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Secret #1: People with Hypothyroidism Must Exercise More to Lose Weight

Q: Why isn’t Exercise Working?

A: We’re glad you recognize exercise as a vital part of the under active thyroid diet. In essence, you’re in a never ending battle with your metabolism. A sluggish metabolism won’t efficiently burn fat and calories, translating to weight gain. Exercise also re-balances Leptin and blood sugar. If your Thyroid is not under control your metabolism will not be working like it should either. So make sure you are taking the right medication for your body. And honestly…..you make have to change up the type of exercise you’re doing.

Try something new….maybe yoga and a Zumba class! Fitness trainers like to call this “muscle confusion”. Basically you are confusing your body by performing different types of exercise and this will make those muscles work harder. They never know what kind of exercise is coming! It’s quite possible you’re attempting to exercise like a healthy person attempting to lose a few pounds. Just try your best to step-up your exercise regime.

Secret #2: A Lot Water is Vital for an Under Active Thyroid Diet

Q: Why should I drink more water than usual?

A: It’s that pesky metabolism again! Water not only aids the operation of your metabolism, it eliminates bloating and helps decrease appetite. People with Hypothyroidism should drink the recommended eight glasses of water each day. Not to mention that all that working out will make you very thirsty. A great trick that I use is to add 1 oz of unsweetened cranberry juice to 7 oz of water with a little stevia. It’s refreshing and really good to detoxify your kidneys.

Secret #3: Fiber is Critical for Hypothyroidism

Q: What role does fiber play in weight loss?

A: For one thing, fiber keeps you regular! Fiber is a slow-food, meaning that it spends longer in transit before digestion is completed. This slower process helps balance blood sugar levels and regulates your cholesterol. You stay full longer, which combats food cravings, leading to weight loss.

Secret #4: Medication Makes you Fat

Q: Why would my doctor prescribe medicine that makes me fat and tell me to lose weight at the same time?

A: It’s the old medical adage – the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor is treating the symptoms of Hypothyroidism with mainstream drugs such as: beta blockers, steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants and/or PTU. These drugs carry the side-effect of potential weight gain. Medicine sees weight loss as secondary. In some cases, you can ask your doctor if there is an alternative available.

Secret #5: Focusing on Caloric Intake is not Enough

A: Sometimes it’s not the actual calories you are eating but the actual food that you are eating. The calories in a glass of orange juice are much higher than just eating an orange. Move your food plan into eating more whole foods and less processed foods. As a result, you will be eating less calories but more dense, vitamin enhanced foods in the process. Give yourself a hug… you deserve it!

Applaud you for eating a healthy diet, which includes enough calories for your particular needs! Let’s do a brief overview:

Favor whole foods over refined foods that are high in simple sugar and contain toxic preservatives.

Eating organic ensures foods have not been nutrient deprived, eliminates harmful effects from pesticides, other toxins and hormones.

Incorporate several mini-meals during the day.

Focus on your healthy foods and avoid processed foods.

I encourage your efforts to stick-and-stay with your under active thyroid diet. We are all unique and have different body chemistry. Listen to the signs your body is telling you and honor yourself!