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Let me share a little story…
When I was first diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and PCOS, I felt utterly lost. I struggled with stubborn weight, relentless fatigue. Desperation led me to try everything; juices, fasting, endless running, but nothing seemed to work. I was hyper-focused on the scales, and every weigh-in felt like a personal battle. No matter how hard I tried, how closely I followed all "the rules," the numbers barely budged. It was disheartening, frustrating.
Little did I know, my well-intentioned efforts were making my symptoms worse, not better.
The Truth About Thyroid and PCOS Weight Loss
With an underactive thyroid, PCOS, your body faces unique challenges. Hormonal imbalances, inflammation, a slower metabolism are just some of the hurdles. What I didn’t realise back then is that my approach (fasting, restricting food, endless cardio) was causing more harm than good. These habits were stressing my body, depriving it of nutrients, sending my hormones into further disarray.
I thought the only way to lose weight was through punishment. But here’s the truth: the exact opposite is true.
My Turning Point: Focusing on Nourishment, Not Restriction
Everything changed when I discovered weight training. I swapped hours of cardio, strength training, shifted my focus from calorie restriction to nutrient-dense eating. This wasn’t easy at first, changing your mindset never is. But the results were undeniable.
Suddenly, my body began to transform, even when the scales stayed the same. My strength increased, my energy soared, my mood lifted. Why? Because I was finally working with my body, not against it. By nourishing it with the right foods, building muscle through weight training, I was improving my metabolism. This allowed my body to burn more calories...even while resting.
so, Where to Start?
If you’re struggling with weight loss due to an underactive thyroid, PCOS, here’s where to begin:
Shift Your Focus from the Scales: The scale is just one metric, it doesn’t tell the full story. Measure success in strength, energy levels, how you feel in your body.
Prioritise Strength Training: Lifting weights helps you build muscle, which boosts your metabolism. Aim for 2-4 sessions a week, focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, presses.
Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods: Think about the quality of your food. Focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, plenty of vegetables. Avoid refined sugars, processed foods that can worsen inflammation.
Support Your Hormones: Include foods rich in omega-3s, magnesium, zinc to support hormonal balance.
Listen to Your Body: Rest is as important as exercise. Overtraining can exacerbate fatigue, stress your body. Incorporate gentle activities like yoga, walking on recovery days.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Progress might be slow, but it’s progress nonetheless. Celebrate small wins, trust the process.
Get support
My journey has turned into my purpose: helping women navigate the complexities of thyroid conditions, PCOS, hormonal imbalances. I’ve dedicated myself to learning everything I can about these conditions, empowering others to take back control of their health.
If you’re feeling lost, confused, or alone, I want you to know there’s hope. Together, we can create a personalised plan that works for your body, your life. You’re not in this alone, you don’t have to stay stuck. Let’s work together to transform your health, reclaim your confidence.
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