Yes, it's been a while. I've let the blog slide while tending to some problems at work and home.
I haven't really been "dieting," at least not like I was before, counting every calorie like it was my last. On the other hand, I haven't gained any weight. Still at 151.
One good thing: this week, I finally got in to the lab to have blood drawn. I expect to have results in the next couple of days. I'm looking forward to seeing those results.
I hope you've been checking in; I should have more data soon, especially when I finally get in to the endocrinologist. I'm a bit excited about that, actually, although I can't help but feel that my own problems pale into nothingness compared with those of Japanese or those in Libya, these days. My heart goes out to them.
(Why aren't they evacuating those who are within 100 miles of the F- plant?)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 62: 151.
Yup, I'm still alive.
About a week ago, I finally shook the hives. It took almost two weeks to fully get rid of them. I was taking Benadryl and drinking a gallon of water per day, but I did it. I am finally starting to feel human, again.
I haven't been taking any supplements for all that time (other than Benadryl about every other day), since I've been afraid of stimulating an allergic reaction, again. I've tried to keep eating healthy, but for a while I stopped being obsessive about calorie counting. Did I go over 1,000 calories? Yes, I'm sure I did, several days, but not too excessively. I know about how much food I can ingest without watching that scale go, bam! take that!
This weekend I intend to go back to Calorie King and start recording again.
One more month until I have the endocrinologist appointment. Next week I will have the bloodwork done, and will be sure to post results. I wanted to get it done this week, but got caught up in too many problems at work to make the time.
I appreciate the support from comments. Believe me, I am open to advice from ladies who are going through similar life changes.
About a week ago, I finally shook the hives. It took almost two weeks to fully get rid of them. I was taking Benadryl and drinking a gallon of water per day, but I did it. I am finally starting to feel human, again.
I haven't been taking any supplements for all that time (other than Benadryl about every other day), since I've been afraid of stimulating an allergic reaction, again. I've tried to keep eating healthy, but for a while I stopped being obsessive about calorie counting. Did I go over 1,000 calories? Yes, I'm sure I did, several days, but not too excessively. I know about how much food I can ingest without watching that scale go, bam! take that!
This weekend I intend to go back to Calorie King and start recording again.
One more month until I have the endocrinologist appointment. Next week I will have the bloodwork done, and will be sure to post results. I wanted to get it done this week, but got caught up in too many problems at work to make the time.
I appreciate the support from comments. Believe me, I am open to advice from ladies who are going through similar life changes.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 54: 151.5
I'm taking a few days off, obviously. It's so discouraging to see a lack of progress, despite your every effort.
I'm still waiting for these dam* hives to fully resolve, though it's a little better, not so itchy. I guess it takes a while for an allergic reaction to nullify.
Meanwhile, I'm just trying to stay up with healthy eating habits. I'll post again soon, after I start feeling a little better. Hypothyroid dieting is not easy.
I'm still waiting for these dam* hives to fully resolve, though it's a little better, not so itchy. I guess it takes a while for an allergic reaction to nullify.
Meanwhile, I'm just trying to stay up with healthy eating habits. I'll post again soon, after I start feeling a little better. Hypothyroid dieting is not easy.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 49: 152.5
I stopped taking supplements or the generic Wellbutrin for the past several days to try to get hives to resolve; only taking Benadryl for the hives, which makes me groggy. However, it does help with the itchy hives. Unfortunately, though, I find that after about 12 hours the hives just come right back if I don't keep taking Benadryl. Today, they are a little better. I've been going to work, but not exercising. My right shoulder and elbow are also deeply sore; it feels like there is something wrong with my bones. I don't know what's going on with that. A couple of years ago, my right shoulder was giving me pain and an x-ray showed some mild bone degeneration. I suppose it is getting worse.
I blew it: I ate some chocolate after Valentine's Day. About 30 Hershey's Kisses over a 3 day period. You see the result in my weight, above, from this morning's weigh-in. I was probably up to about 1500 calories per day with the chocolate, though I didn't really change the rest of my diet from what I normally eat.
I called the second endocrinologist that my doctor referred me to, and made the first available appointment: it's in mid-April. This week I will have the bloodwork done. I wanted to get over these hives first, though I don't know if an allergic reaction changes one's bloodwork at all. I'm pretty sure it was the generic Wellbutrin, since I first noticed the outbreak about 12 hours after having taken it the first time, though I've never had an allergy to medication before.
Well. Drinking lots of water, and no more chocolate. Back to less than 1,000 calories today.
I blew it: I ate some chocolate after Valentine's Day. About 30 Hershey's Kisses over a 3 day period. You see the result in my weight, above, from this morning's weigh-in. I was probably up to about 1500 calories per day with the chocolate, though I didn't really change the rest of my diet from what I normally eat.
I called the second endocrinologist that my doctor referred me to, and made the first available appointment: it's in mid-April. This week I will have the bloodwork done. I wanted to get over these hives first, though I don't know if an allergic reaction changes one's bloodwork at all. I'm pretty sure it was the generic Wellbutrin, since I first noticed the outbreak about 12 hours after having taken it the first time, though I've never had an allergy to medication before.
Well. Drinking lots of water, and no more chocolate. Back to less than 1,000 calories today.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 47: 150. Hives.
One of the supplements or perhaps the generic Wellbutrin (that I insisted on getting after I found out that the copay for the brand name drug was $85) has caused me to break out in hives. I've been miserable for the last couple of days, and sleepy due to the Benadryl that I've been swallowing every 12 hours to try to keep hives off my face. My right eye bulges like Igor. I am a monster. A 150 pound monster.
I've never broken out in hives before, though my daughters have and my sister has.
Just shoot me.
I've never broken out in hives before, though my daughters have and my sister has.
Just shoot me.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 44: 150.0, again... Miralax, great laxative
I am officially tired of dieting (I'm not quitting, just tired of dieting). For the last four weeks, I've only been averaging about 1,000-1,100 calories per day, and believe me that's not easy to do when you have a husband and kids that you are also feeding.
I've refused to give up my 5 oz. of red wine per day (worth about what an Activia yogurt counts in calories -- I'd rather give up the Activia and get probiotics in the form on no-calorie Sustenex, which is coming very soon, as soon as I can get to a pharmacy and buy Sustenex). It's my one real daily indulgence; my reward at the end of the day for sticking to the diet.
I'm now taking two tablets of Fiber Choice with antioxidants and Caltrate 600 (calcium & vitamin D) in the morning, Solgar gentle iron (25 mg capsule) every evening with dinner, and I've even started taking 2 capsules of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) every night. I've also started taking Miralax for constipation, and that does help a lot! However, Miralax can only be taken periodically. According to one gastroenterology physician website, "Miralax can be used periodically long-term. It should only be used for 14 days with a 2-4 week period of abstinence between use." However, I see no studies that warn against prophylactic use of the product. I am going to try to find a minimal dose that can be taken every day to stay regular, rather than take the entire cap for a week, then go without for 2 weeks.
I've refused to give up my 5 oz. of red wine per day (worth about what an Activia yogurt counts in calories -- I'd rather give up the Activia and get probiotics in the form on no-calorie Sustenex, which is coming very soon, as soon as I can get to a pharmacy and buy Sustenex). It's my one real daily indulgence; my reward at the end of the day for sticking to the diet.
I'm now taking two tablets of Fiber Choice with antioxidants and Caltrate 600 (calcium & vitamin D) in the morning, Solgar gentle iron (25 mg capsule) every evening with dinner, and I've even started taking 2 capsules of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) every night. I've also started taking Miralax for constipation, and that does help a lot! However, Miralax can only be taken periodically. According to one gastroenterology physician website, "Miralax can be used periodically long-term. It should only be used for 14 days with a 2-4 week period of abstinence between use." However, I see no studies that warn against prophylactic use of the product. I am going to try to find a minimal dose that can be taken every day to stay regular, rather than take the entire cap for a week, then go without for 2 weeks.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 42: 149.0
Yesterday, I saw a commercial for a product called "Sustenex," which claims it provides sustainable probiotics to the colon in a more efficient manner than probiotic yogurt, like Activia, which I have made a staple (getting tired of it, though, I confess). Has anyone tried Sustenex? It is a tablet form of probiotics that is coated (so the literature says) to withstand the acid environment of the stomach and thus be more effective at delivering probiotic cells to the colon. Hmm. Maybe. I have to admit that having consumed Activia yogurt almost daily for the last month, I am less than impressed with its effectiveness. I think I will try the product.
There is a coupon for $5 off Sustenex here, if anyone is like-minded.
Today's goal: 30 minutes on Wii Fit.
There is a coupon for $5 off Sustenex here, if anyone is like-minded.
Today's goal: 30 minutes on Wii Fit.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Day 41: 149.0, The Saga of Trying to Get Treated
The day started off pretty well. Back down to 149.0 on the scale. A referral for some bloodwork and an endocrinologist in hand.
At 9 a.m., I called the endocrinologist's office and spoke with whoever handles new patients. I was told they have a list of blood tests that I should try to have before visiting the doctor, or I would just have to come back again. OK, I said, give me the list and I'll compare it with what my doctor has ordered. Unfortunately, there were only a couple of matches on the orders. Can you fax the list to my doctor? I asked. Then, he can write me a new referral for these blood tests, I'll have them done, and THEN I can make the appointment to see you (by the way, first available appointment? End of April.)
Sure, the obliging lady said.
I called my doctor's office several times and left messages to please call me when the new referral is ready. I finally got a call back at 3 p.m.: "Ma'am, the doctor says he won't order all these tests. He wants you to look in your provider directory and find another endocrinologist."
"Well," I sputter, "is there a reason why?"
"No, ma'am, he didn't give a reason."
OK. I spend a half hour on the phone with the insurance company, Humana. I finally find out that one can find providers in-network on the website. I print out the list of endocrinologists, go back to the doctor's office, and hand the list to the receptionist. "Please ask the doctor to choose from these."
I wait 45 minutes in the waiting room. I finally get the list back, with a name circled. It's closer than the other guy.
I call the new endocrinologist's office. Recording: They close at 2 p.m. on Fridays. I'll have to wait until Monday before I can go any further.
Meanwhile, I got a prescription for Wellbutrin. When I went to pick it up, I discovered the copay (for only 30 days!) was $85. I turned it down.
I hate doctors. I hate this blasted health care system.
Today, googling "hypothyroidism" I discovered that there are some new published studies out in 2010 that thyroid cancer has now been linked to perchlorate, which is in drinking water, and the EPA has decided to regulate how much perchlorate should be allowed in water. Then, too, it turns out that the $1 bill contains bisphonol-A, which also alters thyroid function.
At 9 a.m., I called the endocrinologist's office and spoke with whoever handles new patients. I was told they have a list of blood tests that I should try to have before visiting the doctor, or I would just have to come back again. OK, I said, give me the list and I'll compare it with what my doctor has ordered. Unfortunately, there were only a couple of matches on the orders. Can you fax the list to my doctor? I asked. Then, he can write me a new referral for these blood tests, I'll have them done, and THEN I can make the appointment to see you (by the way, first available appointment? End of April.)
Sure, the obliging lady said.
I called my doctor's office several times and left messages to please call me when the new referral is ready. I finally got a call back at 3 p.m.: "Ma'am, the doctor says he won't order all these tests. He wants you to look in your provider directory and find another endocrinologist."
"Well," I sputter, "is there a reason why?"
"No, ma'am, he didn't give a reason."
OK. I spend a half hour on the phone with the insurance company, Humana. I finally find out that one can find providers in-network on the website. I print out the list of endocrinologists, go back to the doctor's office, and hand the list to the receptionist. "Please ask the doctor to choose from these."
I wait 45 minutes in the waiting room. I finally get the list back, with a name circled. It's closer than the other guy.
I call the new endocrinologist's office. Recording: They close at 2 p.m. on Fridays. I'll have to wait until Monday before I can go any further.
Meanwhile, I got a prescription for Wellbutrin. When I went to pick it up, I discovered the copay (for only 30 days!) was $85. I turned it down.
I hate doctors. I hate this blasted health care system.
Today, googling "hypothyroidism" I discovered that there are some new published studies out in 2010 that thyroid cancer has now been linked to perchlorate, which is in drinking water, and the EPA has decided to regulate how much perchlorate should be allowed in water. Then, too, it turns out that the $1 bill contains bisphonol-A, which also alters thyroid function.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 40: 149.5
I saw my G.P. today. He gave me a referral for bloodwork (no surprise), and also gave me a referral for an endocrinologist (hurray!) I'll get the bloodwork done tomorrow and call for an appointment with the specialist.
Check back in a few days for results...
Meanwhile, I'm making every effort to keep my calorie count below 1,000. It seems that is a critical number for me to start losing weight.
Check back in a few days for results...
Meanwhile, I'm making every effort to keep my calorie count below 1,000. It seems that is a critical number for me to start losing weight.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 39: Still 150.0
Still 150. Today was a bad day for calories. I had two chocolate chip cookies after a long meeting. The plate was sitting there, right in front of me, on the table. Dang it. I'd had only a yogurt and a couple of broccoli spears for lunch, and was hungry.
Then we had pizza for dinner. I had one slice of spinach ricotta pizza for dinner.
Still only 800 calories, but it feels like I will need to eat celery tomorrow for lunch and dinner; I feel so guilty!
Tomorrow, doctor's appointment. I'm going with the list of blood tests that are recommended for accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and hope my doctor will agree to them.
Then we had pizza for dinner. I had one slice of spinach ricotta pizza for dinner.
Still only 800 calories, but it feels like I will need to eat celery tomorrow for lunch and dinner; I feel so guilty!
Tomorrow, doctor's appointment. I'm going with the list of blood tests that are recommended for accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism, and hope my doctor will agree to them.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Day 37: 150.0
It seems to me that I am about at equilibrium weight with just about 1200 calories.
Yet I do get some exercise; my job requires me to walk around campus, I do some situps and leglifts in the morning, and occasionally I work out with the girls on the Wii or on bikes. I do an average amount of housework, I suppose.
Is that normal for a 50 year old woman, 5' 1"? I don't know.
Yet I do get some exercise; my job requires me to walk around campus, I do some situps and leglifts in the morning, and occasionally I work out with the girls on the Wii or on bikes. I do an average amount of housework, I suppose.
Is that normal for a 50 year old woman, 5' 1"? I don't know.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Day 35: 150.0
I made a really good dinner (and leftovers for next week's lunches) by browning about 6 ounces of spicy pork sausage (I blotted up as much fat from the cooked sausage as I could with a paper towel), then adding a can of low-sodium black beans, rinsed, and a can of spicy crushed tomatoes. I heated that up and then added a couple of tablespoons of capers and a few sliced green olives. It was a treat, and tasty.
Served with a small green salad and a glass of red wine, it made for a nice low-cal dinner.
I worked out today with the girls on the Wii Fit. Happily, the Wii Fit scale says I've lost 7 pounds, not 5, in the last 35 days. It's a great game/program. I should find more time to work out with it, somehow.
Served with a small green salad and a glass of red wine, it made for a nice low-cal dinner.
I worked out today with the girls on the Wii Fit. Happily, the Wii Fit scale says I've lost 7 pounds, not 5, in the last 35 days. It's a great game/program. I should find more time to work out with it, somehow.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 34: 150.0
Still no noticeable difference at all with CLA (or calcium/vitamin D or fiber with A, C, and E).
Still on low calorie diet of 1,000-1,200 calories per day.
Still drinking an average of six large glasses of water per day, plus a cup of coffee in the morning and a diet soda (very occasional) in the afternoon or a glass of Crystal Light in the afternoon.
Have reduced gluten intake; I eat very few bread or other baked wheat products. I am eating some gluten-free rice crackers now and then.
While I can't say I'm working out a lot (because I'm not), I do get some exercise. Going to the gym even four times a week would be hard to fit in right now. I exercise with my daughters on the Wii Fit occasionally, and we go biking together.
I guess I give up.
I just called and made the first available appointment for my regular G.P. doctor, a week from today (next Thursday).
Still on low calorie diet of 1,000-1,200 calories per day.
Still drinking an average of six large glasses of water per day, plus a cup of coffee in the morning and a diet soda (very occasional) in the afternoon or a glass of Crystal Light in the afternoon.
Have reduced gluten intake; I eat very few bread or other baked wheat products. I am eating some gluten-free rice crackers now and then.
While I can't say I'm working out a lot (because I'm not), I do get some exercise. Going to the gym even four times a week would be hard to fit in right now. I exercise with my daughters on the Wii Fit occasionally, and we go biking together.
I guess I give up.
I just called and made the first available appointment for my regular G.P. doctor, a week from today (next Thursday).
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Day 33: 150.5
Monotonous, isn't it. I increased slightly the number of calories (up to 1200 per day), thinking maybe I am starving myself. Maybe I just need a few more calories to be able to shed pounds. But no, 200 more calories per day isn't helping.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day 32: 150.5
Well, certainly no noticeable difference yet in terms of energy or weight loss with the CLA.
Perhaps it is still too early to note a difference.
I have cut way back on gluten, though I'm still ingesting some. Go without ANY wheat? It hardly seems possible.
Perhaps it is still too early to note a difference.
I have cut way back on gluten, though I'm still ingesting some. Go without ANY wheat? It hardly seems possible.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Day 31: 150.5 Good grief
Constipation, thy name is MHalyard.
It seems no matter how much fiber or water or Activia yogurt that I ingest, C. will be my vigilant companion. I have a couple of days of relief, and then a week or more of C. Sometimes two weeks.
I can't blame the Solgar "non-constipating" iron; I had this problem before that came on the scene. But this is just ridiculous.
It seems no matter how much fiber or water or Activia yogurt that I ingest, C. will be my vigilant companion. I have a couple of days of relief, and then a week or more of C. Sometimes two weeks.
I can't blame the Solgar "non-constipating" iron; I had this problem before that came on the scene. But this is just ridiculous.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Day 30: 149.5, Starting CLA
I'm frustrated that on a diet of only about 1,000 calories, I haven't lost any weight in almost 2 weeks. I've been reading again about CLA, and finally tonight I'm starting the supplement (conjugated linoleic acid). I don't know if it will kickstart my weight loss again, but it is worth a try.
I am committed to my goal. I will lose 30 more pounds by summer. I'll give the CLA a week or so, but if it makes no difference I will be forced to go back to the doctor and start the round of bloodwork and appointments (groan, groan, groan).
I am committed to my goal. I will lose 30 more pounds by summer. I'll give the CLA a week or so, but if it makes no difference I will be forced to go back to the doctor and start the round of bloodwork and appointments (groan, groan, groan).
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Day 29: 149.5
I organized a huge yard sale as a fundraiser for the high school where I teach yesterday, and had no time to post or even record calories on Calorie King during the last couple of days.
But today I again broke through the pound barrier, down to 149.5 again. With all the work I did yesterday, moving stuff, lifting, and constantly walking, I can't believe I didn't lose more weight, especially since all I had to eat was a Subway tuna/veggie salad at lunch and, for dinner, some steamed veges and rice. Hopefully, there is a lag in weight loss and the scale will give me a belated reward.
But today I again broke through the pound barrier, down to 149.5 again. With all the work I did yesterday, moving stuff, lifting, and constantly walking, I can't believe I didn't lose more weight, especially since all I had to eat was a Subway tuna/veggie salad at lunch and, for dinner, some steamed veges and rice. Hopefully, there is a lag in weight loss and the scale will give me a belated reward.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 26:150.0
The good news is that the Solgar Gentle Iron that I am taking really is gentle -- so far no adverse reactions, though of course I am taking it with food. Yay.
Today was a hectic one. I am stretched thin, some days, helping with too many projects. Hopefully I will be able to do more research and report it soon.
Today was a hectic one. I am stretched thin, some days, helping with too many projects. Hopefully I will be able to do more research and report it soon.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 25: 150.0
Back to 150 again.
Still no difference in energy level. I hope the iron will begin to make a difference soon, but I don't know if those who have been anemic begin to feel a difference in their energy level when iron supplementation starts to correct anemia.
I got the list of "approved doctors" from Kharrazian's website (you have to request this, stating a nearby city). Unfortunately, the approved list contains only one doctor in the state of Florida (why on earth would I go to a doctor in California?) Makes me think this list is still in its early stages, and I have some reservations about that.
Unfortunately, the doctor in Florida is also an hour from me. I don't think I can do that, considering that I will have to take time off work for visits. Too far.
Still no difference in energy level. I hope the iron will begin to make a difference soon, but I don't know if those who have been anemic begin to feel a difference in their energy level when iron supplementation starts to correct anemia.
I got the list of "approved doctors" from Kharrazian's website (you have to request this, stating a nearby city). Unfortunately, the approved list contains only one doctor in the state of Florida (why on earth would I go to a doctor in California?) Makes me think this list is still in its early stages, and I have some reservations about that.
Unfortunately, the doctor in Florida is also an hour from me. I don't think I can do that, considering that I will have to take time off work for visits. Too far.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 24: 150.5
Since my digital bathroom scale does register .5 increments, I suppose I should report them here with that degree of specificity.
A poster indicated that 1,000 calories per day is a starvation diet, which hinders weight loss. That is probably true for most people, but my experience is that with anything over 1,500 calories I am gaining weight. I'm a petite, 50 year old woman who is just not a gym-goer. True, I get your average exercise in housework, walking around at school where I teach, or occasionally biking or Wii-ing with my kids. I try to do a few situps (25) every evening, along with a few leglifts (40 each side). That's practically nothing, I know, and I realize I need to kick that up a notch or two. But I would love to have some energy first... any energy.
Maybe with the iron supplements, though I don't feel even one iota bit more energetic after two days of taking 50 mg iron. Not yet.
A poster indicated that 1,000 calories per day is a starvation diet, which hinders weight loss. That is probably true for most people, but my experience is that with anything over 1,500 calories I am gaining weight. I'm a petite, 50 year old woman who is just not a gym-goer. True, I get your average exercise in housework, walking around at school where I teach, or occasionally biking or Wii-ing with my kids. I try to do a few situps (25) every evening, along with a few leglifts (40 each side). That's practically nothing, I know, and I realize I need to kick that up a notch or two. But I would love to have some energy first... any energy.
Maybe with the iron supplements, though I don't feel even one iota bit more energetic after two days of taking 50 mg iron. Not yet.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 23: 151
This morning, 151. Groan.
I appreciate the comments on yesterday's post! Please keep checking in and commenting! It's great to learn from a pooling of experience.
Anon: Please do post back after crushing the Armour tablets and tell us if you experience any difference -- I would very much like to know if that works as a reader commented. Good luck!
Harriet: How did that diet work for you? It sounds extremely restrictive, but how many calories were you able to consume and still lose weight?
Zulie: You're right, his degree is in chiropractic medicine. He also has an MS degree in Human Nutrition and a Master of Neurological Sciences degree from Carrick Institute of Grad Studies, and a Doctorate of Health Sciences degree from Nova Southeastern Univ "for his work in nutrition and neuroendocrine-immunology." The list of his other credentials in nutrition continues. So, not an M.D., but maybe the fact that his training is not typical for the average US physician is a very good thing in this case. I don't have faith in the average MD physician's ability to properly diagnose and treat this condition, unfortunately. I reserve judgment for now, but I did e-mail his site asking for an approved physician list (those trained with his process) in my part of the country. So, we'll see!
I appreciate the comments on yesterday's post! Please keep checking in and commenting! It's great to learn from a pooling of experience.
Anon: Please do post back after crushing the Armour tablets and tell us if you experience any difference -- I would very much like to know if that works as a reader commented. Good luck!
Harriet: How did that diet work for you? It sounds extremely restrictive, but how many calories were you able to consume and still lose weight?
Zulie: You're right, his degree is in chiropractic medicine. He also has an MS degree in Human Nutrition and a Master of Neurological Sciences degree from Carrick Institute of Grad Studies, and a Doctorate of Health Sciences degree from Nova Southeastern Univ "for his work in nutrition and neuroendocrine-immunology." The list of his other credentials in nutrition continues. So, not an M.D., but maybe the fact that his training is not typical for the average US physician is a very good thing in this case. I don't have faith in the average MD physician's ability to properly diagnose and treat this condition, unfortunately. I reserve judgment for now, but I did e-mail his site asking for an approved physician list (those trained with his process) in my part of the country. So, we'll see!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Day 22: 150 and Three Weeks
Today, back down to 150. Yesterday I was volunteering with a fundraiser and in the rush to collect stuff and get out the door, forgot to step on the scale. It's a relief to see 150 again, though.
Three weeks of obsessive dieting and tracking every calorie (and averaging slightly under 1,000 calories during the last 3 weeks, see My Calorie Diary at right -- you have to hit the back arrow on the date to get Saturday's date up in order to see weekly averages when you scroll down the page since each week starts fresh on Sundays), and I now weigh 5 pounds less. It could be worse.
Yesterday I had some time on my hands and read a considerable amount of the 2010 book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal, by Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS. His forte, according to the preface, is in the field of nutritional management of autoimmune disease.
He makes a very strong case that most hypothyroid patients really suffer from an underlying autoimmune disease, and that without proper treatment of that condition, prescribing thyroid medication for hypothyroidism is just treating symptoms, not cause. He says a lot of stuff that appeals very much to me, including that some people with hypothyroid symptoms may be able to manage the autoimmune response that is attacking their thyroid with diet (for example, removing gluten from their diet, which is linked to Hashimoto's disease). He also makes the point that patients who present with anemia need to treat anemia FIRST before tackling hypothyroidism, which is interesting since I had not been addressing my iron deficiency during the last three weeks.
However, coincidentally yesterday I received my order of (Solgar Gentle Iron, 25 mg capsules) iron supplements, and I started taking it last night (I will be taking 50 mg daily). It will be interesting to see if this one change, addressing my iron deficiency, makes any change in my body's ability to metabolize fat (which is a point made by the author). That would certainly be nice...
So just to review the supplements, I now take:
Morning with breakfast: 2 chewable tablets of Caltrate Plus 600 (calcium + vitamin D), plus 2 chewable tables of Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants
Evening with dinner: 2 25 mg capsules of Solgar Gentle Iron (supposed to be vegetable based, non-constipating)
I continue to drink plenty of water, sometimes flavored with lemon juice, and I note that Kharrazian recommends the lemon addition because he says it "alkalinizes blood" (110).
In reflection, I think part of my previous weight drop was probably due to the fact that I was fighting off the flu and running a slight fever for many days; when I got better, the weight stopped coming off. Hopefully, I will resume a pattern of weight loss in the coming weeks.
Kharrazian has a website: http://www.thyroidbook.com/, which I have yet to check out. But I kept waiting for him to introduce the ideal diet for hypothyroid patients, and he falls short of doing exactly that. Instead, he recommends fasting for days and then re-introducing types of foods to see if food allergies become evident, and he recommends beaucoup types of supplements that are rather esoteric (I'm wondering if he sells them on his website, which will immediately make me question his entire premise, I'm afraid).
Three weeks of obsessive dieting and tracking every calorie (and averaging slightly under 1,000 calories during the last 3 weeks, see My Calorie Diary at right -- you have to hit the back arrow on the date to get Saturday's date up in order to see weekly averages when you scroll down the page since each week starts fresh on Sundays), and I now weigh 5 pounds less. It could be worse.
Yesterday I had some time on my hands and read a considerable amount of the 2010 book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal, by Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS. His forte, according to the preface, is in the field of nutritional management of autoimmune disease.
He makes a very strong case that most hypothyroid patients really suffer from an underlying autoimmune disease, and that without proper treatment of that condition, prescribing thyroid medication for hypothyroidism is just treating symptoms, not cause. He says a lot of stuff that appeals very much to me, including that some people with hypothyroid symptoms may be able to manage the autoimmune response that is attacking their thyroid with diet (for example, removing gluten from their diet, which is linked to Hashimoto's disease). He also makes the point that patients who present with anemia need to treat anemia FIRST before tackling hypothyroidism, which is interesting since I had not been addressing my iron deficiency during the last three weeks.
However, coincidentally yesterday I received my order of (Solgar Gentle Iron, 25 mg capsules) iron supplements, and I started taking it last night (I will be taking 50 mg daily). It will be interesting to see if this one change, addressing my iron deficiency, makes any change in my body's ability to metabolize fat (which is a point made by the author). That would certainly be nice...
So just to review the supplements, I now take:
Morning with breakfast: 2 chewable tablets of Caltrate Plus 600 (calcium + vitamin D), plus 2 chewable tables of Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants
Evening with dinner: 2 25 mg capsules of Solgar Gentle Iron (supposed to be vegetable based, non-constipating)
I continue to drink plenty of water, sometimes flavored with lemon juice, and I note that Kharrazian recommends the lemon addition because he says it "alkalinizes blood" (110).
In reflection, I think part of my previous weight drop was probably due to the fact that I was fighting off the flu and running a slight fever for many days; when I got better, the weight stopped coming off. Hopefully, I will resume a pattern of weight loss in the coming weeks.
Kharrazian has a website: http://www.thyroidbook.com/, which I have yet to check out. But I kept waiting for him to introduce the ideal diet for hypothyroid patients, and he falls short of doing exactly that. Instead, he recommends fasting for days and then re-introducing types of foods to see if food allergies become evident, and he recommends beaucoup types of supplements that are rather esoteric (I'm wondering if he sells them on his website, which will immediately make me question his entire premise, I'm afraid).
Friday, January 21, 2011
Day 20: 152
Of course, the doctor's office will require a visit before giving me a referral for bloodwork. Then, lab visit. Then, doctor's follow-up visit. Then, finally, prescription. Hopefully, the pharmacy will actually have the right medication in stock. If not, I'll have to call the doctor's visit for ANOTHER prescription (which they will hopefully have.)
So frustrating.
So frustrating.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 19: 152
Still 152, no change.
It's not the scale; the scale is a very good digital model that actually gives .5 pound increments, and I am using it in the exact same spot every morning upon rising.
I had hoped to find with meticulous record-keeping and careful control of calories that I could manage this without thyroid meds or frequent blood tests, but it looks like it won't happen that way. I will just have to make the time and spend the money for doctor visits/prescriptions. I will make an appointment tomorrow.
It's not the scale; the scale is a very good digital model that actually gives .5 pound increments, and I am using it in the exact same spot every morning upon rising.
I had hoped to find with meticulous record-keeping and careful control of calories that I could manage this without thyroid meds or frequent blood tests, but it looks like it won't happen that way. I will just have to make the time and spend the money for doctor visits/prescriptions. I will make an appointment tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 18: 152
This morning, 152. I can't explain it. For the last several days, I've been right at or just over 1,000 calories per day (see my calorie diary at right). True, I have not been exercising much, though this afternoon my daughter and I did bike about 2 miles to distribute flyers for a school fundraiser. I did have some frozen blackberries (no added sweetener) with a couple of tablespoons of sugarfree whipped topping last night and tonight for a treat. I did have a 5 oz. glass of red wine both nights.
Maybe it is just normal fluctuation, though I was so encouraged by the steady weight loss of 2-3 pounds per week.
Very discouraging. I must keep trying; perhaps 1,000 calories is still too many. I will give it another couple of days, see if the scale tips back down. If I can't get weight loss to resume on my own, I guess I will have to make an appointment with the doctor, who will refer me to a lab for bloodwork, and finally, a couple of weeks from now, I will get thyroid medication. Then it will be back and forth for a few months, drawing blood, and trying to adjust dosage.
So frustrating.
Maybe it is just normal fluctuation, though I was so encouraged by the steady weight loss of 2-3 pounds per week.
Very discouraging. I must keep trying; perhaps 1,000 calories is still too many. I will give it another couple of days, see if the scale tips back down. If I can't get weight loss to resume on my own, I guess I will have to make an appointment with the doctor, who will refer me to a lab for bloodwork, and finally, a couple of weeks from now, I will get thyroid medication. Then it will be back and forth for a few months, drawing blood, and trying to adjust dosage.
So frustrating.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 17: 150
Not good. I have a feeling my body is accommodating to the lower calorie level. I'll give it to the end of the week, and if I haven't lost any more weight I'll have to increase exercise or start taking supplements. I don't really think I can get much lower than 1000 calories per day.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 16: 149
I made a really good soup last night from a recipe in the newspaper, and am posting the recipe under "Healthy Survival Recipes" at right: Black-eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup with Smoked Sausage. Very filling and delicious, but only 250 calories. I doubled the recipe and will be having soup all week...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day 14 & 15: 149
Still at 149 pounds today. Morning waking temp = 97.2 F, which according to the Dr. Broda Barnes self-testing method is an indication of hypothyroidism (less than 97.8 to 98.2 F is thought to indicate hypothyroidism).
I am losing weight without hypothyroid medication, but then again, I am consuming a LOT fewer calories daily than Mary Shomon's low calorie diet option suggests I could consume and still lose weight. According to her formula (see previous post about "Which diet plan?"), I should be able to consume 1800 calories and still lose weight, and I am actually only consuming an average of slightly less than 1,000 calories per day (see My Calorie Diary). Even at the level of only 1,000 calories per day, I don't feel like I'm starving, and the increased fiber from the Fiber Choice supplements and water and daily Activia yogurts do seem to (finally) be helping lately with constipation. Many people would probably be burning off a lot more than 2 pounds per week at only 1,000 calories per day, but for me it seems to be about the level where I lose weight.
However, I'm getting less than half of the iron and potassium I should be getting. According to the Calorie King summary of my iron intake, I'm averaging only 5 mg of iron per day on my diet; I should be getting about 18 mg per day. Since iron deficiency is also associated with tiredness, I'm a little concerned about that. I've always been anemic; I know this is a problem, but I hate taking iron, because in the past when I've taken iron it had to be taken about 20 minutes after a full meal or I can't keep it down. Also, iron supplements cause constipation -- lol, just what I need, MORE constipation. Plus you're not supposed to take it with calcium, which decreases the absorption of iron. Alright.
So here's what I've researched on iron supplementation without the constipation side effect and easily tolerated with a sensitive stomach: it's called Solgar, Gentle Iron (25 mg capsules). "Each Vegicap® contains 25mg of Iron, as Iron Bisglycinate, which is a unique form of chelated iron formulated for maximum absorption without the gastrointestinal irritation or the constipating effects that often accompany iron supplements." OK, so I've ordered it and will start taking it when it arrives. I'll let you know if it does what it claims (no constipation side effect and can be taken with sensitive stomach).
Meanwhile, here is a relatively new book (pub 2010) that looks promising: "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism" by Datis Kharrazian. I've just ordered the book and will give it a review soon.
I am losing weight without hypothyroid medication, but then again, I am consuming a LOT fewer calories daily than Mary Shomon's low calorie diet option suggests I could consume and still lose weight. According to her formula (see previous post about "Which diet plan?"), I should be able to consume 1800 calories and still lose weight, and I am actually only consuming an average of slightly less than 1,000 calories per day (see My Calorie Diary). Even at the level of only 1,000 calories per day, I don't feel like I'm starving, and the increased fiber from the Fiber Choice supplements and water and daily Activia yogurts do seem to (finally) be helping lately with constipation. Many people would probably be burning off a lot more than 2 pounds per week at only 1,000 calories per day, but for me it seems to be about the level where I lose weight.
However, I'm getting less than half of the iron and potassium I should be getting. According to the Calorie King summary of my iron intake, I'm averaging only 5 mg of iron per day on my diet; I should be getting about 18 mg per day. Since iron deficiency is also associated with tiredness, I'm a little concerned about that. I've always been anemic; I know this is a problem, but I hate taking iron, because in the past when I've taken iron it had to be taken about 20 minutes after a full meal or I can't keep it down. Also, iron supplements cause constipation -- lol, just what I need, MORE constipation. Plus you're not supposed to take it with calcium, which decreases the absorption of iron. Alright.
So here's what I've researched on iron supplementation without the constipation side effect and easily tolerated with a sensitive stomach: it's called Solgar, Gentle Iron (25 mg capsules). "Each Vegicap® contains 25mg of Iron, as Iron Bisglycinate, which is a unique form of chelated iron formulated for maximum absorption without the gastrointestinal irritation or the constipating effects that often accompany iron supplements." OK, so I've ordered it and will start taking it when it arrives. I'll let you know if it does what it claims (no constipation side effect and can be taken with sensitive stomach).
Meanwhile, here is a relatively new book (pub 2010) that looks promising: "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism" by Datis Kharrazian. I've just ordered the book and will give it a review soon.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Breaking through the Pound Barrier
Today, a minor celebration since I've broken through the pound barrier (149 pounds this morning, broke through 150).
My temperature this morning is 97.0 (using an inexpensive digital thermometer and taking the highest of 3 testings under the tongue). I am still getting over the flu, so I'm not sure if that temperature is really reflective of my normal waking temperature.
So, a little reflection on the first two weeks:
At an average calorie level of about 1,000 per day (see Calorie Diary; I filled in as best I could for missing days while I was sick and didn't feel up to recording everything), I'm losing weight despite hypothyroidism. I'm taking calcium, vitamin D, and fiber supplements (plus A,C, and E), and I don't feel like I am starving myself, though I am really beginning to crave some calorie-rich foods. Last night, the family got takeout pizza, and I had one slice of spinach-ricotta pizza for dinner. I know, that's not diet food, and what's worse is there are about five slices of that pizza left in the refrigerator. I think today I will cut them in half and freeze them, make them less fattening and less tempting. There is that little voice inside that says, It's not realistic to avoid ALL fattening foods. I'm going to have to build in a few high-calorie choices now and then. That's the hard part, I think; there is something addictive about those fattening choices (like pizza, or pasta with cream sauces) that goads one into eating much more than the small serving that would be "allowed" in rational dieting. It's easier to avoid it altogether, but then that little voice starts clamoring, "No fair!"
I know that my body will soon accommodate itself to this level of calories and I will hit a weight plateau. So far, I have only been doing a few calisthenics (5-15 minutes per day) plus the everyday walking that I do as a teacher, or on the weekends, biking with my kids or doing housework. I expect that when I hit that plateau with a week of no weight loss, I will have to kick it up a notch and start exercising more earnestly. This week was a particularly bad week for exercise, since I was sick. I literally slept for almost three days straight, and did very little else but get the kids ready for school and help them with homework when they got home. Now that I am getting better, I am feeling hungrier.
I will not let up on my commitment, however. The small success of having lost 6 pounds during the 2 weeks I have been dieting is worth validating. I attribute that success, truthfully, to the discipline of recording everything on Calorie King's website and being able to have instant feedback on nutritional values; plus the discipline of recording progress here, on this blog. I will not allow myself to grow complacent about this progress; I know it will slow down even with the same level of calories. I want to seek out other low-calorie but savory recipes that are relatively easy to prepare and to store for several days in the refrigerator. If weight loss stalls, I am willing to try other supplements (CLA) and see if they help, or give in to the need to have blood drawn periodically and finally manage weight from the thyroid perspective with thyroid supplements. One reader commented that the problem with the reformulation of Armour may be solved by simply crushing the tablet before taking it; that the problem is only a dissolution/absorption issue rather than a problem with the active ingredient. I feel like a moron for not having tried that before.
My temperature this morning is 97.0 (using an inexpensive digital thermometer and taking the highest of 3 testings under the tongue). I am still getting over the flu, so I'm not sure if that temperature is really reflective of my normal waking temperature.
So, a little reflection on the first two weeks:
At an average calorie level of about 1,000 per day (see Calorie Diary; I filled in as best I could for missing days while I was sick and didn't feel up to recording everything), I'm losing weight despite hypothyroidism. I'm taking calcium, vitamin D, and fiber supplements (plus A,C, and E), and I don't feel like I am starving myself, though I am really beginning to crave some calorie-rich foods. Last night, the family got takeout pizza, and I had one slice of spinach-ricotta pizza for dinner. I know, that's not diet food, and what's worse is there are about five slices of that pizza left in the refrigerator. I think today I will cut them in half and freeze them, make them less fattening and less tempting. There is that little voice inside that says, It's not realistic to avoid ALL fattening foods. I'm going to have to build in a few high-calorie choices now and then. That's the hard part, I think; there is something addictive about those fattening choices (like pizza, or pasta with cream sauces) that goads one into eating much more than the small serving that would be "allowed" in rational dieting. It's easier to avoid it altogether, but then that little voice starts clamoring, "No fair!"
I know that my body will soon accommodate itself to this level of calories and I will hit a weight plateau. So far, I have only been doing a few calisthenics (5-15 minutes per day) plus the everyday walking that I do as a teacher, or on the weekends, biking with my kids or doing housework. I expect that when I hit that plateau with a week of no weight loss, I will have to kick it up a notch and start exercising more earnestly. This week was a particularly bad week for exercise, since I was sick. I literally slept for almost three days straight, and did very little else but get the kids ready for school and help them with homework when they got home. Now that I am getting better, I am feeling hungrier.
I will not let up on my commitment, however. The small success of having lost 6 pounds during the 2 weeks I have been dieting is worth validating. I attribute that success, truthfully, to the discipline of recording everything on Calorie King's website and being able to have instant feedback on nutritional values; plus the discipline of recording progress here, on this blog. I will not allow myself to grow complacent about this progress; I know it will slow down even with the same level of calories. I want to seek out other low-calorie but savory recipes that are relatively easy to prepare and to store for several days in the refrigerator. If weight loss stalls, I am willing to try other supplements (CLA) and see if they help, or give in to the need to have blood drawn periodically and finally manage weight from the thyroid perspective with thyroid supplements. One reader commented that the problem with the reformulation of Armour may be solved by simply crushing the tablet before taking it; that the problem is only a dissolution/absorption issue rather than a problem with the active ingredient. I feel like a moron for not having tried that before.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 13: 150
My case of flu is much better today, and I am resuming the counting of calories, etc. Meanwhile, I weighed in this morning at 150, so although I wasn't counting calories, I wasn't eating much, either.
Today, I ate lunch at Sonic with my daughter. I tried to choose something that didn't look too bad, but didn't have a calorie counter with me when I chose it... the sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito, it turns out, is 480 calories. Ouch. I'll have to go lean for dinner.
Today, I ate lunch at Sonic with my daughter. I tried to choose something that didn't look too bad, but didn't have a calorie counter with me when I chose it... the sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast burrito, it turns out, is 480 calories. Ouch. I'll have to go lean for dinner.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Still sick; postponing diet
I have had to arrange a few days off work while I am sick with the flu. I will return when I am feeling better and resume the diet.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 11: 150
I should get sick more often. I weighed 2 pounds less this morning.
However, I do feel a bit better today; no more fever. Since I got almost no exercise yesterday (having slept most of the day), it must have been the slight fever increasing my metabolism. New diet strategy: Get a fever. (Just kidding.) But it does bring me back around to that point that Shomon raises in her book about hypothyroid individuals having a lower body temperature. ("Typically, basal body temperatures lower than 97.8 to 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit are thought to indicate hypothyroidism." 21) I found the thermometer the other day, so I will start tracking my temperature upon waking and see what it is.
Today's calorie count? 954 calories.
However, I do feel a bit better today; no more fever. Since I got almost no exercise yesterday (having slept most of the day), it must have been the slight fever increasing my metabolism. New diet strategy: Get a fever. (Just kidding.) But it does bring me back around to that point that Shomon raises in her book about hypothyroid individuals having a lower body temperature. ("Typically, basal body temperatures lower than 97.8 to 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit are thought to indicate hypothyroidism." 21) I found the thermometer the other day, so I will start tracking my temperature upon waking and see what it is.
Today's calorie count? 954 calories.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 10: 152
I'm afraid I've caught some kind of virus; I'm running a slight fever and have a burning chest cough. I haven't been at all hungry today, and had to gag down what I did eat, which was 780 calories.
Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow. It's final exam week, so I really have to go regardless of how I feel.
Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow. It's final exam week, so I really have to go regardless of how I feel.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Healthy, low-cal recipes for working mothers
One of the reasons that working mothers in their late 40s and 50s begin to put on pounds is that they are pulled in so many directions at once that there is little time to properly care for themselves.
For example, if you have to make a family dinner, you probably will not take the extra effort to make your own, lower calorie dinner (which you probably need since most women's metabolism slows at that time of their lives), but rather will eat the same food you have fixed for your husband and children. Then too, in the rush to get everyone off to school with homework and lunch money, you might not have time to make yourself a healthy lunch and so you eat at a cafeteria or fast food restaurant. Breakfast? pour a cup of coffee and race off to the day's commitments.
So. It is important to prepare in advance for the week by using the crockpot on the weekend and making yourself a tasty and nutritious but low-calorie pot of stewed beans with some sausage and spinach, or bean soup with shredded roast beef and spicy tomatoes, or lentil soup. Keep this in the refrigerator, and use it for your main protein/high fiber/vegetable entree during the week instead of sharing higher calorie/fat options with the family.
I have added a new page to the blog -- on the far right column, click on "Healthy Survival Recipes". I will add more tested recipes for make-in-advance, use during the week for fellow mom dieters.
For example, if you have to make a family dinner, you probably will not take the extra effort to make your own, lower calorie dinner (which you probably need since most women's metabolism slows at that time of their lives), but rather will eat the same food you have fixed for your husband and children. Then too, in the rush to get everyone off to school with homework and lunch money, you might not have time to make yourself a healthy lunch and so you eat at a cafeteria or fast food restaurant. Breakfast? pour a cup of coffee and race off to the day's commitments.
So. It is important to prepare in advance for the week by using the crockpot on the weekend and making yourself a tasty and nutritious but low-calorie pot of stewed beans with some sausage and spinach, or bean soup with shredded roast beef and spicy tomatoes, or lentil soup. Keep this in the refrigerator, and use it for your main protein/high fiber/vegetable entree during the week instead of sharing higher calorie/fat options with the family.
I have added a new page to the blog -- on the far right column, click on "Healthy Survival Recipes". I will add more tested recipes for make-in-advance, use during the week for fellow mom dieters.
Day 9: 153
Today's calorie intake: 944 calories.
I checked out the fiber options in the grocery store today, and settled on "Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants" which is a sugar free chewable supplement that includes Vitamins A, C, and E. Two chewed tablets provide 4 grams of fiber and have 15 calories. Happily, Fiber Choice is also on the Calorie King menu. I prefer these chewable tablets over the horse pills that are difficult to swallow. (Come to think of it, I wonder if the large pills are hard to swallow because of an enlarged thyroid? Not sure.)
So now I am taking two supplements: Caltrate 600+D chewable tablets (2 per day, 10 calories and NOT on the CK menu) and Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants chewable tablets (2 per day, 4 g of fiber, 15 calories, but also adding about 40% of RDA for Vitamins A, C, & E). These seem like good, all-round supplements that couldn't do any harm.
I also went biking with my youngest daughter for about 20 minutes, plus some walking.
I checked out the fiber options in the grocery store today, and settled on "Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants" which is a sugar free chewable supplement that includes Vitamins A, C, and E. Two chewed tablets provide 4 grams of fiber and have 15 calories. Happily, Fiber Choice is also on the Calorie King menu. I prefer these chewable tablets over the horse pills that are difficult to swallow. (Come to think of it, I wonder if the large pills are hard to swallow because of an enlarged thyroid? Not sure.)
So now I am taking two supplements: Caltrate 600+D chewable tablets (2 per day, 10 calories and NOT on the CK menu) and Fiber Choice plus Antioxidants chewable tablets (2 per day, 4 g of fiber, 15 calories, but also adding about 40% of RDA for Vitamins A, C, & E). These seem like good, all-round supplements that couldn't do any harm.
I also went biking with my youngest daughter for about 20 minutes, plus some walking.
Week 1: Perspective & Evaluation
OK, it's been a week, and it's time to evaluate a few things.
1. Weight? Yes, on an average of only 880 calories per day (check my calorie diary, upper right of page, if you don't believe me -- there is no point to doing this if I'm not honest, so you'll just have to believe me; I'm being honest), I lost 2 pounds this week. Not as much as I'd hoped for the first week of serious dieting, but not a disaster, either.
2. The Mary Shomon Free Form Diet. I confess that after I found Calorie King (http://www.calorieking.com/), I started focusing more on calories and less on the requirements of the diet, which I should probably review if you didn't see my post about "Which diet?"
The Free Form Diet requirements (quoted below per Shomon's book The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, p. 180):
(oops, no way did I eat 6 servings per day of low-glycemic veges. Looking at my daily intakes, I would say I averaged only 3 servings per day of low-glycemic or low-sugar veges. I guess I need to eat more cut up celery, cucumber, and squash to fill out these requirements)
(yup, on average I'm within 2-3 servings a day)
1. Weight? Yes, on an average of only 880 calories per day (check my calorie diary, upper right of page, if you don't believe me -- there is no point to doing this if I'm not honest, so you'll just have to believe me; I'm being honest), I lost 2 pounds this week. Not as much as I'd hoped for the first week of serious dieting, but not a disaster, either.
2. The Mary Shomon Free Form Diet. I confess that after I found Calorie King (http://www.calorieking.com/), I started focusing more on calories and less on the requirements of the diet, which I should probably review if you didn't see my post about "Which diet?"
The Free Form Diet requirements (quoted below per Shomon's book The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, p. 180):
- Eat 3 meals a day (yup, I did that)
- Protein - each meal should include 1-2 portions of lean protein (yes, check)
- Low-glycemic vegetables - eat all you want, and make sure you're getting at least 6 servings per day
(oops, no way did I eat 6 servings per day of low-glycemic veges. Looking at my daily intakes, I would say I averaged only 3 servings per day of low-glycemic or low-sugar veges. I guess I need to eat more cut up celery, cucumber, and squash to fill out these requirements)
- Low-glycemic starches - 2-3 servings a day max
(yup, on average I'm within 2-3 servings a day)
- Good fat - a small serving with each meal and snack (Shomon recommends olive oil, but I'm sure that safflower oil or peanut oil is just as good; here's a good link comparing fats. )
- Snacks - 1-2 per day if needed (I had airpopped popcorn a couple of times.)
- Treats - very sparingly: maybe a small serving once or twice a week at most (I shouldn't have, but I had a few mini Snickers this week, duly noted on the Calorie Diary.)
- Water - 64 ounces, minimum (I got close to this, probably 50 ounces on average? But there were a couple of days teaching when I didn't make it. So I'll try to do better next week.)
- Supplements - your choice as per your practitioner's recommendation (OK, I'm not doing this under "a doctor's care" right now, I'm doing this with common sense and by looking at academic studies regarding weight loss online. I'm smart and I'm self-disciplined; don't get me started on the health profession. However, the only supplement I'm taking right now is 2 chewable tablets per day of Caltrate 600 + Vitamin D. That's it, and I can point to research to back it up. I may add more later.)
- Fiber - 25 grams, minimum. (Oh bother. I only made it to an average of 16 grams per day this week, according to my CK diary, which you can check yourself. Yes, I'm horribly constipated, despite 16 grams per day, at least 50 oz of water per day, and despite having an Activia yogurt every day. AAAAAGGGHHH! OK. I'll have to do some research on the least destructive methods to improve constipation: laxatives? fiber supplements? or enemas? -- isn't this lovely? aren't you glad I'm sharing?)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 8: 153
I am truly enjoying the automation of seeing charts and graphs that show me exactly where my diet is lacking, nutrition-wise, from Calorie King. (I have no affiliation with that company, except I've decided to let them charge my credit card and keep using their service! It's worth it.)
For example, although I suspected I was not getting enough calcium in my diet, I was REALLY not getting enough calcium in my diet. I am averaging only about 383 mg of calcium per day, compared with the RDA of 1,000 mg of calcium per day. (See my calorie diary, upper right corner of page.) Earlier this week, I stopped taking the One a Day Over 50 Women's supplement and started taking Caltrate 600+ Minerals, a chewable supplement that tastes rather like a TUMS. The One a Day vitamin is so huge that I have a hard time gagging it down, and also I have to have eaten a FULL meal or it actually upsets my stomach. I took it one morning after only a yogurt (big mistake); I ran to the bathroom and paid homage to the toilet bowl. I thought only iron pills did that.
According to the research I've read, increasing one's calcium and vitamin D to recommended levels supposedly works by shutting down the impulse from the brain that would otherwise tell one to keep eating until enough calcium had been taken in. I haven't noticed any change in my appetite, really, but again we are talking only a week on the diet, and I probably was calcium deficient for a long, long while (you may recall from an earlier post that my initial bloodwork almost two years ago showed low levels of calcium and vitamin D). The question for me is, will it not only help restrain my appetite but allow my body to start burning fat without storing every calorie like a miser?
Speaking of storing every calorie, despite my efforts to keep 25 g of fiber in my diet and to drink 60 fluid oz of water every day, I am really only getting an average of 15 g of fiber every day. And yes, it's frustratingly, maddeningly, a problem. I had hoped that flooding myself with water would do SOMEthing. But no. I'm not crazy about adding a fiber supplement, but I'd rather add a supplement than add more food, especially when I'm just not hungry.
Tonight my husband made a killer black bean soup with black beans (soaked overnight and simmered all day in fat-free, low-sodium chicken stock, some leftover rotisserie chicken breast that was shredded and thrown in, sliced carrots, sauteed yellow onions, a large can of Italian tomatoes, some cilantro, a bayleaf, lime zest, and a little red wine). He made a delicious topping of low-fat sour cream with lime juice, and put about a teaspoon on top of each bowl. I crumbled a 2" cube of homemade cornbread into it. It is so savory and delicious; I am sitting her sipping it as I write, and thinking, well, maybe I will reach 1200 calories today, after all... a little more of this soup would be ok... I'll try to get the recipe from him and post it.
Well, speaking of calories, I've entered the day's intake on My Calorie Diary, as you can see, and sure enough I'm at 1207. I'm afraid that means I'll be heavier again tomorrow. But we'll see.
For example, although I suspected I was not getting enough calcium in my diet, I was REALLY not getting enough calcium in my diet. I am averaging only about 383 mg of calcium per day, compared with the RDA of 1,000 mg of calcium per day. (See my calorie diary, upper right corner of page.) Earlier this week, I stopped taking the One a Day Over 50 Women's supplement and started taking Caltrate 600+ Minerals, a chewable supplement that tastes rather like a TUMS. The One a Day vitamin is so huge that I have a hard time gagging it down, and also I have to have eaten a FULL meal or it actually upsets my stomach. I took it one morning after only a yogurt (big mistake); I ran to the bathroom and paid homage to the toilet bowl. I thought only iron pills did that.
According to the research I've read, increasing one's calcium and vitamin D to recommended levels supposedly works by shutting down the impulse from the brain that would otherwise tell one to keep eating until enough calcium had been taken in. I haven't noticed any change in my appetite, really, but again we are talking only a week on the diet, and I probably was calcium deficient for a long, long while (you may recall from an earlier post that my initial bloodwork almost two years ago showed low levels of calcium and vitamin D). The question for me is, will it not only help restrain my appetite but allow my body to start burning fat without storing every calorie like a miser?
Speaking of storing every calorie, despite my efforts to keep 25 g of fiber in my diet and to drink 60 fluid oz of water every day, I am really only getting an average of 15 g of fiber every day. And yes, it's frustratingly, maddeningly, a problem. I had hoped that flooding myself with water would do SOMEthing. But no. I'm not crazy about adding a fiber supplement, but I'd rather add a supplement than add more food, especially when I'm just not hungry.
Tonight my husband made a killer black bean soup with black beans (soaked overnight and simmered all day in fat-free, low-sodium chicken stock, some leftover rotisserie chicken breast that was shredded and thrown in, sliced carrots, sauteed yellow onions, a large can of Italian tomatoes, some cilantro, a bayleaf, lime zest, and a little red wine). He made a delicious topping of low-fat sour cream with lime juice, and put about a teaspoon on top of each bowl. I crumbled a 2" cube of homemade cornbread into it. It is so savory and delicious; I am sitting her sipping it as I write, and thinking, well, maybe I will reach 1200 calories today, after all... a little more of this soup would be ok... I'll try to get the recipe from him and post it.
Well, speaking of calories, I've entered the day's intake on My Calorie Diary, as you can see, and sure enough I'm at 1207. I'm afraid that means I'll be heavier again tomorrow. But we'll see.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 7: 153 (again)
It's nice to see the scale vote in favor of the diet, again...
I'm afraid I just don't have time to post much more than daily weight/calories on school nights, but I did discover that Calorie King allows you to post your actual "diary" of food/calories/etc. consumed, so here goes:
http://www.calorieking.com/public/MHALYARD/
Hopefully, if anyone is wondering at the actual calorie counts that I am posting, he/she can check out my diary at CK and see exactly what I did eat/drink to bring the numbers to my totals. I will post it over on the side so that on any given day, one can see actual foods/drinks consumed.
Don't know if that might help anyone else out there who is trying to self-manage hypothyroid dieting, but perhaps it will. I hope so. If I can find the right balance of nutrients/calories/exercise and train myself to monitor those levels daily, perhaps I can lose weight and feel better without large doctor bills. That is the goal, anyway.
Also, I decided I have to give the diet a couple of weeks before adding CLA; no fair complicating results before I have a baseline to judge success or failure by. If I can just lose 2 pounds per week, I would be at my goal in ...18 weeks? Wouldn't that be loverly.
Incidentally, my calorie count today? 774. I know, not much. I was so busy today I didn't have much time to eat, and now it's past 8. No eating past 8, period.
I'm afraid I just don't have time to post much more than daily weight/calories on school nights, but I did discover that Calorie King allows you to post your actual "diary" of food/calories/etc. consumed, so here goes:
http://www.calorieking.com/public/MHALYARD/
Hopefully, if anyone is wondering at the actual calorie counts that I am posting, he/she can check out my diary at CK and see exactly what I did eat/drink to bring the numbers to my totals. I will post it over on the side so that on any given day, one can see actual foods/drinks consumed.
Don't know if that might help anyone else out there who is trying to self-manage hypothyroid dieting, but perhaps it will. I hope so. If I can find the right balance of nutrients/calories/exercise and train myself to monitor those levels daily, perhaps I can lose weight and feel better without large doctor bills. That is the goal, anyway.
Also, I decided I have to give the diet a couple of weeks before adding CLA; no fair complicating results before I have a baseline to judge success or failure by. If I can just lose 2 pounds per week, I would be at my goal in ...18 weeks? Wouldn't that be loverly.
Incidentally, my calorie count today? 774. I know, not much. I was so busy today I didn't have much time to eat, and now it's past 8. No eating past 8, period.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 6: Still 154
Still no change on the scale. Today, I had 1030 calories. I have not eaten anything after 7 p.m. since beginning the diet. I am drinking as much water as I can. I exercise a little (10 minutes per day of situps, leg lifts, arm lifts with 5 pound weights, etc.), and I could definitely improve on that, but I haven't had a lot of energy, either. I've sipped a couple of small glasses of red wine during the last week (4 ounces each)... do I have to give even that up?
Groan. Today I called the doctor recommended by Mary Shomon's list of doctors who are knowledgeable about treating hypothyroid patients. The receptionist told me that the doctor accepts only Medicare or Blue Cross/Blue Shield; otherwise, an office consultation is $330. Of course, that would only be the beginning for hypothyroid treatment. I'd have to pay every time I went in for bloodwork or every time I ran out of a prescription (every 90 days? probably, at least for the first few visits).
Hmm. I'm eligible for Medicare in what, 15 years?
I can't wait that long.
I'll try CLA.
Groan. Today I called the doctor recommended by Mary Shomon's list of doctors who are knowledgeable about treating hypothyroid patients. The receptionist told me that the doctor accepts only Medicare or Blue Cross/Blue Shield; otherwise, an office consultation is $330. Of course, that would only be the beginning for hypothyroid treatment. I'd have to pay every time I went in for bloodwork or every time I ran out of a prescription (every 90 days? probably, at least for the first few visits).
Hmm. I'm eligible for Medicare in what, 15 years?
I can't wait that long.
I'll try CLA.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 5: 154
After two days in a row of eating under 1,000 calories, my weight increased back to 154. Sigh.
If in another two weeks I still can't get my weight to decline when I'm on only 1,000-1,200 calories per day, I'm trying the CLA. I found it today in the grocery store: $19 for 50 capsules, take 2 per day. So, a little less than $1/day. I'm already on calcium & vitamin D supplements; don't notice any improvement in weight loss yet, though of course it's still early in the diet. Liver damage, shmiver damage.
Today's calorie count: 1,033, including 127 calories for 4 fl ounces of merlot.
I've noticed it's hard to drink enough water during school days; I need to be more conscious of drinking more water and just force myself to do it. Of course, that means a couple of trips to the restroom... non-teachers just don't understand how difficult it can be to break away even to run to the restroom twice a day.
At least my headache has gone; I took a couple of aspirin and went to bed at 8 last night. I do feel better today. In fact, I'll challenge my girls to a Wii dance-a-thon tonight and see if I can keep up with them for 20 minutes or so :)
If in another two weeks I still can't get my weight to decline when I'm on only 1,000-1,200 calories per day, I'm trying the CLA. I found it today in the grocery store: $19 for 50 capsules, take 2 per day. So, a little less than $1/day. I'm already on calcium & vitamin D supplements; don't notice any improvement in weight loss yet, though of course it's still early in the diet. Liver damage, shmiver damage.
Today's calorie count: 1,033, including 127 calories for 4 fl ounces of merlot.
I've noticed it's hard to drink enough water during school days; I need to be more conscious of drinking more water and just force myself to do it. Of course, that means a couple of trips to the restroom... non-teachers just don't understand how difficult it can be to break away even to run to the restroom twice a day.
At least my headache has gone; I took a couple of aspirin and went to bed at 8 last night. I do feel better today. In fact, I'll challenge my girls to a Wii dance-a-thon tonight and see if I can keep up with them for 20 minutes or so :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 4: 153
No change, though I've had a headache today and am starting to feel a little run down. I will go to sleep early tonight. I hope tomorrow that I will be feeling better. One thing, when I link my fingers I can tell that my fingers and hands are less swollen. That must be a good thing.
Total calories consumed today: 984, as per entering food consumed on on the Calorie King "diary".
No energy today to exercise; did a little walking about at school, but not much.
Total calories consumed today: 984, as per entering food consumed on on the Calorie King "diary".
No energy today to exercise; did a little walking about at school, but not much.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
End of Day 3
I tried a new online service today called Calorie King.
I have to say, I'm impressed. I tried several other calorie counter programs online (the free ones), and I didn't like how there were several pages to scroll through for every food search until I finally found the one I wanted. I signed up for the free 7-day trial (you have to give a credit card, though), opting for the 1-year membership at $50 if, after 7 days, I decide to keep it. (It's $50 only for the month of January, though; after that it goes to $12/month -- a little expensive to my thinking.)
It's really a very handy program, and does all the work for me, including breaking down my total nutrition for the day, charting calories and exercise, telling me what percentage of carbs/fat/protein I've ingested, etc. Pretty cool, and very easy to use. It's going to save me a LOT of time, and probably keep me from boring you to death by listing every item consumed, etc., since I will undoubtedly have a lot of repetition. Maybe I'll figure out a way to import the weekly chart from there. Fun!
It also has a food database with recipes, and more.
So here's today's nutritional breakdown, per Calorie King:
922 calories total, incl. 32 g fat, 95 g carbs, 18 g fiber, 59 g protein.
It even shows that I had 501 mg calcium, 6.5 mg iron, etc. (It lists zinc, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, you name it. Really handy, like I said!) It helps with knowing whether the multivitamin is needed, or not. In this case, I'd say yes.
I'm a little worried about not having ingested at least 1,000 calories, as I think that's about where my body shuts down for starvation, but I'm just not hungry so I'm going to pass on extra calories that I don't feel like I want.
I will post a new section for ultra-good, ultra-high fiber/low calorie recipes soon... stay tuned!
I have to say, I'm impressed. I tried several other calorie counter programs online (the free ones), and I didn't like how there were several pages to scroll through for every food search until I finally found the one I wanted. I signed up for the free 7-day trial (you have to give a credit card, though), opting for the 1-year membership at $50 if, after 7 days, I decide to keep it. (It's $50 only for the month of January, though; after that it goes to $12/month -- a little expensive to my thinking.)
It's really a very handy program, and does all the work for me, including breaking down my total nutrition for the day, charting calories and exercise, telling me what percentage of carbs/fat/protein I've ingested, etc. Pretty cool, and very easy to use. It's going to save me a LOT of time, and probably keep me from boring you to death by listing every item consumed, etc., since I will undoubtedly have a lot of repetition. Maybe I'll figure out a way to import the weekly chart from there. Fun!
It also has a food database with recipes, and more.
So here's today's nutritional breakdown, per Calorie King:
922 calories total, incl. 32 g fat, 95 g carbs, 18 g fiber, 59 g protein.
It even shows that I had 501 mg calcium, 6.5 mg iron, etc. (It lists zinc, sodium, potassium, cholesterol, you name it. Really handy, like I said!) It helps with knowing whether the multivitamin is needed, or not. In this case, I'd say yes.
I'm a little worried about not having ingested at least 1,000 calories, as I think that's about where my body shuts down for starvation, but I'm just not hungry so I'm going to pass on extra calories that I don't feel like I want.
I will post a new section for ultra-good, ultra-high fiber/low calorie recipes soon... stay tuned!
Day 3: 153
I'm glad to report that the scale finally registered a lower number, 153. It's a good sign. Though as I mentioned before, I will count weekly averages as signs of success or failure.
Tomorrow, school starts back up and I will have to post in the late afternoons/evenings during school days, since I teach high school (school day starts at 7:15).
Also, today I need to go grocery shopping to prepare for bringing lunches to school. NO WAY can I eat in the cafeteria and remain steady on this diet. I won't even try it. I'll be stocking up on:
Cut vegetables (mainly celery, cucumbers, squash, grape tomatoes)
Deli turkey for sandwiches (one slice of bread)
Cottage cheese
Activia yogurts
V-8
Eggs (to hard boil)
Apples
Tuna (in water) mix with cut up apples & celery, plus 1 tablespoon of homemade mayonnaise, using Alton Brown's recipe (well, at least safflower oil has a lot of good omega fats and few saturated fats) for an option to turkey
Speaking of oils, here is a great comparison of the calories/fat content of various cooking oils.
Today my online research will focus on tasty-looking recipes that I can make in the Crockpot with beans, since beans are the wonder food for dieting.
I'll have my workout today folding laundry, vacuuming, etc. The usual Sunday, get ready for the week.
Hope everybody is enjoying the last vacation day before school starts back up...
Tomorrow, school starts back up and I will have to post in the late afternoons/evenings during school days, since I teach high school (school day starts at 7:15).
Also, today I need to go grocery shopping to prepare for bringing lunches to school. NO WAY can I eat in the cafeteria and remain steady on this diet. I won't even try it. I'll be stocking up on:
Cut vegetables (mainly celery, cucumbers, squash, grape tomatoes)
Deli turkey for sandwiches (one slice of bread)
Cottage cheese
Activia yogurts
V-8
Eggs (to hard boil)
Apples
Tuna (in water) mix with cut up apples & celery, plus 1 tablespoon of homemade mayonnaise, using Alton Brown's recipe (well, at least safflower oil has a lot of good omega fats and few saturated fats) for an option to turkey
Speaking of oils, here is a great comparison of the calories/fat content of various cooking oils.
Today my online research will focus on tasty-looking recipes that I can make in the Crockpot with beans, since beans are the wonder food for dieting.
I'll have my workout today folding laundry, vacuuming, etc. The usual Sunday, get ready for the week.
Hope everybody is enjoying the last vacation day before school starts back up...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
End of Day 2
Just a quick recap on calories/exercise:
Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg plus 1 T shredded cheddar cheese, 80 calories
1 cup of coffee plus 1 T sugarfree F van creamer, 30
Lunch: 1/2 sandwich with 1 slice whole wheat bread, 80 calories plus 2 slices of provolone cheese, 140 calories; 1 slice tomato, 5 cals; 1 leaf lettuce, 5 cals, 1 teaspoon honey mustard, 10 cals
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese with squeeze of lemon, 200 cals
2 cups airpopped popcorn with sprinkle of cheddar seasoning, 65 calories
Dinner: 1 cup sliced raw vegetables, 75 cals
1 cup of lentil stew, 250 cals
1 V-8, 70 cals
Plus water, of course.Well, that was it. 1050 calories total. Only about 10 minutes exercise, though.
Breakfast: 1 scrambled egg plus 1 T shredded cheddar cheese, 80 calories
1 cup of coffee plus 1 T sugarfree F van creamer, 30
Lunch: 1/2 sandwich with 1 slice whole wheat bread, 80 calories plus 2 slices of provolone cheese, 140 calories; 1 slice tomato, 5 cals; 1 leaf lettuce, 5 cals, 1 teaspoon honey mustard, 10 cals
1 cup lowfat cottage cheese with squeeze of lemon, 200 cals
2 cups airpopped popcorn with sprinkle of cheddar seasoning, 65 calories
Dinner: 1 cup sliced raw vegetables, 75 cals
1 cup of lentil stew, 250 cals
1 V-8, 70 cals
Plus water, of course.Well, that was it. 1050 calories total. Only about 10 minutes exercise, though.
Some noteworthy research on supplements
Calcium, Vitamin D, and weight loss
During the last few years, there have been numerous studies linking supplementation of calcium with increased weight loss in those who had calcium-deficient diets. This article from Medical News Today about a study posted in British Medical Nutrition describes one example.
I know that it is hard to get enough calcium if one is trying to lose weight with less than 1500 calories per day. It would seem necessary for weight loss success to take a daily calcium supplement.
Also, another recent study "suggests that both higher dairy calcium intake and increased serum vitamin D are related to greater diet-induced weight loss" -- this study abstract, found at right, was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Selenium
Research regarding the relationship between selenium and iodine and their respective role in thyroid function is out there, but I have to say that I am confused as to the conclusions that are drawn and I have read that iodine supplementation can be dangerous. Therefore, I think that I will pass on selenium supplementation for the time being unless I find a physician who recommends such supplementation. This one seems controversial to me.
Conjugated Linolineic Acid (CLA)
A 2010 article in Journal of Obesity (see article at right) reviews literature regarding the use of CLA, among other dietary supplements, and concludes that "CLA, ... (and three other supplements) ... appeared to be effective in weight loss via fat modifying mechanisms." However, as you can read in the abstract, "the data on the use of these products is limited."
And this interesting conclusion from the Journal of Nutrition (2000): "The data suggest that conjugated linoleic acid may reduce BFM in humans and that no additional effect on BFM is achieved with doses > 3.4 g CLA/d."
I have noted that most of the studies that find either significant improvement in weight loss with CLA or no significant effect with CLA are all fairly short-term studies. The fact that an average weight loss with a product may be only a few pounds more than a placebo group may only be due to the short time frame of the study.
There are certainly encouraging results with this, but there are also articles that indicate that liver damage in mice/rats has occurred with CLA. One should be aware of this potential side effect if one decides to try the supplement.
During the last few years, there have been numerous studies linking supplementation of calcium with increased weight loss in those who had calcium-deficient diets. This article from Medical News Today about a study posted in British Medical Nutrition describes one example.
I know that it is hard to get enough calcium if one is trying to lose weight with less than 1500 calories per day. It would seem necessary for weight loss success to take a daily calcium supplement.
Also, another recent study "suggests that both higher dairy calcium intake and increased serum vitamin D are related to greater diet-induced weight loss" -- this study abstract, found at right, was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Selenium
Research regarding the relationship between selenium and iodine and their respective role in thyroid function is out there, but I have to say that I am confused as to the conclusions that are drawn and I have read that iodine supplementation can be dangerous. Therefore, I think that I will pass on selenium supplementation for the time being unless I find a physician who recommends such supplementation. This one seems controversial to me.
Conjugated Linolineic Acid (CLA)
A 2010 article in Journal of Obesity (see article at right) reviews literature regarding the use of CLA, among other dietary supplements, and concludes that "CLA, ... (and three other supplements) ... appeared to be effective in weight loss via fat modifying mechanisms." However, as you can read in the abstract, "the data on the use of these products is limited."
And this interesting conclusion from the Journal of Nutrition (2000): "The data suggest that conjugated linoleic acid may reduce BFM in humans and that no additional effect on BFM is achieved with doses > 3.4 g CLA/d."
I have noted that most of the studies that find either significant improvement in weight loss with CLA or no significant effect with CLA are all fairly short-term studies. The fact that an average weight loss with a product may be only a few pounds more than a placebo group may only be due to the short time frame of the study.
There are certainly encouraging results with this, but there are also articles that indicate that liver damage in mice/rats has occurred with CLA. One should be aware of this potential side effect if one decides to try the supplement.
Day 2: 155
Well, it is really too early yet to see any difference in my weight, but I'm still at 155 this morning.
I think I will post morning weight every day, and do a weekly average as the deciding factor on whether a particular diet is "working," or not. I'm not sure if it is possible to post a chart here, but I suppose it is... I'll have to do a little research on that.
It's a tricky thing, to discover the level of calories that will lead to weight loss, but will not push one's body into starvation/preserve-every-calorie mode. I have actually gained weight in the past when I lowered my calorie intake beneath 1000 calories, and then when I said scre* it, and had three slices of pizza, I'd lose 5 pounds the next day. Dieting isn't just about eating less; I know that from experience, and if you are reading this, you know it, too.
Which leads me to the subject of supplements, today's research topic.
Chapter 6 of the Shomon book, The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, is "Drugs, Supplements, and Herbs."
Some highlights from the chapter:
I think I will post morning weight every day, and do a weekly average as the deciding factor on whether a particular diet is "working," or not. I'm not sure if it is possible to post a chart here, but I suppose it is... I'll have to do a little research on that.
It's a tricky thing, to discover the level of calories that will lead to weight loss, but will not push one's body into starvation/preserve-every-calorie mode. I have actually gained weight in the past when I lowered my calorie intake beneath 1000 calories, and then when I said scre* it, and had three slices of pizza, I'd lose 5 pounds the next day. Dieting isn't just about eating less; I know that from experience, and if you are reading this, you know it, too.
Which leads me to the subject of supplements, today's research topic.
Chapter 6 of the Shomon book, The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss, is "Drugs, Supplements, and Herbs."
Some highlights from the chapter:
- Drugs. I have always been wary of pharmaceuticals, and the only thing I've ever taken regularly was oral contraceptives, which happens to be number four on the list for "drugs that may contribute to weight gain" (116). However, I'm not taking them now. I do wonder if perhaps an IUD that I used about eight years ago for five years may have contributed to the change in my metabolism that I have definitely experienced. I have found many patient claims on the internet that that particular IUD did cause them to become hypothyroid, but my OB/GYN dismisses them and claims that any change in my metabolism is due to age, not the IUD. Of course, there's no way that could be proven or disproven. See? I'm right to be wary of pharmaceuticals.
- How cruel is it that antidepressant drugs are also on that list, since depression is one of the major symptoms of a hypothyroid condition? So women have to choose between being depressed or being fat? For many of us, being fat and feeling unhealthy contributes to depression... It's cruel, and with the cost of doctor visits and many more Americans out of health insurance, there is no "finding the right balance" for many of us. We have to find some kind of balance ourselves. I don't suggest that anyone should stop taking prescription medication, but there seems to be ZERO follow-up possible with physicians with our current system. Family relationships with doctors? That is a thing of the past.
- Supplements. The section on supplements in Shomon's book is basically a list of the various types of products that are touted to aid in weight loss, description of what it is supposed to do, and then a qualifier by Shomon saying, Well, you could try this, but discontinue it if you feel any negative effects. With four possible exceptions. CALCIUM is listed as having a connection with weight loss, and so I will do some research and publish what I find soon; and CONJUGATED LINOLINEIC ACID (CLA) is given the following endorsement: "Studies have shown that 3 to 4 grams per day of CLA can help with muscle mass, and 6 grams a day can help with insulin levels. One double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue." Now THAT sounds promising. I'm definitely doing some research on that one, and will report back what I find with links to any studies. SELENIUM and ZINC: "Supplementation with selenium and zinc may be tried with lower-calorie diets to prevent decline of the thyroid homone T3. You shouldn't take more than 400 mcg of selenium a day. A daily dose of 15 mg of zinc is helpful." (130) Since I am initially trying to control my mildly hypothyroid condition with diet and exercise without the addition of thyroid hormone, synthetic or otherwise, I think I might try adding selenium and zinc if I can find research to support this.
- A multi-vitamin supplement. Shomon and just about everybody in the world agrees that a good multi-vitamin supplement to take regularly when dieting. No arguments here. I'm taking the One a Day "Women's 50+ Advantage" multivitamin, which I note has 405 mg of calcium, 22.5 mg of zinc and 20 mcg of selenium.
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