An underactive thyroid and the right diet
plan
Has losing weight suddenly become more
difficult ?
Plans or diets which worked in the past
just don't seem to have the same results ?
Maybe your doctor has prescribed
medication (Levoxyl , Thyroxine Synthroid .....) or maybe you are
concerned about your Thyroid or slow metabolic rate.
Whatever your
position there are some key practical steps you can take to
lose those extra lbs and inches.
1. The importance of
Protein and your metabolic rate
It doesn't seem fair - you have cut down
on food, maybe started doing more exercise, but for some reason you
just can't lose that weight ?
One factor you could consider is one of
the 3 key "secrets" to losing weight :
To get to your right weight consider
how much protein you have in your diet.
Most people have to many carbohydrates in
their diet, but don't have a very active lifestyle.
For example the most common diet tends to
consist of cereals, sandwiches and pasta.
So why is protein so
important ?
When you eat the right amount of protein
for your body this will increases lean body mass. (i.e. helps your
muscles work at their best). The more lean body mass you have, the
higher your metabolic rate and the more calories you'll burn -
espcially important when you reach middle age.
Protein + good
carbohydrates = success
Your body needs protein to stay healthy
and strong, in addition the right levels of protein for you will also
prevent hunger between meals
2. Cut down on calories
but not meals.
The key element is to cut down on
calories without reducing your nutrient intake
You need to cut out at least 500 calories
per day from your current diet to lose weight. However you need to
make certain that you :
-
Don't starve.
Even though you are
reducing your calorie intake never go below 1,000 calories per
day. If you then this will signal to your body that you are in
starvation mode, and will slow down your metabolism.
-
Eat smaller meals more frequently.
Don't skip
meals! Smaller, more frequent meals keeps your blood sugar
stable and provides a steady source of energy to fuel metabolism.
-
Make sure you eat breakfast.
If you don't eat
breakfast, you slow down your metabolism and send the body into
"hoard mode," thinking it's starving because you're going a long
period of time frequently 8 to 10 hours or more, without food. Try a
shake packed with nutrients, hunger busting soy protein and complex
carbohydrates instead of skipping breakfast.
-
Top up with vitamins, minerals and nutrients
Your body tends to look for all the essential 'building blocks' it
needs to be healthy and survive. By reducing your calorie intake
there is a real danger of reducing all the essential vitamins and
minerals you need. By "topping up" will you not only feel better,
but you will also prevent hunger.
The good
news is that
if you select the right plan then weight loss can be very quick,
easy and lasting.
The Three Quickest
Ways you can lose weight with an underactive thyroid
1. Fewer Calories
Whatever
underactive thyroid diet plan you follow you need to cut
out at least an extra 500 calories per day.
However you need to make certain that your diet will consist of all
the nutrients you need, - and ideally be as healthy as possible (i.e
vitamins, minerals, etc.). The healthier you are, the more success
you will have in losing weight.
The good
news is that
if you select the right plan then weight loss can be very quick,
easy and lasting.
2. Protein and
Metabolism
If you don't have enough protein in your diet then you are not helping
your muscles work at their best. Especially if you have a slow
Thyroid or metabolism
you need to give them as much help as possible.
Either go on a very controlled diet, calculate each day
how much protein you consume and top up if required or
select a weightloss plan specifically designed for boosting
metabolism.
3. Exercise
A combination of aerobic exercise (running
/ swimming / cycling....) and resistance training (weight training)
will significantly help your metabolic rate. (and shape !!)
Don't worry if you don't feel that energetic - exercise does help but
so will the right weight loss plan.
3 Different Ways to Lose Weight
For starters any time is a great time to start a new weight loss plan
!
If you follow the right
plan it is possible (even with a slow Thyroid or metabolism) to lose a lot of inches, dress sizes and lbs
in a relatively short time in a natural healthy way.
However it is very important to follow a plan specifically aimed at
achieving weight loss through boosting metabolism.
Especially with a slow thyroid