From the article: 10 Healthy Holiday Season Tips for Thyroid Patients
The holidays...in the US, they kick off with Thanksgiving, and are followed by Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's, and other holidays. Throughout this busy time, there are parties and special family meals, often centered on eating. Some say typical weight gain is from 7 to 14 pounds (3 to 6 kilos)! But do you manage to make it through the season without weight gain? Do you have ways to combat busy holiday stress? How do you find time to rest, exercise, eat well, and take care of yourself? Share your tips, strategies, coping skills, ideas, and other stories about how you stay healthy during the holidays. Share Your Tips and Ideas
Yoga, 1 extra day/week and Sensa
- After being diagnosed hypothyroid about 3 years ago, I put on an additional 15 pounds after already being about 20 pounds overweight to begin with. I've exercised the entire 3 years about 3 days a week and "watched" what I ate, but not very vigilantly. Starting about September 1st, I added a 4th day at the gym (and sometimes a 5th, I get hooked) and I started using Sensa a month later. I made one of my workout days weightlifting (I do yoga 2x/week, Zumba 1x/week, Cardio dance 1x/week (before 1 of the yoga classes) and free-range cardio/weights on the 4th day. FINALLY after 3 years, I've lost 19 pounds from 9/1 through 12/20 (my goal is to make it an even 20 by New Year's). Yes, my appetite has decreased, which is likely the Sensa, however I don't always remember to sprinkle it. I must admit I did start smoking again after 10 years of only smoking at the holidays and summer vacation (2x/year). I hope with the New Year I can stop and go back to that level or better (completely). Oh well, FINALLY.
- —Guest GoddessLu
Keep the Pounds Off!
- I am being treated for hypothyroidism. Luckily, I have a primary doctor who will treat the symptoms. My TSH of 3.7 (4.2 is the upper limit) is being treated with .50 levothyroxine. My latest TSH is below 1.0 and I feel great! I do think, however, exercise is helping a lot to help get the pounds off. I think exercise is necessary, especially if you decide to eat more during the holidays. I feel fortunate to have a great and informed doctor!
- —Guest Exerciser
Hypothyroidism
- A specialist on Mary's Best Physicians site put me on Synthroid this past July. My TSH blood test level checked in at 39.65, I was in shock. I am a mess and am back on Levothyroxine 100 mcg, but I can't get back to normal. I quit smoking 4 months ago and have gained an excess amount of weight. I am actually eating normal now, but can't stop gaining. I don't know what to do.
- —Guest Theresa
Walking
- I go out for a walk with my dog every night after dinner during the holiday season. I bundle up, and we walk the neighborhood for 30 minutes or so, I check out the lights, look at decorated trees in the windows. It makes a half hour pass quickly, and gives me some holiday cheer while I get some exercise.
- —Guest Margaret F.
A Little Taste
- My solution is that I allow myself a little taste of everything. That way, I never have to say no, but I also know that I'm not going to sit down with a big old piece of pecan pie, or an extra helping of sweet potato casserole. But a bite or two satisfies the cravings.
- —Guest JazzyJ
T-Tapp and My TV
- Throughout the holiday season, I make an appointment for myself, 2 nights a week, and one afternoon during the weekend, to do my favorite T-Tapp exercise DVD. It keeps me from being frazzled, and lets me indulge in the occasional cookie without regretting it later. I make it a priority.
- —Guest Elisa
