quote:<HR>Originally posted by reboot:
The protein won't help you or anyone else lose weight. Protein has 4 calories per gram, approximately the same as carbs so its effect on weight in just about identical to carbs.

Protein may help moderate your hunger however. A meal that contains a slab of liver will keep you satisfied a lot longer than the equivalent in carbs.

The real problem is that hunger is not usually the reason a person over eats. Much of the overeating is a matter of habit. Changes in routine can help break the habit and along with portion control, can go a long way toward managing weight.

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There is an effect on weight from substituting carb calories with protein calories. The weight loss that is noticed will usuallybe a water loss, assuming the same calorie intake. Carbs absorb water, protein does not.

The OP does not say that she is overeating.

The real problem is that the OP has an underactive thyroid. kb: How long have you been on the medication? Have you had your doctor do new tests since you have been on it? Is it still the appropriate dose for you?

FWIW, I am hungrier when doing marathon training and have more trouble limiting my snacks when my mileage goes up. I also take care to drink enough, since I tend to feel hungrier when I do not drink. Many runners report weight gain when marathon training.

I posted something recently here on added protein in the diet. Take a llok at those replies.

I agree its water and then when you increase the carbs you retain again. Have you thought about seeing a nutritionist who deals with thyroid issue? How many calories do you think you consume daily? Also what types of food do you focus on?I think if your training you need adequate fuel which unless told by a doc for special needs is balance in my eye

I too am hypo, and about 20 lbs overweight. On my medication, my thyroid is just under 1 (.98) and for me, I feel great, lots more energy and not cold etc. (any of the myriad of hypo symptoms). Having said that, I am on a strict 1400-cals/day regimen (low-fat, high(er) protein, and balanced good carbs. I am running 3-6 miles 4x a week, plus 2 days/wk strength training. With everything, I have dropped 5 pounds in 2 months. Yup, that's it. Five lousy pounds. Better than gaining 5 I suppose, but a frustrating journey nevertheless.

BTW - my eating/exercise is monitored and approved by my endo, and I am not in any way starving or anything like that. We tried 1500-1700/day, but apparently, for me, that's maintenance calories. Sorry for a little TMI, but I don't want this to turn into different kind of post than OP intended. =)

If you are hypothyroid, it is essential to keep a detailed food journal (such as on SparkPeople.com) and exercise journal that you can share with your doctor. If you have a good doc like mine, he will treat you as a person, not just a TSH number. If all he/she treats is the number, then get a different doc.

http://This message has been edited by Chrissy7377 (edited Apr-16-2007).