Do I need to deduct extra calories from my "eat" target with hypothyroidism? If so, how many?

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease (a form of hypothyroidism). I have been on the lowest dose of levothyroxine (10mg) a day for about 4 weeks now. I am trying to learn how to lose weight with this this disease.

My question is: How many calories do I need to deduct from my "eat" calories to lose weight? I am 5'5" and 208.8 lbs with a large bone structure. I have myself marked as sedentary. I work out 5-6 days a week doing 2 hrs of cardio (zumba, kickboxing, water aerobics, bellydancing). CC tells me that I need to eat 1950 calories and that I burn 2290 calories a day.

The 2 weeks that I have been watching my calories wtih cc, i have noticed that if I keep my calories around 1400-1490 and work out 2 hours of cardio- I can lose anywhere from 1 lb per day to .5lb every third day. I know that 1lb a day is way too much, but why the difference? It makes it hard for me to find the right target for me. I also can gain 2-3lbs in one day if I go up to or slightly over the burn calories. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I don't have an answer to your question but I too have hashimoto's and have had it for 21 years.  I am on 175 mg of synthroid and its doesn't help with my weight loss at all.  I haven't figured out what is preventing me from losing weight but I have been told that certain foods aggrevate the disease. 

The things you need to stay away from are:

Raw broccolli

SOY (this is a biggie and it's in EVERYTHING)

Strawberrie

Do not take iron pills or any vitamins with iron within 4 hours of taking your thyroid meds. Also take them FIRST thing in the morning and do not eat a thing (even coffee) for at least 30 minutes.

I have been on thyroid meds for 9 years. 6 Endocrinologists later I think I've FINALLY found one that is listening to me and has switched me to Armour. I've done a lot of research to figure out why I wasn't getting better. Be careful on the levothyroxine---it's the generic version of thyroid meds and it can be very inconsistent (my Dr. told me this as well as the pharmacist).

With thyroid disease you need to be working out an hour min. with cardio and weights.

Go buy the book Living Well With Hypothyroidism by Mary Shomon.

Good luck!

J

Hey, I've got Hashimoto's too and have been on levothyroxine for almost 2 years now. I don't care what people say about the generic brands but once you're on over 50mg one or two milligrams either way isn't noticeable. If you like as long as you always get the same manufacturers pills it won't make a difference either; but then again, if it doesn't cost you more get what ever you want. I've never had a problem though.

I try not to each too much broccoli and it's relatives but I haven't cut it or soy out completely. As long as you are more or less consistent in what you eat they should be able to adjust your dose to take account of any absorption of Thyroxine caused buy your diet.

Thyroxine has a half life of about 2 weeks so I don't really think you've been on it long enough to really assess how it will effect you. Once you are on the correct dose though you just have to be a stricter dieter than most. Our metabolism is partially controlled by our little pills so as far as i can tell doesn't go up and down as much as a healthy persons. Get the right dose and keep up the diet, you'll be fine.

>>ajtimes24u what's your TSH I can't lose weight at all unless it's right at the low end.

Also, once you lose the weight have your dose checked again, esspecily if you have any hyperthyroid syptoms. A smaller you can need a smaller dose.

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've been on levoxyl for years.  I just lost 72 pounds in 10 months with strict diet and exercise.  Minimum 500 deficit, sometimes a little more.  I ate broccoli almost every day, did not know there was a problem with it.  When the weight starts coming off, you will more than likely need to adjust your meds.  My levels went crazy after about 25 pounds, but I am sure everyone is different.  Good luck.  Just wanted you to know it is possible!