Annie Terrano and Sherry Rider are both Thyroid Disease web site regulars who wrote to me recently to describe their successful weight loss efforts. Naturally, I was so excited to hear that these two women, who both have thyroid disease, are feeling well AND losing weight. As this is something I'm trying to do as well, I knew we all would like to know more about what they're doing and HOW they're doing it! Both Annie and Sherry graciously agreed to be interviewed for this article.
Can you describe what type of regimen are you on?
Due to a diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism and information about the yeast connection, I designed a diet which consists of only lean protein; 3 or 4 oz servings, Green vegetables (including cauliflower and red bell peppers and fresh or steamed mushrooms), and mono-unsaturated fats, like olive oil, macadamia nuts, almonds, pistaschios, caschews, and peanuts (you need fat to burn fat) I never measure or weigh anything. After the first week I was able to judge everything just by looking at it. Makes things easy. I brown most of my meat in a small glob of olive oil and season with "salt free seasonings". My veggies are usually steamed in an inch of water with a glob of olive oil and fresh garlic, followed by a dash of low sodium soy sauce for extra flavor. I also make a delicious tuna or egg white salad on occasion with a heaping tablespoon of lite mayonnaise, with a huge garden salad on the side with olive oil and wine/balsamic vinegar for dressing. Breakfast is usually a 4 egg omelet (1 whole & 3 additional. whites with a splash of milk) and a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat (w/ a splash of reduced fat milk). If I'm in a hurry, a bowl of oatmeal with a scoop of soy protein powder. I have a few other combos but my favorite is a zucchini, onion and egg omelet. My meals consist of a lot of food which fills you up and holds you over till your next meal. And believe it or not these meals make you release stored fat and you won't gain any weight, only lose. You'll be Super-energized! I take a multivitamin supplement which contains no iodine (because I'm "hyper"). I also take additional "B's" for stress and to reduce PMS (For me, it happened to completely erase all my PMS, which was getting worse and worse every year.) Omega 3 fatty fish oil (EPA) Vitamin E
For exercise, I walk. Now I'm up to an hour a day at least 5 days a week. Six sets of stomach crunches. And some arm exercises with light weight dumbbells. And most important...Water, water, water...It's plays such an important role in weight loss. Drink it all day long; but make sure it's filtered or bottled or sodium free seltzer. I can't stress this enough.
What I don't eat: Bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc., anything that contains sugar. No shellfish. The table salt in my home contains no iodine. (I don't use it anyway, but just in case...). No fruit (for now, there's too much sugar for my purposes), especially citrus fruits which contain migraine triggers.
How long have you been on this regimen?
Since March 9, 1998
What specifically prompted you to choose these particular things to try to lose weight?
Simple. I had quite a few friends that turned me on to the Zone diet last summer. They lost a lot of weight on that diet. I got discouraged because I didn't lose any. I think because of all the fruit in that diet I couldn't lose my sugar cravings and I kept cheating. After reading about the yeast connection a lot of things made sense, hence the protein and green vegetable combination, with the Zone as a basis to follow.
Are there any books or other resources you are using, and finding helpful in your effort?
None specific. I've just picked up a various selection of nutritional books from the library and have been having a lot of fun discovering all the vitamins and minerals your vegetables contain and all the myths, legends and truths in healing and feeling better by eating which and what fruits and vegetables. For example, did you know: broccoli and cauliflower are loaded with vitamin C; celery is high in natural sodium and is a diuretic; tomatoes and eggplant can cause arthritic symptoms; asparagus is a natural laxative; and like I mentioned before, citrus is a migraine trigger. I now find the power of food amazing.
How much weight have you lost so far?
15 lbs.
How much more do you think you'd like to lose?
5 lbs.
How do you FEEL on this new plan?
Like a new person! I am so energized! It's been such a dramatic change in my life. I feel fantastic.
What keeps YOU motivated? What is your personal inspiration to keep at it?
Knowing that going off this plan can throw me in a state of depression again and make me ill by effecting my autoimmune system and my thyroid has been keeping me motivated. I also have my first vacation in 10 years coming up this August and I'm looking forward to feeling comfortable in a bikini again. My personal inspiration: My kids and my husband. I now have the energy to keep up with them and have a lot more patience than I had before.
Is it hard or easy to imagine yourself doing this for a long time?
My plan is to do this for life. I can't imagine going back to the way I used to eat and falling in that hole again. The thought is terrifying.
What piece of advice would you most like to offer your fellow thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight?
The hardest part is getting started. The first couple of weeks are difficult because you have to get rid of the sugar cravings and after that it becomes much easier. Somehow I was able to get a TSH level of less than .1 (unmeasureable) with a Free T3 of 635 down to all normal levels within one month by completely changing my diet. The thought of taking any medications terrified me. So I tried the diet and stayed strict about it.
Anything else you would like to add?
Tomorrow is a new day and a good day to get motivated. Just do it! I haven't been able to lose weight for years because to me dieting means starvation which never works. Eating this new way, I haven't been hungry, dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. It's hard to believe you can eat and eat and lose weight. It's not how much you eat it's what. Stop looking at what you can't and shouldn't eat anymore, but what you CAN. I'm in the middle of writing a booklet about my diet in more detail that I'd like to print and get out to anyone who may be interested in how I did it. One more thing. Once you lose a few pounds, don't get discouraged by "dieter's plateau." It's normal. If you increase your exercise level slightly it will get you over the plateau.
Annie would be happy to talk to others about her diet. She can be reached at atnomeas@aol.com.
What type of regimen are you on?
I am on a low glycemic food diet. Specifically the G-Index diet. I don't use any herbal supplements because I am eating healthier I don't need it at this time. I have started to exercise three times a week with Denise Austin Firming essentials it is a half hour tape. Of course I take my Synthroid every a.m.
How long have you been on this regimen?
I have been on this regimen for six weeks this Saturday.
What specifically prompted you to choose these particular things to try to lose weight?
I read your article regarding those who had a hard time losing weight and hypothyroidism. the book by Lou Aronne was too restricted. But when I read the G-Index, I thought, I can do this. Now, will it work. It was scary because I tried so many other diets and nothing would work. I would not even lose a pound. It was very discouraging. I would get gun-ho and start a new diet and then suffer through hunger pains and not see any results. When I went to see my endo six weeks ago I asked him what was I doing wrong. He explained (finally someone did) that because of my body being hypo I handle insulin differently. That I should not go under 900 calories a day I should eat a protein with any simple carbos and of course exercise. Well, the G-Index was an answer to prayer for me literally and it was a format that was easy to follow. I exchanged my white bread for whole grains, got rid of instant oatmeal and starting eating the old-fashioned. The first day on the G-Index I noticed a difference. I did not get as hungry as quick. I could feel my blood sugar levels stay on a even keel.
Are there any books or other resources you are using, and finding helpful in your effort?
I read the bible every day. It strengthens me spiritually. Actually there is a scripture that has sustained me. "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." That has kept me going. Sticking Out Our Necks [the thyroid disease news report] has been a constant source of information as well as the Thyroid Disease website at the Mining Company. It gave me answers that I needed. I also liked the Thyroid Sourcebook. That was most helpful in explaining my disease and what to expect. There is also a book offered by Amazon called 40-30-30 Fat Burning Nutrition: The Dietary Hormonal Connection to Permanent Weight Loss and Better Health by Jouce Daoust and Gene Daoust. It is the Zone diet, but in such an easy format to follow.
How much weight have you lost so far?
I have lost nine pounds
How much more do you think you'd like to lose?
I need to lose 24lbs more.
How do you FEEL on this new plan?
I feel hopeful and almost normal. Well, a normal as you can be being hypo and hashi. I do have more energy, my skin has improved. I still get dry sometimes, but it glows. I have had a lot of compliments on my skin.
What keeps YOU motivated? What is your personal inspiration to keep at it?
My Savior Jesus Christ gives me the motivation and the strength to keep going and not to give up. There have been many times where I felt my body has failed me. How can you fight against your body? Somehow when I want to give up, God gives me the strength to hang in there. I can commiserate with my fellow hypothyroid suffers and if I can give them some help, hope or encouragement, then this disease has not won!
Is it hard or easy to imagine yourself doing this for a long time?
This will be the way I eat for the rest of my life. It is now a part of my life so I guess it is easy for me to imagine me doing this for a long time.
What piece of advice would you most like to offer your fellow thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight?
Please do not give up. I know how it is when people think our symptoms are all in our minds and when doctors patronize us, or when you wonder how the heck can I get enough energy to go on never mind exercise. Please try the G-Index. It is only an investment of $6.00. If you are like me you already have spent a mint on diet and exercise books and not have had any results. If this does not strike you then try the 40-30-30 Fat Burning by the Daoust's.
Anything else you'd like to add?
We need to support one another and be an encouragment to one another. People don't take this disease seriously or consider the ramifications on a faulty thyroid and its effects on those who suffer from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. When I read the bulletin board and hear the pain in other's voices I know I am not alone and my heart goes out to them. Mary please keep on with the work you are doing in keeping us informed. You may never now how much your web site has saved me and others. Thank you for being a blessing to me.
Can you describe what type of regimen are you on?
Due to a diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism and information about the yeast connection, I designed a diet which consists of only lean protein; 3 or 4 oz servings, Green vegetables (including cauliflower and red bell peppers and fresh or steamed mushrooms), and mono-unsaturated fats, like olive oil, macadamia nuts, almonds, pistaschios, caschews, and peanuts (you need fat to burn fat) I never measure or weigh anything. After the first week I was able to judge everything just by looking at it. Makes things easy. I brown most of my meat in a small glob of olive oil and season with "salt free seasonings". My veggies are usually steamed in an inch of water with a glob of olive oil and fresh garlic, followed by a dash of low sodium soy sauce for extra flavor. I also make a delicious tuna or egg white salad on occasion with a heaping tablespoon of lite mayonnaise, with a huge garden salad on the side with olive oil and wine/balsamic vinegar for dressing. Breakfast is usually a 4 egg omelet (1 whole & 3 additional. whites with a splash of milk) and a bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat (w/ a splash of reduced fat milk). If I'm in a hurry, a bowl of oatmeal with a scoop of soy protein powder. I have a few other combos but my favorite is a zucchini, onion and egg omelet. My meals consist of a lot of food which fills you up and holds you over till your next meal. And believe it or not these meals make you release stored fat and you won't gain any weight, only lose. You'll be Super-energized! I take a multivitamin supplement which contains no iodine (because I'm "hyper"). I also take additional "B's" for stress and to reduce PMS (For me, it happened to completely erase all my PMS, which was getting worse and worse every year.) Omega 3 fatty fish oil (EPA) Vitamin E
For exercise, I walk. Now I'm up to an hour a day at least 5 days a week. Six sets of stomach crunches. And some arm exercises with light weight dumbbells. And most important...Water, water, water...It's plays such an important role in weight loss. Drink it all day long; but make sure it's filtered or bottled or sodium free seltzer. I can't stress this enough.
What I don't eat: Bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc., anything that contains sugar. No shellfish. The table salt in my home contains no iodine. (I don't use it anyway, but just in case...). No fruit (for now, there's too much sugar for my purposes), especially citrus fruits which contain migraine triggers.
How long have you been on this regimen?
Since March 9, 1998
What specifically prompted you to choose these particular things to try to lose weight?
Simple. I had quite a few friends that turned me on to the Zone diet last summer. They lost a lot of weight on that diet. I got discouraged because I didn't lose any. I think because of all the fruit in that diet I couldn't lose my sugar cravings and I kept cheating. After reading about the yeast connection a lot of things made sense, hence the protein and green vegetable combination, with the Zone as a basis to follow.
Are there any books or other resources you are using, and finding helpful in your effort?
None specific. I've just picked up a various selection of nutritional books from the library and have been having a lot of fun discovering all the vitamins and minerals your vegetables contain and all the myths, legends and truths in healing and feeling better by eating which and what fruits and vegetables. For example, did you know: broccoli and cauliflower are loaded with vitamin C; celery is high in natural sodium and is a diuretic; tomatoes and eggplant can cause arthritic symptoms; asparagus is a natural laxative; and like I mentioned before, citrus is a migraine trigger. I now find the power of food amazing.
How much weight have you lost so far?
15 lbs.
How much more do you think you'd like to lose?
5 lbs.
How do you FEEL on this new plan?
Like a new person! I am so energized! It's been such a dramatic change in my life. I feel fantastic.
What keeps YOU motivated? What is your personal inspiration to keep at it?
Knowing that going off this plan can throw me in a state of depression again and make me ill by effecting my autoimmune system and my thyroid has been keeping me motivated. I also have my first vacation in 10 years coming up this August and I'm looking forward to feeling comfortable in a bikini again. My personal inspiration: My kids and my husband. I now have the energy to keep up with them and have a lot more patience than I had before.
Is it hard or easy to imagine yourself doing this for a long time?
My plan is to do this for life. I can't imagine going back to the way I used to eat and falling in that hole again. The thought is terrifying.
What piece of advice would you most like to offer your fellow thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight?
The hardest part is getting started. The first couple of weeks are difficult because you have to get rid of the sugar cravings and after that it becomes much easier. Somehow I was able to get a TSH level of less than .1 (unmeasureable) with a Free T3 of 635 down to all normal levels within one month by completely changing my diet. The thought of taking any medications terrified me. So I tried the diet and stayed strict about it.
Anything else you would like to add?
Tomorrow is a new day and a good day to get motivated. Just do it! I haven't been able to lose weight for years because to me dieting means starvation which never works. Eating this new way, I haven't been hungry, dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. It's hard to believe you can eat and eat and lose weight. It's not how much you eat it's what. Stop looking at what you can't and shouldn't eat anymore, but what you CAN. I'm in the middle of writing a booklet about my diet in more detail that I'd like to print and get out to anyone who may be interested in how I did it. One more thing. Once you lose a few pounds, don't get discouraged by "dieter's plateau." It's normal. If you increase your exercise level slightly it will get you over the plateau.
Annie would be happy to talk to others about her diet. She can be reached at atnomeas@aol.com.
What type of regimen are you on?
I am on a low glycemic food diet. Specifically the G-Index diet. I don't use any herbal supplements because I am eating healthier I don't need it at this time. I have started to exercise three times a week with Denise Austin Firming essentials it is a half hour tape. Of course I take my Synthroid every a.m.
How long have you been on this regimen?
I have been on this regimen for six weeks this Saturday.
What specifically prompted you to choose these particular things to try to lose weight?
I read your article regarding those who had a hard time losing weight and hypothyroidism. the book by Lou Aronne was too restricted. But when I read the G-Index, I thought, I can do this. Now, will it work. It was scary because I tried so many other diets and nothing would work. I would not even lose a pound. It was very discouraging. I would get gun-ho and start a new diet and then suffer through hunger pains and not see any results. When I went to see my endo six weeks ago I asked him what was I doing wrong. He explained (finally someone did) that because of my body being hypo I handle insulin differently. That I should not go under 900 calories a day I should eat a protein with any simple carbos and of course exercise. Well, the G-Index was an answer to prayer for me literally and it was a format that was easy to follow. I exchanged my white bread for whole grains, got rid of instant oatmeal and starting eating the old-fashioned. The first day on the G-Index I noticed a difference. I did not get as hungry as quick. I could feel my blood sugar levels stay on a even keel.
Are there any books or other resources you are using, and finding helpful in your effort?
I read the bible every day. It strengthens me spiritually. Actually there is a scripture that has sustained me. "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." That has kept me going. Sticking Out Our Necks [the thyroid disease news report] has been a constant source of information as well as the Thyroid Disease website at the Mining Company. It gave me answers that I needed. I also liked the Thyroid Sourcebook. That was most helpful in explaining my disease and what to expect. There is also a book offered by Amazon called 40-30-30 Fat Burning Nutrition: The Dietary Hormonal Connection to Permanent Weight Loss and Better Health by Jouce Daoust and Gene Daoust. It is the Zone diet, but in such an easy format to follow.
How much weight have you lost so far?
I have lost nine pounds
How much more do you think you'd like to lose?
I need to lose 24lbs more.
How do you FEEL on this new plan?
I feel hopeful and almost normal. Well, a normal as you can be being hypo and hashi. I do have more energy, my skin has improved. I still get dry sometimes, but it glows. I have had a lot of compliments on my skin.
What keeps YOU motivated? What is your personal inspiration to keep at it?
My Savior Jesus Christ gives me the motivation and the strength to keep going and not to give up. There have been many times where I felt my body has failed me. How can you fight against your body? Somehow when I want to give up, God gives me the strength to hang in there. I can commiserate with my fellow hypothyroid suffers and if I can give them some help, hope or encouragement, then this disease has not won!
Is it hard or easy to imagine yourself doing this for a long time?
This will be the way I eat for the rest of my life. It is now a part of my life so I guess it is easy for me to imagine me doing this for a long time.
What piece of advice would you most like to offer your fellow thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight?
Please do not give up. I know how it is when people think our symptoms are all in our minds and when doctors patronize us, or when you wonder how the heck can I get enough energy to go on never mind exercise. Please try the G-Index. It is only an investment of $6.00. If you are like me you already have spent a mint on diet and exercise books and not have had any results. If this does not strike you then try the 40-30-30 Fat Burning by the Daoust's.
Anything else you'd like to add?
We need to support one another and be an encouragment to one another. People don't take this disease seriously or consider the ramifications on a faulty thyroid and its effects on those who suffer from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. When I read the bulletin board and hear the pain in other's voices I know I am not alone and my heart goes out to them. Mary please keep on with the work you are doing in keeping us informed. You may never now how much your web site has saved me and others. Thank you for being a blessing to me.