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Thyroid diet

Posted , 7 users are following.

tris132
tris132

I'm becoming more and more uncomfortable with the idea of eating meat and really want  to become a vegetarian.  Every meat substitute seems to be soya-based, which is a definite no-no for those with an underactive thyroid.  Can anyone give me any advice regarding a healthy, vegetarian diet with sufficient protein?  Bearing in mind the problems that hypothyroid people have with weight gain.  I expect a great deal of opposition from my husband,  who  is a dyed-in-the-wool meat-eater and cooks a lot of our meals, so I don't expect this to be easy.  

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • patricia22367
    patricia22367 tris132

    Posted

    Hi, I've been a vegetarian for around 28 years and diagnosed hypothyroid about 7 years ago.

    I took it slow to start I cut out all red meat for a year, then all poultry for a year, then all fish. It made the transition easier.

    Also, I don't use any meat substitutes I just eat food without meat in it, like spaghetti, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches and so on.

    You don't have to worry about protein because protein is in everything - just not complete protein like what's in meat. You can eat normally and your body will automatically combine the incomplete proteins from the plant food for you - especially if you are still eating dairy.

    It's really great to be vegetarian, I hope you do it!  It's definately a good way to go for weight, health, the environment, and of course for the animals.

    • tris132
      tris132 patricia22367

      Posted

      Thank you so much Liza - that's just what I wanted to hear!  Now all I have to do is persuade my husband (who is a meat-lover and does most of our cooking).    
  • monsie92668
    monsie92668 tris132

    Posted

    I am not a medical professional, but I have been struggling all my life

    with weight, stamina, my thyroid and adrenals have a lot to be desired.

    i made it to 78!. I very strongly recommend you to eat meat: hormone

    free beef, chicken, pork, you need the proteins of the meat. Please do

    not become vegetarian. I know what I am talking about. Something

    we must not eat is: C E R E A L S. I feel so much better since I do not

    eat cereals!!! I wish I had know earlier.

    monsie

    • tris132
      tris132 monsie92668

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply monsie.  I want to give up meat for ethical reasons, as long as it doesnt impact my thyroid health. At the age of 63 I'm a bit late coming to the party because my husband has always resisted, and still does, but it's been bothering me for a long time and I've reached the point where I really do want to become vegetarian.  I am wheat intolerant so cereals do not appear on my menu.  
    • patricia22367
      patricia22367 tris132

      Posted

      It's okay if your husband still wants to cook and eat meat, this is what I do. If he makes steak and potatoes, just add a side of green beans and almonds, and a salad to that.

      There's your meal. Potatoes, green beans with almonds, and a salad. I make my salads hearty by adding some combination of shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, big croutons, olives, sliced avacodos, extra olive oil, etc. You can make a meal just of the salad some days with all the stuff you can add to it.

      Good luck! Welcome to the veggie world.

    • patricia22367
      patricia22367

      Posted

      Oh, you can also add beans to your salads, you don't even have to cook them, just open the can, I rinse mine, and sprinkle some in. You will come up with so many ways to eat good food as you go and hubbie can still eat his steaks. 
    • tris132
      tris132 patricia22367

      Posted

      Thanks very much for the suggestions Liza.  I'm a reluctant and unimaginative cook - I guess that will have to change!  I need to investigate some tasty salads, so your suggestion is a good start - and much appreciated.
  • nicci74
    nicci74 tris132

    Posted

    Hi Tris132, apologies if i already posted half a message, half way through typing it disappeared....

    I don't know if Quorn is something you've considered but according to their website it does not contain soy. However after beginning to eat often my partner and i experienced very gargly stomachs and he in particular had pains and nausea.

    My point is if you are considering Quorn, read up on the dangers of Quorn on line as I'm not so sure the side affects or reactions are as rare as they make out on their website. Sorry it's not maybe the answer you wanted but also wanted you to be aware of this well known meat substitute.

    • tris132
      tris132 nicci74

      Posted

      Hi nicci.  Thanks for your reply.  Quorn isn't an option for me since it contains wheat.  So  guess I'd be limited to eggs, cheese and some seeds and vegetables for my protein.
    • leigh25499
      leigh25499 tris132

      Posted

      Hi,  If you are in the UK, there are Quorn products that are gluten free, please look at the Quorn . co. uk website.   Best wishes!
    • tris132
      tris132 leigh25499

      Posted

      Thank you very much Leigh - I will certainly have a look smile
  • mary59914
    mary59914 tris132

    Posted

    I've been veggie for the last 30yrs, have recently been diagnosed hypo and currently considering going gluten free.

    When I became veggie I did it from one day to the next. I'd suggest changing in a way that will make it easy on you, listen to your body etc.

    I started increasing intake of nuts and seeds - however if you are watching your weight you may have to research this a bit as nuts are fattening. Also make sure you add beans and pulses....lentils, (I use red lentils most as they cook fast and don't give gas), chick peas, kidney beans etc.

    I tend to make meals with 3 or 4 veg in each dish. Things such as risotto made with mushrooms, lemon and almonds. Mixed pasta salad with broccoli, green peas, tomatoes, olives...soups are v nutritious and not fattening at all.

    Protein is in many things besides meat. Google it. The thing you have to be careful about is amino acids and making sure you get enough vit b. I take a vit b complex supplement. I also take omegas supplement.

    • tris132
      tris132 mary59914

      Posted

      Thank you for replying Mary.  Yes, I am trying to lose weight (juicing for breakfast, good, hearty vegetable soups for lunch and normal dinner in the evening with no snacks in between).  Eating nuts and seeds is something I'd have to control or I'd be tempted to have too many (self-discipline is not my strong point!)  I like lentils and some pulses so that's all do-able.  I think I need to google amino acids and vitamin B to make sure I'd be getting enough nutrients.  
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