I have come to terms that hair loss will always be a part of my life since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis about 14-15 years ago. What I didn't realize, was that when I am under extreme stress, physically and mentally, the hair loss increases greatly. I had already been somewhat stressed for two weeks, then last Friday, something really put my stress levels over the edge. Ever since then, I have been losing about two times the amount of hair. It's not pretty. As much as that's a negative, I have also found a positive.
I am back on track to losing weight, and I'm finally figuring out how my body works. I have not exercised at all, but in the last two weeks, I have lost two pounds. Two pounds in two weeks, for anyone who is hypothyroid, is considered a good rate of weight loss when the average is 1/2 pound a week. I know what works for me isn't going to work for everyone with thyroid disease, because everyone could be at various stages. I went mis/undiagnosed for about five years, so my body was suffering from almost every symptom that can come with Hashimoto's. Also, I am NOT trying to promote a very low-caloric diet. These types of things should always be discussed with a doctor to see if it's the right thing to do. This is what works for me. But I digress.
I know that if I want to just maintain my weight, I cannot eat over 1600 calories a day. If I do, my weight will vary. If I want to lose weight, I have to eat 1200 calories or less (usually less works better for me). I've also noticed that I don't love a lot of foods like I used to. I have become so bored with some foods that I rarely or don't eat them at all. Dairy is something that is almost non-existent to me with the exception of cheese, and even that I rarely eat as well. I have also begun drinking a lot more water.
I admit that in the past, I drank very little water. Even after having a lithotripsy to remove a kidney stone. Soda was, no is, my one addiction that I have never really broken away from, but I do think it's something that I may get bored with. I say this because I tend to buy fountain sodas, drink a little bit of them, then let them sit and get watered down. I just can't finish them no matter the size. This is true even with a can of soda. I'll drink half and just let the other half go flat. I'm sure that the increased water intake and the decreased soda intake has a lot to do with the weight loss, probably more so than the reduced caloric intake. I can't even imagine what the weight loss could be like if I start exercising again.
I have been so stressed which has caused me to be more tired than normal. The naps have come back with full force, but I know I need to start back. I just have to push myself no matter how tired I am. I know when I exercise, I get a good burst of energy to get things done. It's always a double-edged sword, exercise and energy. Need to exercise to get energy but also need the energy to exercise. Maybe I'll start back on the Wii Fit. Slow and steady as they say. Baby steps.
