Over the last few years in the Hellobee community, I’ve talked a lot about my visits to naturopathic doctors, and the various treatments I’ve tried. At first it was for general health and weight loss, then for PCOS and infertility, then for depression and anxiety, and now we’ve come full circle and I’m back on the general health and weight loss wagon.
Here’s the thing. I’ve lost the baby weight. It was gone by about 6 months postpartum. But I’m not saying that to brag. I’m saying that because, though the scale says I’m back to ‘normal,’ I know that’s not true. Having a baby does some weird things to your body, folks. I’ve got this weird muffin top/spare tire hanging out around my waist, my hips are wider than they were before, and there are some bizarre inner-thigh lumps that have tagged along. I’m not ashamed of my postpartum body….but I’m not content to leave it the way it is.
A big part of my issue when it comes to weight loss is that pesky PCOS. I’m insulin-resistant, and I hold on to fat like nobody’s business. Combine that with a sluggish thyroid, sloooooow metabolism, and general love of all things carbohydrate, and I’m a bit of a weight loss nightmare.
So, besides upping the exercise and ditching the cupcakes, what is my naturopath recommending for me? Here’s a glimpse into my treatment plan.
*note: I’m not a medical professional. These recommendations were made for my specific situation. If you want to try any of these treatments, I’d recommend finding a naturopath….or at least don’t hold me accountable if you don’t see results*
Power Seeds: I’ve talked about these before – an equal mix of flax, chia and hemp seeds to add protein, help with blood sugar regulation, and give some added nutrition.
Inositol: helps with the breakdown of fats, insulin regulation and control of blood sugar.
Protein: I’m supposed to aim for roughly 100g protein per day. This is WAY more than I was eating before, but it is helping with energy and keeping me full longer. One way I make sure to get my protein is with a vegan protein powder; one serving adds about 25g protein to my morning smoothie.
Water: this is probably the single best nutrition tip I’ve received. How many pounds do you weigh? Cut that in half, and aim for at least that number of ounces of water per day. This can be plain water, water infused with fruits or other flavours, or even herbal tea (as long as it is unsweetened and uncaffeinated). Just chug that water – you’ll feel much better!
Have you picked up any great weight loss habits? Anything I’m missing?
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
Yes to the protein
And weight training. It’s key.
olive / 64 posts
This is really helpful. I also have PCOS, insulin resistance and hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s. I have finally found a great endocrinologist who is a MD but also well educated and open minded to more natural treatments. I’m curious are you taking Synthroid or Armour? I’m always concerned with meds/supplements interfering with my thyroid meds. Did u experience side effects from the Inositol? I’m going to ask my Dr about it next visit. I need to up my power seeds too. Thank you so much for this information!!!
apricot / 313 posts
@Theresa: I’m very interested in knowing this too. I will be lobbying for Armour in a couple weeks after my TT. I’m always open to learning new ways to help with weight loss, especially after losing my thyroid.
blogger / honeydew / 7081 posts
@Theresa: @MamaPhoenix: I’m not taking anything for my thyroid, because it’s not hypo- or hyper-…its just kinda sluggish. Not enough to warrant Synthroid or anything, though I am being monitored. No side effects that I’ve noticed from the inositol – I put it in my smoothie in the morning.