Dateline: 5/4/98
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.
If you want to email Sherry Rider, she can be reached at jrider1130@aol.com
If you want more information about the books mentioned, or you'd like to order them at
Amazon.com, please see:
The Thyroid Sourcebook: by M. Sara Rosenthal.
The G-Index Diet : The Missing Link That Makes Permanent
Weight Loss Possible.
Weigh Less, Live Longer : Dr. Lou Aronne's 'Getting Healthy'
Plan for Permanent Weight Control.
Comment on what you've read here, and share
questions, experiences and information with me and other readers and site visitors at the Thyroid Disease Bulletin
Board.
If you want to drop me a line,
email me at thyroid.guide@about.com!
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