The Thyroid Gland: A Bane to My Weight Loss Goal

So, I've been worrying more and more about why I’m not losing weight even though I've been eating better and working out multiple times a week. I went to the doctor with my concerns, and of course, it was my fault and I just wasn't doing enough. He actually suggested I go to a weight-loss clinic and be put on a special calorie restricted diet (under 800 calories/day) to help me lose weight. Given that I've studied endocrinology for my degree, this scenario didn't appeal to me regardless of how “fast” the weight loss would be. I know my body and I knew something was wrong, so I wanted blood work to see what that could be. Long story short, 2 rounds of blood tests later, my concerns were validated as I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones that control metabolism in addition to other functions. Hypothyroidism, or under-active thyroid, is more common in women and people over age 50.  Early symptoms of this disease range from constipation, cold sensitivity, fatigue, heavier menstrual flow, joint or muscle pain to dry skin, depression, thin, brittle hair or fingernails, and weight gain.  

Well, I pretty much had all of those!  I had also started to suffer from some late symptoms like decreased sense of taste and smell and hoarseness. If you think you may have this or a similar problem, talk to your medical provider. He or she can conduct a physical examination and order lab tests to determine thyroid function (TSH and T4 tests). Other tests that may be done include cholesterol levels, complete blood count (CBC), liver enzymes, prolactin, and sodium tests. Thankfully, treatment for hypothyroidism is pretty simple and painless. The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking and relieve your symptoms bringing your hormone levels back to normal. 

Unfortunately, most people with an under-active thyroid will need lifelong therapy.  I should start treatment soon and honestly I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel afterwards. I’ll keep you updated!

Another day, Another Workout

Before going to work Tuesday and after work on Wednesday, I exercised with my trainer, Zach. As usual, it was hard, but fun.  Since I began training over a year ago, I've had to use a bosu for many of my workouts. If you don’t know what a bosu is, I will share what I discovered from the source itself, www.bosu.com. Invented by David Weck, the BOSU® Balance Trainer debuted in 2000. Originally the name “BOSU” was an acronym for “Both Sides Up”; now means “Both Sides Utilized.” 

Just one of the many BOSU balls to choose! Price varies. 

I really hate the days when Zach brings out the bosu. I’m not great at balance on flat ground, so putting me a raised platform/half exercise ball contraption just makes me feel inadequate in everything. Last night was no exception.  Now, I've done many exercises using the bosu (some pictured below), but doing squats on the bosu was awful! 

Burpees and the Bosu

Crunches and the Bosu

I found this picture of what it is supposed to look like online; I can tell you I look nothing like this.

Squats and the Bosu

My legs shook the whole time -- I thought east TN was experiencing another earthquake! One and one-half minutes (1.5 m) later, I was done and strangely,  felt a sense of accomplishment. Zach is very challenging, but encouraging. He always says my form is excellent, so I could totally be a fitness model! My sessions are almost over, so I’m really going to miss Zach, his training, and his fun banter.  I’ll keep you posted on my progress. If you are in the area and interested in a personal trainer, you should meet Zach J. I highly recommend him (but, maybe not his bosu exercises :P)! 

New Season, New Clothes

This weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a Sample Share co-hosted by Old Navy and Crowdtap. I've probably mentioned this site/company before, but in case you didn't know, it is a marketing company allows other companies (Old Navy, Woolite, Playtex, Verizon, AT&T, and McCormick’s Grill-mates to name a few) to get opinions and feedback from everyday consumers like you and me to aid them in making their products better through samples and discussions. So far, I've been able to get lots of free stuff and have even given some much needed funds to various charities.

Check out Crowdtap for more sampling opportunities!

 Anyway, I took my mom along with me to the store so that she could get a free dress too! Our local store had just been renovated, and this was the first time I had visited the new store. To say the least, I was very surprised and pleased! The Turkey Creek Old Navy (Knoxville, TN) can now boast a much larger store, an awesome jewelry and accessories bar, and better dressing rooms/space.  They can also boast a super friendly staff who were very curious (and very kind) as to why my mother and I were trying on lots of clothes and taking pictures all over the store.  If you are in town, I would definitely recommend checking it out and purchasing from popcorn from Popcornopolis while you are there. My mom and I had a great time and we got some cute dresses. I picked out a light brown cowl neck sweater dress with a gathered waist band; retail price $34.96, my price $0.00.   I thought it flattered my new figure well and could be a great foundation piece for the fall/winter season.
 

For Winter, I paired my sweater dress with a long coat and scarf. Those shoes were pretty cute too, but  one size too small for me. Old Navy needs more size 11 shoes :)

My mother picked out an orange warm knit sleeveless dress paired with a matching belt; retail price $24.96, her price $0.00. Luckily, we wear the same size, so I will probably be wearing this one as well.  We also thought this was a good foundation piece and it can easily transition from the fall/winter to the spring/summer.  

I modeled it, mom purchased it. It really is a good transitional piece!

We took lots of pictures of multiple looks and overall had a great time. If you ever get the opportunity, join Crowdtap and see if you can get some new, awesome, free stuff as well. 

31 Pounds for My 31st

Hello everyone! It’s been awhile since my last blog update. My excuse is that life got in the way, but we all have that excuse. During that time of blog silence, my friend got married and my dress was still too big even after alterations (picture below).

Becca and Kevin's Wedding (Photo courtesy of Cortney Cutcher, edited by SEH)

I’ve still been working out with my new trainer and so far, I’ve about 5 pounds of fat and have continued to tone up/increase fitness.  Lately, I started thinking about my birthday last year (my 30^th) and couldn’t remember anytime too incredible other than being in Las Vegas and having someone ask if I was turning 21! I didn’t want this year to be a complete let down by comparison, so I decided to issue a challenge to myself...lose 31 pounds for my 31^st birthday. I’ve been working on it for a while, but the next 31 days I’m really going to focus on this challenge. I’m also going to try to be more diligent on my blog updates, so that you all can help keep me in check.  Thinking about a holiday or special event challenge yourself? Let me know. I’d love to hear from you J

Last year's Birthday picture. Here's to making this years much, much better!