Weight Loss
We all know that trying to lose weight is an awful process. Most people who've endured a thyroid condition have tried countless different diet types, from renewed will power, to low fat, to grapefruit-and-bacon, and dozens more. They range from the impossible to the laughable. Everyone has their own horror stories and favorite tactics.
The list below is a tribute to people who have tried anything and everything -- you're not alone. And just because these diets are listed here, does not mean that they are recommended, endorsed, or any good for you at all. Think of this as a tribute to all of the stuff that people with thyroid conditions have endured.
Some Favorites - Laughable and Helpful
- South Beach Diet. I've actually enjoyed this diet, and find that I feel best on a high-protein/responsible carb menu. Some useful information on Wikipedia. You too? Let us know on the Discussion Board.
- Weight Watchers. No complaints about this one, and some friends swear by it.
- Hollywood Diet.. One of the more ridiculous ones, I think, but I've never tried it. Don't plan to, either.
- Master Cleanse (a.k.a., the Lemonade Diet). While few people will recommend this for the sole purpose of weight loss, it has its proponents for general health. I've tried this once on a fast (not related to weight loss goals), and found - surprisingly - that I felt great. It was the first time I felt like I was satiated and not living from meal to meal.
- The Zone Diet.
- Food Allergy Testing. Everything from food allergies to food sensitivities are said to mess with weight loss efforts. I've gone through the testing, but nothing's mattered. Food sensitivity testing can be done by companies like the Alcat. There's a good book by Jonathan Brostoff (MD) on the difference between allergies and sensitivities. In layman's terms, an allergy is something that your body has an immune response to (by producing antibodies), and a sensitivity is something non-allergenic that your body has a different type of reaction to. I found the book to have sound (and scientific) answers, to explore helpful topics, and to dispel some myths.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet. There must be 50 versions of this diet, but all center around eating foods that keep your body from stress during the course of digestion, and usually focus on eating foods like fish, lots of greens, and healthy nuts. Dr. Weil's site has a good description.
- Detox Diet.
- Raw Food Diet.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Diet.