Weight Loss & Diet for Women With an Underactive Thyroid

A condition known as hypothyroidism affects many people. It is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to under-produce thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays a big role in the body and how it uses energy. If the thyroid does not produce enough hormone, it can cause you to feel tired and weak. If left untreated, it can raise your blood pressure and put you at risk for a heart attack or a stroke.

Foods to Eat

For weight loss with hypothyroidism, a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates is recommended. Doctors recommend that if you suffer from hypothyroidism, you should break your meals down from three big meals to six smaller meals to reduce bulk calorie intake, as well as to give your body a chance to metabolize what you eat. It also helps to keep your metabolism higher so that you burn calories more efficiently.

Foods rich in protein include lean red meats, fish, tuna, egg whites, chicken and turkey. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables are recommended in a hypothyroidism diet, as well as whole grain bread. It is recommended that you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables because they are high in vitamins and do not cause weight gain. You should drink plenty of water. Water helps to reduce puffiness and excess water weight. Water also removes toxins from the body that can negatively affect the body and lead to weight gain. Fiber is also a very important factor in any diet. Fiber helps to eliminate waste from the bowels, which can help with weight issues as well.

Foods Not to Eat

If you are trying to reduce your weight due to hypothyroidism, you will want to stay away from certain foods, such as carbohydrates, fats and sugars. Fried foods and high-calorie foods are not recommended, such as sodas, sweets, chips and fatty red meats. Starches such as white bread and pastas should be avoided, as well as potatoes and corn. Another substance to avoid is salt. This is because salt causes water retention and can cause excess fluid to collect in the body. Too much fluid can be hard on the heart and cause hypertension. Although iodine issues can be a problem with hypothyroidism, it is recommended that you get your iodine from fish or seaweed.

Exercise

Exercise should be a part of your daily routine. Getting at least 30 minutes of cardio every day will help to build your metabolism and burn fat. Good cardio exercises are walking at a good pace, jogging, rowing, swimming and aerobics. You can do strength training with weights, which not only helps to tone muscles, but also burns lots of calories and gives you energy.

For those who have gained a significant amount of weight and need to start slower, you may want to try a lower-impact exercise such as Pilates or yoga. Walking on a treadmill or outdoors is a good way to get started, or try swimming or biking. As you increase your muscle strength and endurance, you can add time and higher-endurance workouts to your plan.