The KInd Life Community Forum

I agree that keeping track of your calories is a good way to start. It's not something you need to do for forever, but it can help you get a jump-start and have in the back of your mind where you are for your calories each day.

Try the PCRM 21 day kickstart--I lost eight pounds doing that. And you won't be hungry! I was almost having a hard time eating all the food. Or, try to eat as close to superhero as possible--little to no processed foods, whole grains, beans, veggies, and greens.

I like the rice porridge from TKD, and I make enough for two servings so all I have to do is reheat (on the stove usually) the porridge the next morning. And I try to have some steamed greens with it. That makes for a great start to the day with all the fiber. Other breakfasts I like are the mochi waffles or the miso soup.

Despite the marketing, Special K and related products are not healthy. Most of their products are so full of junk and are so processed.

For salads, I find I don't really need dressing. If I've got a good mix of stuff in there (cucumber, tomato, avocado, garbanzo beans, carrot, broccoli, sometimes artichoke hearts, whatever), there is usually enough moisture to "dress" the salad. And if you get away from processed foods, you won't miss the dressing, you'll be tasting all the yummy salad stuff on it's own. (Don't get me wrong, I do love some Amy's salad dressings; but they are more an occasional thing.)

Fiber! The more beans and whole grains you eat, the easier it will be to lose weight.

Good luck!

Hi Lona,

I guess it depends on the portions of everything you're eating (if you smother the salad in dressing obviously that's a problem, but a little bit of olive oil dressing might be fine!). Is the almond milk sweetened? I used to love Special K - I ate it every morning for at least a year - but have switched to whole grain porridge and it keeps me full for a lot longer. My impression when I read your list of food was that you don't eat very much!! I could never make it to lunch with only a bowl of Special K with milk for breakfast ... today I had sweet rice and corn, sprinkled with craisins and walnuts, and steamed broccoli.. Don't be afraid to eat whole grains with every meal! Have you tried replacing the soda with healthier alternatives? Check your local health food store and you may be able to find something carbonated and delicious without all the sugar!

This message is for Lori. I was curious why foods from the cabbage family would contribute or be related to thyroid problems. What other foods should those with thyroid problems avoid, according to your naturopath?

Thanks Lori. And what do you mean by thyroid boosting supplement? You're not referring to thyroid medicine, are you? What about iodine and sea vegtables? I appreciate the info.

Blood tests for thyroid and hormonal health are notoriously inaccurate. A good way to test your thyroid function is by testing your basal body temperature first thing in the morning.

Lori is also right into watching goitrogenic foods as they interfere with thyroid function by messing with the thyroids uptake of iodine. Goitrogens is largely inactivated by cooking in as little as 10 minutes. But as many juice or include these greens raw in there smoothies or salads it can be an issue if you have a thyroid disorder and/or are not intaking adequate dietary iodine. Flax is another food which is considered goitrogenic due to high levels of phyto-estrogens.

Thyroid issues are very dependant on the cause, low iodine can be one cause, adrenal gland dysfunction, low selenium, tyrosine, estrogen dominance etc.

Nothing wrong with a little seaweeds to make sure your getting adequate iodine and they are very healthy for you anyway with lots of benefits. If you find you have an auto-immune thyroid disorder then dont go overboard with iodine or seaweeds.

http://www.amlaberry.co.uk