How to Increase Metabolism and Weightloss With a Thyroid Problem

A big problem with an under active thyroid is that food doesn't seem to give you enough energy no matter what you eat. Weight loss with a thyroid problem is a constant battle against food cravings, depressed mood, low energy and inability to increase your metabolism like other people.First step is to ensure you get blood tests and ongoing tests with your health practitioner to determine whether your thyroid problem is permanent. Sometimes an under active thyroid or "hypothyroidism" is a temporary phase for the thyroid. You may also experience a combination of over active thyroid and under active thyroid, which is largely triggered by life stresses, poor nutrition, bad sleep and emotional problems.The thyroid monitors the internal heat of the body and increases the metabolism in relation to energy needed. Once this is out of balance, your whole metabolism is out of balance and to increase your metabolism requires "boosts" through out your day. Using several small meals is a good strategy, however you may find you need more energy and have a need to eat more to get immediate energy. A portion of animal protein (especially fatty fish) works better at times when you are craving immediate energy so you avoid overeating carbs.Weight loss with a problem thyroid is a process of determining the amounts of protein and carbs that will stabilize your particular body chemistry. Different bodies have different types of metabolism that determines the food combinations that will increase or slow down weight loss results. Meeting the emotional and energy needs of someone with a problem thyroid is just as important as your diet. There is a direct relationship between an increase of metabolism and a hunger for life. If you stimulate your mood you can overcome your metabolic slumps and stay motivated.Here are some important steps in include in managing a Thyroid Problem.1. Use a food and thoughts diary to write down your mood and energy after eating certain types of carbs and proteins. Write down the rough proportion of protein, carbs and fats in your meals (and note if fried fat or fat at room temperature). Calories are not the focus here. You want to record your energy level, your mood and how hungry or satisfied you were after the meal. This will give you clues as to how much and what type of protein, carbs and fat is good for you.2. Write down your feelings at the end of the day to record how motivated you were. After 6 weeks look back and notice what patterns and changes occurs in your thoughts, feelings and behavior. Notice how these are connected to your eating habits!3. Start the day taking a greens product on an empty stomach (one with spirulina, kelp, dulse, barley grass, oat grass). The best will have powdered greens from the land and sea).3. Try to "sleep in" between the hours of 7am to 9am; this is when the thyroid rejuvenates. Allow yourself extra sleep time as an under active thyroid needs extra time to restore. Whenever possible, allow yourself to wake naturally without an alarm clock.4. On waking, try 5-10 minutes of dance or yoga or stretching that you enjoy. Allow your body to feel itself rather than force itself to "workout". If you are in pain or feel cramped, try stretches where you hold the position for 5 minutes. From yoga, the forward bend when sitting on the floor is particularly good to release the adrenal glands. Also placing legs up the wall with the buttocks close to the wall stimulates blood flow in the whole body and helps with cramping.5. Whenever you can, have short bursts of activity with household chores or other physical activity. 10 minutes is fine. Break up your routine so you vary your activity level. This way your "workout" does not burn up all your available energy.6. Incorporate walking as a part of your day and find friends to go walking with. A lazy thyroid will get more stimulation from outdoor environments with varying air temperature rather than air-conditioning.7. Practice activities that make you feel good about yourself. People with a thyroid problem often avoid looking out for their own needs. Pick up that project that you've put on the shelf, book that cruise or just read a book. Discover what it is you really want to do!