight. As you start to build up some muscle and get better nutrition, your body will start to feel better... and weight loss might be a nice side effect of that.

I don't think my thyroid will ever make the right amount of hormones again, but I do find that I have more energy and spunk when I have been working out, getting enough fiber, drinking enough water, and getting the same 8 hours of sleep every night.

Also, if you haven't already, I recommend going to the library. I have a few books by Mary Shomon that are helpful. There are quite a few authors on the subject, but she was an actual patient who has been through what we go through, and it helps to know there are others out there that pull themselves off the couch too.

Hi!
I'm new to this group but I have been hyypothyroid since 2003. At one point I lost 40 lbs. but I stopped taking my meds for about 4 years!! I've been back on them since 2009- I gained weight again, and so far I've lost about 25 lbs. My dose had to be increased twice, though sometimes I still feel tired. It's frustratingly slow but it can be done- I've ramped up my cardio (I do Insanity!) big time and I also weight train- this boosts your metabolism,too. Don't give up, just eat super clean, do your cardio and lift weights.Hope this helps!!

Hi Strawberry,

I have only known I had hypothyroidism since May. I had lost 30 lbs & was stuck. But have successfully lost 9 lbs since then, with 1 lb to go to goal.
1). Low carb (only unprocessed carbs)/high protein diet is what I use, rotating the calorie amounts so the body doesn't go into starvation mode. IE: 1600/1400/1300/1200 (of course I'm almost 60 & not too tall, so your numbers might be higher)
2). Gluten-free diet works better for us, and helps weight loss
Virgin Coconut Oil helps our thyroid & weight loss
3). Selenium, Vitamin D3 & Oil of Primrose also help
4). Cardio works against those with thyroidism. It is recommended that we do more strength training, gentler activity, for more effective wt. loss. (I have found this to be true too). But, that saying GET MOVING!
5). Getting your thyroid symptoms under control is extremely important too. stopthethyroidmadness.com has great info on doing that.

I am not one to ever go off my diet, once I'm focused. The weight loss is so hard-earned, I'm afraid of reversing it... ever.
I do know (used to be a diet counselor); that alcohol is one of the worst things you can "cheat" with. It wrecks havoc with your body, blood sugar, etc. When clients took a drink on the week-end it took all week to get back to their previous weight loss. And these were young women with no thyroid problems. So, its understandable that the "drink" sets you back for 2 weeks. I'd say its definitely not worth it...

For me, I have a love-hate relationship with food. I loved it for many years, and it hated me back... made me miserable. I had to learn that its not going to comfort me, its going to make things worse. So I set my sights on better things. No turning back for me.

Hope that helps.

There are many threads that discuss tips in this forum. Please read through them!

Hi,


This is my first post on this forum group; I was just diagnosed with having hypothyroidism after about 2 weeks ago. I can tell you that pre and post diagnosis everything the poster said below is true for me as well.

In the past I had a wonderful metabolism, but in the past 4 years the pounds piled on quickly (40 lbs on less than 4 yrs). I am a teacher, so I made it my job to lose weight this summer, but noticed it wasn't coming off as easy as it had in the past, (a pound here and there), even though my eating was on point and I was working out everyday. I also felt very sluggish even after 8 hours of sleep and until I went to the gym. I deicded to get my blood work done and sure enough my TSH levels were at a 9.

I am really hopeful that this medication will help stabilize not just my metabolism, but my sluggish energy as well!

You've gotten some great advice here. I definitely agree with how terrible alcohol is for my body. I look at it and it makes me gain weight, so most of the time I stay far, far away.

The only thing I've not found to be true ( for me) was about cardio exercise making it harder to lose weight. Last year I lost a bunch of weight just from dramatically increasing my cardio ( no diet modifications). Plus I love the way it elevates my mood and reduces anxiety. So if it somehow were to slow down my weight loss, so be it--I'd rather be happy!

Gluten free, soy free, dairy free diet along with exercising at least 5 days a week has helped me. My diet consists of whole foods such as fruits, nuts, veggies, and meat ( chicken, pork, fish, turkey, beef). I also stay on top of my doctor appointments and such. Also, I drink nothing but water and TRY to avoid sweets and sugar.

hi there! i was diagnosed with hypo back in 2009 after giving birth to my 3rd son. I gained about 40+ lbs. I was originally put on levoxyl, that didn't work out so well for me as I was still constantly tired, exhausted, all the symptoms and on top of that kept gaining weight!

Found an endo who put me on armour and a year ago on oct. 1, 2011, I started my first successful weight loss journey. As of today, i am down 30lbs, still on armour thyroid, run 2 miles/ walk on incline for 1 mile a day, watch my food intake and hoping to lose the last 12lbs to my goal weight.

I posted a success story in the general board which includes pictures.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/690731-from-168lbs-to-139lbs-pics-w-hypothyroidism

one of my biggest piece of advice for those with hypo, keep talking to your doctor until you are on the right treatment, then with dedication and patience, you will get there! good luck!

Contrats Jrose! You look fabulous!

Strawberry... have you checked out stopthemadness.com ? It sounds like you may have adrenal fatigue, which would stop you from getting the benefit from your thyroid meds.... that's what happened to me. Treatment for adrenals is pretty important. I'm getting treatment through a naturopath.

I have been hypo for the past 6 years after graves and hyper for 5 years before that. I can't seem to budge a pound. I will try really hard for a few months, and then stop but my weight does not change. But thankfully I am not gaining. It just seems to stay the same with in 3-4 lbs no matter what I do. I'm now trying to eat cleaner and look hard at portion control. Dr up'd my synthroid about 6 months ago and new tests are within normal range. Hang in there! I'm not giving up but geez its frustrating.

I agree with all of Debbylee's information regarding diet and weight loss. I started Paleo/Primal in January of this year and have since lost 40 lbs, most of it within 12 weeks. I am now in my normal weight range. I'm 5'10" and 153 lbs, so I really didn't have that much to lose. My ultimate goal weight is 140 with muscle, and the lowest healthy weight is around 132 lbs but I won't be going there.

I take Armour Thyroid, D3, EPO, Selenium, Zinc and soon I'll also be taking Cod Liver Oil for joint protection.

I eat all meats from reputable sources, including beef, buffalo, chicken, turkey, eggs, fish and other seafood. I eat a lot of veggies, a little bit of fruit, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like coconut oil/butter/manna, avocado, olive oil, and butter/ghee. I avoid dairy because it gives me hayfever and wheezing when I work out.

I currently am doing a Paleo Autoimmune Protocol which excludes eggs, nuts, seeds, alcohol, all nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers of all sorts, and spices from peppers like paprika), and NSAIDS. This is to reduce and pinpoint the inflammation I still occasionally get in my joints, namely my ankles and fingers. It's only for 30 days and then I can reintroduce each food to see the results. It's very strict but it's really to pinpoint problematic foods. I am still trying to get used to not doing a lot of cardio but instead doing more strength training and I really cannot complain about that part. My diary is open if you'd like to take a peek. My last cheat was on Monday, right before I started the protocol, and I'm still feeling the affects from it (crepitus).

More information can be read at the following sites:
http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/05/modifying-paleo-for-autoimmune.html
http://robbwolf.com/2012/05/18/paleo-autoimmune-illness/
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/10/04/whole30-self-care-edition-10412/
http://balancedbites.com/2012/08/faq-all-about-the-book-practical-paleo.html

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid at the age of 10, I'm now 34. I have lost as much as 80 pounds and that was about 8 years ago. I gained that back after I stopped exercising and eating healthy.

However, I started a lifestyle change in March of this year and since then have lost 60 pounds and even though my thyroid was off for most of that. I've had my dose increased twice in the past 4 months and am getting more bloodwork done in the next few weeks to see if the newest dose is working for me. I'm up to a 225 dose of synthroid at the moment.

I haven't done low carb or any particular plan except to track calories, exercise regularly (C25K and step aerobics) and try to eat healthier foods (not eating as much takeout has helped quite a bit and staying away from super grease).

I'm decreasing weight gradually so that my daily calorie allotment stays at a sustainable level (where I'm not starving all the time and where I don't feel deprived) and so far it's been working. I haven't hit a plateau yet, I'm not looking forward to that, but I'm in the mindset that the weight gain didn't happen overnight so if it takes me a year or two years I just need to go with it as it has to be a permanent lifestyle change and not a temporary one.

I still have about 40 pounds I'd like to lose and then once I get to that I will reassess my health and happiness. Hopefully I will be able to attain that weight loss within the next year.

I wish you success in your weight loss. I don't know if it is different for people who have had hypothyroid for most of their lives versus those who have been diagnosed as adults? They did try to take me off synthyroid for a few weeks when I was in my mid-teens to see if my thyroid would begin to work by itself but it didn't so they had to put me back on them.

Hi there,

I thought I would mention my time in the weight loss world. I have had hypothyroidism since birth and it really effected me in the last year of highschool and college. Since graduating I have gained over 120 lb and to be honest I was overweight on graduation day. Since then I YoYo's with dieting and losing weight. I would lose, gain, lose, gain, etc.

This past March I reached my highest weight EVER and decided it was time for a change. I had my blood work done to make sure my levels were normal for my thyroid and then I started WW. Instantly I lost weight but not a lot so I got discouraged and just maintaned my weight. I think from March through May I lost about 15lb here or there. I started working out but didn't really put a whole lot of effort in them.

By August I had only lost another 3 lb and was so tired of giving up and being lazy. So I made a vow to try and to not focus on the end number and to just be healthy. An old friend was going on and on about this site on FB so I thought I would try it out. I fell in love and started losing weight instantly. Here were my stats.

SW (WW 3/9/2012) 304.2
EW (WW end of July) 285.0 ( estimate )

SW (MFP 8/6/2012) 285.2
CW (as of today ** I record my weight tuesdays and fridays**) 263.0

From March through July I lost about 19lb. From August through now I have lost 22.2 lb. Altogether I have lost 41.2 and it feels great. MY SuCCESS HAS COME FROM SUPPORT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND SOME GUIDLINES

1. Keep up on your meds. If your levels are normal you will lose more
2. EXERCISE (vigerously to moderate) 30 min or more 5 times a week. (I am currently doing Jamie Eason 12 week program.. It works and is simple to do.. at first )
3. Eat Clean. I eat brown rice 100% whole wheat bread, lots of chicken and tuna, egg whites and lots of veggies and fruits. ** I do have a Friday semi Free day that I eat a little un healthy, but istill log everything to stay accoutable**
4. Lots of water. I drink a sode once or twice a week. Cut out all diet sodas. they retain water for a couple days. Some Teas and juices are fine. But use low cal sugars.
5. Make your diet your own and find something you love. I love staying busy with crafts decorating my home. also learn some new recipes it makes dinners not so "healthy" and enjoyable.
6. Keep friends who will motivate you. They do help more than you think.

Wow I have probably gave you too much info but this has all really helped me.

Feel free to add me. I still have about 100lb to go so I still have alot to learn but would love to help motivate you anyway I can.

I am new here, and have been reading the forums to get familiar with everything. I was diagnosed with Hypo 2 years ago, and am finally realizing how serious this is for me, and my long term health. In the beginning, I was one that felt that medicine was not the answer for everything. However, I did everything a person thriving to lose weight, and be healthy would do including taking my medicine. I lost weight. Then I stopped my medicine, and not only did I gained the weight back but I began to feel the sluggishness, my headaches came back, and once again my hair started to fall out again. Now I know I am only one person and each person is different. So, You have to do what you feel is best for you. But as everyone has said, Its more than just medicine too.

I have stopped drinking soda.
I am slowly cutting out sugar.
I am try to eat as much fruit & veggies as I can.
I drink water, water, water.
Exercise.
Keeping positive people around me as someone said
My medicine and Dr appt

Biggest difference in wt loss for me was switching from synthetic thryroid (levoxyl) to Natural thyroid. I take p-thyroid, or nature-throid is another that my son takes. I was stuck for years and had on-going symptoms until I found a dr. to make the change. I really watch my calorie in take. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat so much, just so i don't exceed calories. Low carb for me is a disaster...I get seriously not nice after a few days. I stay between 1200 and 1400. I also found that cardio works best for me. I weight trained for years and all that happened for me is that i looked like a linebacker, and messed up my knees with squats and lunges. Fat over muscle isn't pretty. I have lessened my lifting to once a week, and I mostly jog or run now. I usually run about 3 miles 4 times a week and walk or ride horses the other days to keep my knees healthy.

Obviously, we all have bodies that run differently. For some the weights work better, or low carb. Honestly, my turning point was new meds and finally having the energy to run again thus having the cardio calorie burn. It can be done, we can lose, it's just slower, and really finding the combo that works best for you.

Bumping for new folks. :flowerforyou: