Posts by kladdrn

I use my elliptial for HIIT with great success.  I keep the resistance at a challenging level, warm up for 5 minutes, alternate 30 seconds of sprinting (as fast as I can run) with 30 seconds of slower pace for as many rounds as my body allows (currently up to 12) then cool down for 5 min.  The elliptical speed is controlled by the user allowing split second changes.  I am totally wiped when I'm done- as you should be after doing HIIT.  Go for it!

DEADLIFTS! Your Bowflex can do it, but a barbell or dumbells work best.   Heavy weights, 3 sets of 12,  3 times per week.  Squats and lunges, too!

While it may take several months to find the medication dose that works to keep you at appropriate TSH level, once there, you should not be different than anyone else as far as your weight loss plans.  Your MD will monitor your levels frequently and adjust your meds accordingly.  The actual dosage is very individualized.  Many people believe that taking thyroid replacements will make you lose weight- but that stems fom other decades when doctors purposely gave women high doses to use like a diet pill. The correct dosage will balance out your metabolism, taking too much can lead to other medical complications.

I'm 46 years old and have had hypothyroidism for 18 years.  2 years ago, I changed both my eating and exercise habits and was able to lose 60 lbs and keep it off.  Yes, the weight loss did effect my TSH levels and it's a constant "game" to keep me at the correct level.  Seems like you are off to a great start if you are already losing, everyone's weight varies day to day so many will suggest only stepping on the scale weekly (personally, I am on it every morning).  Best wishes!

I have been weight training very successfuly at home for over a year with a set of adjustable dumbells, a barbell and a ball.  I use the ball as a bench (flies, bench press, etc.)- depending where you put it under your back determines the incline and works your core as you balance yourself on the ball.  For squats, I am usually able to recruit a family member to help lift the barbell over onto my sholders, or I use my dumbells.

Best wishes for a positive change!

"Beans, beans, the musical fruit.  The more you eat, the more you..........."

LOL

I make scrambled eggs (mostly whites) with some vanilla and nutmeg added- then top with fresh blueberries!  Kind of like custard!

No calcium, whole grains, vitamin C, D or A, etc, no healthy fats (omega fatty acids), iron- the list goes on and on!  Fast food is a treat, not a way to sustain a beautiful, healthy body!  Best of luck with your weight loss- we're all there with you!

Also Google perimenopause/menopause!  Could account for the hair loss and weight gain- just another joy of being female!  :o)

Your TSH is midrange of normal and like anything else in the human body- it can fluctuate a bit.  Thyroid hormone replacements are not for weight loss- thay are used to get hormone levels in a normal range for healthy heart, skin, reproductive system, metabolism, etc. in a very complicated endocrine system. It is not a magic fix and taking too much can seriously effect your health.

You are 5'8" and exercise quite a bit.  You're current calorie intake may be the issue as it is way low.  Perhaps others can give you some input on effects of starvation/malnutrition  on our bodies.  Hopefully the doctor will also be helpful or refer you to a registered dietician.

Hope you feel better!

Oh Man, stop-dead-in-your-tracks-take-your-breath-awa y pain of back muscle spasm, my sympathies.  Great suggestions so far.  My experience has found that ibuprofen (Motrin) or naprosyn (Aleve) taken 'round the clock along with ice provide both the anti-imflamatory effect needed to calm that angry muscle as well as provide some deserved pain relief so that you can move without concern of triggering another agonizing spasm.  Sometimes it's just the tiniest tug (sneeze, slight twist) that I've found can get me into trouble.  I must say, yet another benefit from the weight training, is that me back muscles are VERY strong and (knock on wood) I've been good. 

Best wishes with this- YOUCH! 

Well, I'm also a nurse, 46 years young, but can certainly relate to your weight issues and working nights.  My weight came on after having kids.  Working 12 hour nights made it tough for me to exercise as I always felt tired ( you know what I mean!) and couldn't sem to find the time or motivation to work out or prepare healthy meals and snacks.  At work, when the dreaded 4 am fatigue hits and the snacks come out from everywhere, will power was nonexistant!  Next thing I knew, I was up 50 LBS!!

Last year, I made a commitment to myself to fix this before my health and mobility were effected.  I have changed to a "clean" eating pattern (I don't count a single calorie and eat at least 6 times a day) and exercise 6 days / week- no excuses!  Sometimes that means giving up some precious sleep time, but I actually find that getting up and moving has given me more energy and I'm actually sleeping better in this screwed up world of us night-workers!!  I always pack my own "lunch" for work and avoid the break room when the tables are piled with treats. I still feel like I eat 'round the clock on work days, but I'm making better choices and apparently the extra calories are needed.   

Long winded, sorry!  Lost 55 lbs in a year but more importantly, I've changed my body composition and feel GREAT!  I am no longer even tempted by sweets, which were my weakness.  If I can do this at my age, you certainly can, too!  Not so easy getting started- give it time.  I can't begin to tell you how rewarding this change has been!  You go, Girl!

Try Thomas' Light Multi Grain English Muffins.  Great source of fiber and whole grains and taste awsome!  Only 100 calories!

Hi!  Saw the Abs diet on the today show last June.  Thought the food choices seemed manageable and liked the idea of not weighing food or counting calories.  Gave it a try- by Jan. had gone from 201 to 150 using the Abs diet- started with the recommended exercise plan, added in cardio and eventually started weight training with heavier weights.  I was such a sweet junkie- now I don't even give it a second glance.  My family is amazed how long the treats last at our house now!  The food choices are that of "clean eating" and I've never felt hungry or bored.  Easy to stay with this eating plan through holidays and restaraunts.  As Angeleyes said, you really can eat a lot! What I like most- it's a nutritionally healthy way of eating that has worked for me!  I joined CC this winter when I hit a plateau to see if watching my calories could help me breakthrough and found I really like the community forums and fitness advice so I'm hooked!

GOOD LUCK!