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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Hi Ladies,
My thyroid tests came back normal (thankfully!) but my metabolism seems very slow. In my fitness quest, I want to make sure I am being healthy. If my thyroid is normally functioning, does that mean my metabolism and body are not in harm? Does this question even make sense? lol I apologize if it doesn;t!
Message edited 5/10/2011 9:31:52 PM.
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Posted 5/10/11 8:45 PM  |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Techinically metabolism is defined as the sum total of all your life proesses. Therefore, if you metabolism is normal, I would assume all of your life functions your body carries out are functioning at a normal rate.
Not sure if that helped at all...I doubt it did, but I figured I would offer my (little) knowledge on metabolism that comes along with teaching Biology!
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| Posted 5/10/11 9:18 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Posted by LDrinkh20
Hi Ladies,
My thyroid tests came back normal (thankfully!) but my metabolism seems very slow. In my fitness quest, I want to make sure I am being healthy. If my thyroid is normally functioning, does that mean my metabolism and body are not in harm? Does this question even make sense? lol I apologize if it doesn;t!
ETA: my question didn't actually ask what I meant it to!
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| Posted 5/10/11 9:31 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Having a slow metabolism does not mean you are unhealthy or at any risk for disease. If you are really curious you can have a doctor (usually an endocrinologist) perform a breathing test (indirect calorimetry) to determine your resting energy expenditure.
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| Posted 5/10/11 9:38 PM |
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missfabulous
#mommyneedswine
Member since 6/09 10031 total posts
Name:
Colleen
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Ahh now I see what you are asking!!
I dont want to give you any wrong information, but arent there many factors that affect your rate of metabolism? For example, I've read that lifting weights and building muscle helps speed your metabolism, eating small meals often also helps. If this is the case, then I would assume your thyroid only plays a role in the grand scheme of metabolism.
Dont take my word...this is just 100% a guess! Trying to throw out ideas to help you 
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| Posted 5/10/11 9:39 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Posted by missfabulous
Ahh now I see what you are asking!!
I dont want to give you any wrong information, but arent there many factors that affect your rate of metabolism? For example, I've read that lifting weights and building muscle helps speed your metabolism, eating small meals often also helps. If this is the case, then I would assume your thyroid only plays a role in the grand scheme of metabolism.
Dont take my word...this is just 100% a guess! Trying to throw out ideas to help you
Colleen your info is correct...a lot of factors can increase metabolism. Building lean muscle is a great way to boost your metabolism- muscle tissue is about 8x more metabolically active then fat. Eating protein also boosts your metabolism more then eating carbohydrates...this is called the thermic effect of food- eating burns calories b/c the food needs to be processed.
This formula is a good way to think about the factors that contribute to your metabolism:
CALORIES TAKEN IN FROM FOOD =
CALORIES EXPENDED FROM BASAL METABOLISM +
CALORIES EXPENDED BY ACTIVITY +
CALORIES EXPENDED DIGESTING FOOD (THERMIC EFFECT)
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| Posted 5/10/11 9:52 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
I guess my question is if my thyroid is functioning am I ok to still continue dieting even though it seems my metabolism is sluggish? I workout very regularly and have put on some muscle so I have done all I can in that sense...thoughts?
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| Posted 5/11/11 11:42 AM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
You can continue dieting but maybe try switching things up a bit. Introduce some new foods and vary your macro-nutrients to try to find what your body responds to best. If you generally eat high protein, low carbohydrates and low fat add some fat or increase your carbohydrates. Another important question to consider is Are you eating enough food each day? If your thyroid is functioning properly and you exercise regularly are you eating enough?
I am curious why you feel your metabolism is slow? Are you gaining significant amounts of weight?
You can also try switching up your workouts.
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| Posted 5/11/11 12:29 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Im not gaining significant amounts of weight but I am completely unable to lose it. Or maybe its just VERY almost PAINFULLY slow. Im a little person so I know it won't be quick or huge amounts but i feel that no matter what workouts i do or what my nutritionist and I try (different macro combinations) it just doesn';t really want to move!
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| Posted 5/11/11 2:13 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Posted by LDrinkh20
Im not gaining significant amounts of weight but I am completely unable to lose it. Or maybe its just VERY almost PAINFULLY slow. Im a little person so I know it won't be quick or huge amounts but i feel that no matter what workouts i do or what my nutritionist and I try (different macro combinations) it just doesn';t really want to move!
It sounds like your body is happy where it is. This may not be a matter of metabolism it may simply be that you are at a healthy weight and further losses are going to be VERY slow. I remember you posting that you were trying to gain weight a few months ago since then how much have you lost? If you five feet tall and have a medium frame you should weigh around 100 pounds.
Message edited 5/11/2011 2:26:36 PM.
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| Posted 5/11/11 2:25 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Posted by MrsG823
Posted by LDrinkh20
Im not gaining significant amounts of weight but I am completely unable to lose it. Or maybe its just VERY almost PAINFULLY slow. Im a little person so I know it won't be quick or huge amounts but i feel that no matter what workouts i do or what my nutritionist and I try (different macro combinations) it just doesn';t really want to move!
It sounds like your body is happy where it is. This may not be a matter of metabolism it may simply be that you are at a healthy weight and further losses are going to be VERY slow. I remember you posting that you were trying to gain weight a few months ago since then how much have you lost? If you five feet tall and have a medium frame you should weigh around 100 pounds.
I am right around where you said as far as pounds go so I know i am at a healthy weight. I am trying to lean out a bit though and it is taking FOREVER> So what do I do if my body is happy here but I am not happy here? lol I have probably lost around 3 lbs in the few months that I have been cutting. SO slow!
Message edited 5/11/2011 6:09:54 PM.
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| Posted 5/11/11 6:09 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
If your body is happy where it is this might be a sign to re-evaluate your weight loss goals. If you feel your muscles are too bulky maybe you could vary your weight training routine. I know I frequently post that pilates is a great way to strengthen your core but since I started doing it I really notice a difference in my body. It really does build long lean muscle.
Keep in mind three pounds is a lot when you only weigh 100 pounds.
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| Posted 5/11/11 7:16 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
I dont feel too bulky...i actually want a bit more definition...i know that means fat loss which Iam trying hard to do! It's SO slow though
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| Posted 5/12/11 9:28 AM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Hang in there Lauren! 
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| Posted 5/12/11 3:52 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Thanks Samantha! What you said about a few pounds being a lot to lose at my weight makes a lot of sense and it is something I have to keep reminding myself of. I just have to keep plugging along I suppose!! 
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| Posted 5/12/11 4:12 PM |
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JME78
LIF Adult
Member since 11/09 3672 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Have you been on a restrictive diet for awhile? This can slow your metabolism - My metabolism is pretty slow, I have been watching my calories for years and for several months I couldn't lose weight at all, even though I was eating so little - I had to spend a couple weeks eating much higher calories to reset my metabolism.
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| Posted 5/12/11 7:27 PM |
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LDrinkh20
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 1820 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Thyroid/Metabolism question?
Posted by JME78
Have you been on a restrictive diet for awhile? This can slow your metabolism - My metabolism is pretty slow, I have been watching my calories for years and for several months I couldn't lose weight at all, even though I was eating so little - I had to spend a couple weeks eating much higher calories to reset my metabolism.
Yes I have been on a restrictive diet for a while and I know this is probably what is causing the slow down. I work with a nutritionist and he has me add a cheat day each week to help this out but I have trouble with it because im afraid I am going to gain. I need to do better with this!
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| Posted 5/12/11 9:48 PM |
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