Hello fellow Sparkers,

Someone in the low-carb group thought that I should share my journey with the hypothyroid group, but I decided it would be good to re-post here as well so that all Sparkers can read it too, all in hopes that I can help in any way I can. This is a lengthy post, but it's worth reading if you need support. I am 22 years old and have Hashimotos. I am finally at normal TSH and T4 levels, but it has been a bumpy 2 years getting there and I am still being monitored. I have found it very difficult to lose weight my entire life, but knowing that I have this disease has allowed me to come one step closer to fighting the battle of obesity and hypothyroidism.

In 2010, I began using the suggested Spark nutrition. This was previous to my diagnosis, but I lost 30 pounds. However, once I began feeling symptoms and the hypothyroidism got diagnosed, I was told I was at 18 TSH and I couldn't even maintain weight. I gained 60 pounds. After 2 years of losing and gaining, I finally decided to try a low-carb lifestyle.

I want to be clear that I DO eat carbs. They are just in the forms of nuts, veggies, and whole grains (Flatout breads are awesome!!). I also supplement with vitamins and make sure to use the Atkins bars when I have a sweet tooth.

I'm not saying that it may be the answer for everyone, because everyone's body is different. The low-carb lifestyle is not easy either, but if you are someone in the position I was in, this may be something to consider and discuss with your doctor. My doctor approved.

I've lost roughly 40 pounds with this plan in the past 6 months, and I am continuing a steady loss with muscle gain. It is along with lots of exercise and weekly SP LIVE meetings, but it has been the best 6 months my body has ever had.

I remember going to these groups desperately hoping that someone would know what I was going through, so it is my pleasure to give advice to any of you that are in similar situations.

Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism suck...but our bodies can fight it and we can achieve the goals we dream of.

Feel free to add me as a friend on SP. I'll stay in touch.


Brit