Goal: slow and steady
Yes the doctor told me last year that my thyroid is fine, but my symptoms would say differently. With a slight weight gain over the past year (15ish pounds…because I did not give up completely) and feeling as I have, I know enough to know I do not want to go back to that place. And I saw a hint of those same symptoms reappearing only this time I am much more knowledable/intuned.
We hear so often that eating more is often the key. But individuals are unique and so a few will have to eat only a little if they have a health issue and a professional has suggested it, but if one is eating too low (like maybe I did, aiming for what WW suggested as around 24-26 pts for years :about 1300-1400 calories), well this can be asking for problems, unknowingly of course. I think it goes back to the old addage…”slow and steady wins the race.” For me, slow and steady represents what is good and healthy in reality and the race represents our minds and how we think we should get there faster then we really should. The fast weight loss truly is not something, I have seen with myself and some buddies, that can be maintained. I really have been here for a long time and this is what I have witnessed of many and myself. Slower really is the best answer for many of us. It is a nasty feeling to lose, get to goal and then gain. And why we ask? But so often it is not the choices we make (though it is easy to slip back into the old junky habits, true) but rather it is a metabolism that revolts a bit.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/eatingenough.htm
There is an equation in this link that is just awesome! Maybe….lol Here it is:
Current Weight, in Pounds _____
Divide above by 2.2 _____
Multiply result by 25 _____ (For a person w/ a normal thyroid, multiply by 30)
Subtract 200 for “Thyroid Factor” -200 (-500 to lose 1 lb/wk for those who have a normal thyroid)
Calories Per Day for Weight Loss _____
Divide by 300 = # of 300-calorie “mini-meals” Per Day _____
And of course plenty of exercise.
I am also curious how age plays into this. Also how does this affect one who is really obese or inactive? I have no idea.
I will update when it has been a suffiecient amount of time to really tell.
I am estimating my calories for each of the 6 meals per day as I can NOT quite get into the lifestyle of keeping track of the caloires. I know I am aiming for about 300 calories/meal which seems like a lot for snacks…lol :) - but it really isn’t when keeping active. Intuitive Eating will play a role, because I do not see myself stuffing myself to meet the 300 goal. If I am full, I will stop. And if I am not hungry, I will not eat. And what to eat and what to avoid is actually ingrained and natural to my thinking…a more hypothyroid type diet mostly. Thank god I feel patient. If I was learning this all at once, I might go insane. Nope, no insanity here. I am giving it a whirl. I do not care if I lose 2 lbs per month. If fact, for myself, this might be the healthiest speed. Plenty of exercise of course too. Time will tell. I feel happy, motivated and healthy. Now, off to work out. Happy Easter Weekend…..Have a great day Everyone!
Yup, I’ll take 2 lbs per month too.. and youre quote “I feel happy, motivated and healthy” I will be going to work out after work today.
HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND TO YOU!! ENJOY IT!!
300 seems like a lot when you see the number, BUT it really is not a lot of food.
All right Ann Marie, let’s get active! Love it!
Its so nice to see you stranger!!! I’ve missed you soooooooo much
Glad to hear you are feeling well and energized and ready to tackle the world.
That is so interesting about the thyroid and metabolism. Both of my nieces have no thyroid and they both struggle with weight issues.
I keep asking them to test my thyroid, and they did once, said it was fine.
Thanks for the information Jennifer, I love to learn from you
You have a wonderful Easter and stay happy my friend!!!
Love you sooooooooo much!!!
Jane
By the way 300 calories does sound high for a snack. But my husband and I can’t beat the night snacking, and can you believe 1 granola bar = 160 calories 100 calorie bag of popcorn, after that I’m stuffed. I normally only eat half of the popcorn!!
GREAT BLOG AS ALWAYS!
You are so right! Sometimes, some months I wish I pray for a 1 lb loss!
I too learn so much from you beautiful girl!
MIssed you. I think this supports my need to up my calories a bit? Thanks, Jenn, as usual you say what I need to hear
Thanks guys. For those who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism it is imperative that they know what not to eat - soy, sugars in it’s many forms (dry fruit is my weakness), refined flours and research goitrogen foods because some bother people. Lean protein is essential.
Calories is such a personal thing for each individual. I think people just need to play and listen to the feedback from their bodies….AND NOT have those great expectations of fast weight loss.
Just wanted to add one other thing that will sound melodramatic, but is true and one day we will actually see this VERY clearly. The increasing quantity of processed foods are sucking the life out of us!
SO eating regularly and eating a little more is not a big deal. Just have to have the good food near so the processed foods and take out menus are not the go-to’s.
I’m coming back to this once I find a calculator! Thanks so much Jen! I can always count on you for educational and informative blogs. I too have missed seeing you around here, but because I haven’t been as active, I thought I just kept missing you. I would also talk to another doctor about your thyroid I think. There was something else I wanted to tell you, but for the life of me, I can’t think of it right now, lol.
Oh! I remember now! I am also the big fan of slow and steady wins the race. I would be perfectly fine with losing even 1/2 pound a week if it meant that it was going to stay off forever!!!! Always reach for your goals…no matter how long it is going to take…because the time is just going to pass anyway.
Great information! I believe slow and steady does win out. It’s tough these days with all the fad diets and books that tell us when, what and how much to eat. Tuning into your bodies natural instict is always a win!
NO DENYING THE REAL HUNGER!
Yep, I am not recording calories, but this is only because I have a good sense MOST, most days. Still smaller meals more often might just help me feel well. Little bit of protein at most meals too.
MORE SUN too. I loooooooove seretonin !!! *all girly giddy inside*
I know I am confusing, am I recording calories or not? I know to loose weight well I should. But I can not be bothered to be perfect with this. I use to have this desire. But now I am estimating and going with my gut. But the fact is, I am aiming to eat a little more then I have been. And the energy is BACK! And this is a good thing.