Tag Archives: Heart health

Winning the Weight loss War with Hypothyroidism Plus 14 Day Diet Plan with Recipes

How can I lose weight seems the be the most frequently asked question that I hear?

It seemed no matter what diet I tried, I couldn’t lose the weight. No matter what exercise I tried, I couldn’t shed the weight. What I was missing and what I didn’t figure out until much later is that there were many things at play with my weight loss battle. The thyroid medication that I was taking was synthetic T4. I needed my T3 to be converted as well. See, my T3 was my energy hormone and I suffered from this horrible imbalance of my T4 not converting to T3 which lead to my adrenal fatigue. My system was so over worked, I had a lack of nutrients and my body was severely imbalanced. The adrenal fatigue put my body in a battle and my cortisol levels were out of this world! Cortisol add fat around my mid-section. So, the harder I exercised, the more “cortisol”-fat added to my stomach. Then let’s mention the leaky gut. My gut played a vital role in my autoimmunity. 95% of all thyroid diseases are autoimmune. Most often undiagnosed. I needed to get my gut fixed. The only way I was going to start to put my Hashimoto’s in remission is to start working on my gut. The 70% of my immune system is manufactured in my gut. Like an onion, I started to work on each layer that needed to be addressed, peeling it back, layer by layer. Did I have food sensitives? Many people have food sensitives continue to eat these foods that causes a leaky gut, candida and ph imbalances. Gluten, dairy, soy, eggs and processed foods are just to name a few. Also, no matter how much I worked on my foods and exercise. It wasn’t going do me any good if I continued to use household cleaners, under arm deodorants and fluoride toothpastes. The list can go on and one. I needed to start reading labels and not allow these toxins on my body. I was fighting an uphill battle for my life. I started by the elimination process. Uncovered what foods bothered me, fixed my gut, slowed down my exercise and switched my medication to Armour. I started eating clean, fermented veggies, low carb and healthy high fat. Reading food labels, if it was artificial or made in a lab I avoided it. If I couldn’t eat it, I didn’t put it on my body. I avoided all environmental toxins like the plague. I added vital vitamins and minerals that my body was missing and probiotics. This wasn’t a “diet” it was a lifestyle change. A complete overhaul of my life in every aspect. I had to start listening to my body, and not one of those a dietary theories. I couldn’t force foods that didn’t agree with me on myself because someone else thought they were healthy. Dietary theories are meant to be a starting point, your body will give you further directions. This is what lead me to writing my books on Hypothyroidism. Recipes that I’ve used and created for your Mind, body and spirit. These recipes not only nourish your body but feed your spirit. A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty

This was my secret to my success to my weight loss.

What will yours be?

I added more things like:

Olives
Avocado
Cooked Cruciferous vegetables (Limit this to no more than 2x per week)
Fermented foods
Fatty fish (e.g., wild-caught salmon trout, tuna and mackerel. )
Chicken and Turkey ( organic hormone & Antibiotic free)
Grass Fed Beef
leafy greens
Nitrate free bacon
Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia and flax
Coconut Flour, Almond Flour and hemp seeds
Chia Seeds
Kelp and seaweed
Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
coconut
coconut oil
organic butter ( preferably Grass fed)
ghee
Bone Broth
Eggs: Look for pastured or omega-3 whole eggs. ( if you don’t have a food allergy)
Cheese: Unprocessed cheese (cheddar, goat, cream, blue or mozzarella).
Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
Magnesium
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Zinc
Ancient Nutrition- Bone Broth Collagen Loaded with Bone Broth Co-Factors

Studies have shown that this lifestyle change will;

Cholesterol. This lifestyle change has shown to improve triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels most associated with arterial buildup.
Weight Loss. As your body is burning fat as the main source of energy, you will essentially be using your fat stores as an energy source while in a fasting state.
Blood Sugar. Many studies show the decrease of LDL cholesterol over time and have shown to eliminate ailments such as type 2 diabetes.
Energy. By giving your body a better and more reliable energy source, you will feel more energized during the day. Fats are shown to be the most effective molecule to burn as fuel.
Hunger. Fat is naturally more satisfying and ends up leaving us in a satiated (“full”) state for longer.
Acne. Recent studies have shown a drop in acne lesions and skin inflammation over 12 weeks.

Simple rules to apply!

Take your medication in the morning with 16oz of warm freshly squeezed lemon water

2. If you must drink coffee in the morning. Wait 1 hour after your medication and please let it be bullet proof coffee!

3. Drink a glass of water before every meal

4. Don’t drink your calories. Don’t waste your calories. Most of everything is a calorie. Read labels.

5. Eat a protein at every meal ( Remember: Soy & fake foods are not healthy proteins !!)

6. Avoid gluten

7. Avoid bad carbs. white potatoes

8. READ food labels ( stay away from fake, made in a lab, made by man, processed or artificial foods aka Frankenstein foods meaning they are not real) Remember if it can sit on the shelf for a long time, it certainly can sit in your body the same way.

9. Size does matter. Learn your portion sizes

10. Get your good fats in!

11. No fried foods, no fast food

12. Eat a real breakfast!

No Bake Dairy Free Sugar Free Overnight Oats

Ingredients
3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
3 cups unsweetened almond milk

3 tablespoon of chia seeds

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl stir together all ingredients except fruit toppings.
Let stand for 30 minutes.
Divide mixture into 4 mason jars, about 3/4 cup each or 6 mason jars, about 1/2 cup each.
Add fruit toppings to each if desired.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Quinoa Breakfast bowl

1 cup of cooked quinoa

1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/3 cup of blueberries

Cook quinoa according to directions

add almond milk to warm quinoa

Mix in cinnamon & blue berries

More great recipes Here click on link below

http://thehappyhealthfreak.com/recipes/keto-low-carb/

Metabolic syndrome

There are many studies showing that a lower -carb diets improve markers of metabolic syndrome such as blood lipids, insulin levels, HDL-cholesterol, LDL particle size and fasted blood sugar levels, and that the improvements reasonably are even greater when carbs and protein are restricted to a larger extent – i.e. when a more ketogenic approach is applied.

You may see some limitations on your performance when you first begin this lifestyle change, but as your body fully adapts to using fat as the primary source of energy – all of your strength and endurance will return to normal.

Many people ask if carbs are needed to build muscle. Of course they’re not. If you’re asking this question, I will assume you know how you gain mass.

As a precaution, you should always check with your physician if you have any concerns about starting a new way of eating. You should especially be weary if your family has any pre-existing kidney or diabetic conditions– as the higher intake of proteins will put strain on your kidneys.

High cholesterol, high blood sugar, and heart disease is not something you need to worry about. High fat, low carb diets are well-known and documented for their improvements in cholesterol, blood sugars, and reduction of heart disease.

Overall, eating a high amount of fat, moderate protein, and low amount of carbs can have a massive impact in your health – lowering your cholesterol, body weight, blood sugar, and raising your energy and mood levels.

Once you’re in the mindset to start a more realistic, healthy approach at losing body fat – a low carb lifestyle doesn’t seem as bad. Give it a few weeks to get over the initial hump, and those cravings for carbs will go away.

Some studies have shown links between artificial sweeteners and sugar cravings, so if you drink diet sodas or if you use a lot of artificial sweeteners – try to throw them out and reform your eating philosophies.

EAT. ENOUGH. SALT.

When you are eating lower carbs your body doesn’t retain water the same way, so sodium and other important electrolytes get flushed out quickly. You need to replenish these or you will feel awful – it can even lead to heart palpitations, panic attacks, and other different scary things.

Salted bone broth or stock is a great way to replenish your electrolytes. In addition, you should supplement potassium (I use a light salt which is half sodium and half potassium – works great and you can find it in your spice aisle) and magnesium to avoid lightheadedness, cramps, headaches, etc.

DRINK YOUR FAR SHARE OF WATER.

Water Boosts Metabolism

Lots of people don’t realize the true importance of drinking enough water everyday and how it can impact both your health and your weight loss efforts. “Water’s involved in every type of cellular process in your body, and when you’re dehydrated, they all run less efficiently — and that includes your metabolism. Think of it like your car: if you have enough oil and gas, it will run more efficiently. It’s the same with your body.”

“Your metabolism is basically a series of chemical reactions that take place in your body,” says Trent Nessler, PT, DPT, MPT, managing director of Baptist Sports Medicine in Nashville. “Staying hydrated keeps those chemical reactions moving smoothly.” Being even 1% dehydrated can cause a significant drop in metabolism

Aim for at least 100 ounces a day – especially in the first couple of weeks until your body adjusts.

(Necessary internet disclaimer: there is such a thing as too much water so don’t get silly about it)

To make it a littler easier to calculate how much water to drink everyday, here are the recommended amounts for a range of weights. Remember to adjust for your activity level.

Weight	Ounces of Water Daily
100 pounds	67 ounces
110 pounds	74 ounces
120 pounds	80 ounces
130 pounds	87 ounces
140 pounds	94 ounces
150 pounds	100 ounces
160 pounds	107 ounces
170 pounds	114 ounces
180 pounds	121 ounces
190 pounds	127 ounces
200 pounds	134 ounces
210 pounds	141 ounces
220 pounds	148 ounces
230 pounds	154 ounces
240 pounds	161 ounces
250 pounds	168 ounces

Life is an experiment. Be kind to yourself. People really don’t know what you are going through. Be patient, love yourself and step forward without judgement on those who have no clue. Reach for happiest with every breath you take. Trust your heart. Keep your faith and walk ahead!—Audrey Childers

In case you get hungry between meals, here are some healthy, approved snacks:

Fatty meat or fish.
Cheese.
A handful of nuts or seeds.
Cheese with olives.
1–2 hard-boiled eggs.
90% dark chocolate.
A low-carb milk shake with almond milk, cocoa powder and nut butter.
Full-fat yogurt mixed with nut butter and cocoa powder.
Strawberries and cream.
Celery with salsa and guacamole.
Smaller portions of leftover meals.

Click on this link for a 14-Day Ketogenic Diet Plan

I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet? If not let’s do that now, healing Hypothyroidism. I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com . You can also Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. She is the published author of : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, The Ultimate guide to healing hypothyroidism and A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way. You can find all these books on Amazon. You can also find her actively involved in her Facebook Group : Healing Hypothyroidism. This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.

RESOURCES:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/water-for-weight-loss-diet#1

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1323303/

http://www.slenderkitchen.com/article/how-to-calculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink-a-day

https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto/diet-plan

8 Lessons I’ve learned from Hypothyroidism

1 Reply

Many people don’t know about the thyroid and what it does until after they’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It’s tasked with producing thyroid hormone, which controls a host of activities in the body, including how quickly you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is sluggish and does not make enough thyroid hormone, causing many of the body’s functions to slow. It’s typically treated with replacement thyroid hormones, and most people will need to remain on the medication for the rest of their lives, according to the American Thyroid Association

1.Thyroid Medication Usually Needs Tweaking

“Many people may feel frustrated when they first start taking replacement thyroid hormones as there can be a lot of trial and error before we get the right dose,” says Melanie Goldfarb, MD, director of the Endocrine Tumor Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It can take three to four weeks for the medication to take effect, and it can take a while to get on the right dose, too.”

2. Medication Should Be a Morning Ritual

I’ve learned to take my medication as soon as I get up along with a warm lemon water with my thyroid medication..

Lemons are loaded with healthy benefits, and particularly, they’re a great vitamin C food source. One cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C — take that, oranges! Lemon juice also offers up a healthy serving of potassium, magnesium and copper.

It Aids in digestion and detoxification. It tricks the liver into producing bile, which helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract smoothly. Lemon water also helps relieve indigestion or ease an upset stomach.

I’ve also learned to wait 1 hour before I eat and wait 4 hours before you take any other vitamin supplements because it can interfere with the absorption of your medication. I’ve also found out that If I wanted to drink coffee I must wait 1 hour after I’ve taken my medication because it can also interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication and to never ever to forget to eat breakfast! I need fuel but I have to wait 1 hour After I’ve taken my thyroid pill.

3. Let thy food be thy medicine

Food is not just calories it is information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. My most powerful tool to change my health was my fork. I needed to stop going long periods of time without food. My body always needed energy. If my blood sugar starts to drop this creates a stress reaction and now your adrenal glands will do what it needs to do to maintain my body’s function by releasing more cortisol or adrenaline. Eating often would help put my body back in its normal cycle. I needed to eat foods that nourish my body and not hinder it.

I really had no idea how powerful food really was until after I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. Many people with hypothyroidism are deficient in Magnesium, B-12, Zinc, Iodine, B2, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and Vitamin A.

The Standard American diet in a nutshell is loaded with unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Our meals are unbalanced, over-sized and loaded with sugar, salt, artificial ingredients and preservatives. We have an abundance of food at our finger tips but yet we are extremely malnourished and mineral deficient. We are literally starving our bodies to death! People are not obtaining the basic nutrients their bodies needs in order to fuel what is needed to perform its proper functions. We are literally running on empty! There is about 20 million estimated Americans with some type of hypothyroid disorder.

Although my thyroid is small, it produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body. My thyroid determines the rate in which my body produces the energy from nutrients and oxygen. So I need to start eating foods that fed my thyroid. I needed to start nourishing my body back to health with foods that jump kicked my metabolism too.

4. There is no one size fits all diet for Hypothyroidism

I started to research to begin to try to understand that there’s really not a one size fits all diet for us with hypothyroidism but there are certain ways we can eat that will certainly help begin the healing process. Diet alone wasn’t enough to help my body start fighting this battle that is raging in your body. I needed to start addressing other area’s in your life that can cause inflammation like Dietary Allergies, Addressing gut health and avoiding Chemical toxins and endocrine disruptors.

5. I had become my own advocate for my health

After being diagnosed my priorities were made more clear. I had to start listening to my body, stop taking my health for granted and continuing to research to figure out what I needed to do to “fix me”. I started making my own cleaning products, lotions and deodorant’s. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it absorbs everything we put on it. Here is a recipe that I make all the time for homemade deodorant.

Homemade Deodorant

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup arrowroot powder or 1/2 cup of cornstarch

5 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil

10 drops of grapefruit essential oil or lavender essential oil

(You can pick your favorite scent. I like lavender or grapefruit.)

Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. Melt your coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix all ingredients (the baking soda and arrowroot powder) with the oil. Pour into clean small mason jar. Add your essential oil to the mason jar; close with the lid. Give it a good shake to combine the essential oil with the other mixture. By doing it this way, you can still use that bowl to eat with. Once you mix that essential oil in the bowl, it can only be used for the purpose of making your deodorant. Everything you’ve used is edible except the essential oils.

6. Stop Stressing the Small Stuff

My thyroid has been having a relationship with my adrenal gland. It’s never been straight forward with my body and it never will be. The butterfly shaped gland that sits in front of my neck does more than control my metabolism. My thyroid puts out hormones in my body that knock on every cell and tells it what to do basically but for some reason with my hypothyroidism those cells simply refuse to answer that door.

My adrenal gland is only the size of a walnut and are locked on top of each of your kidney’s. She is in charge of producing vital hormones that help regulate your body’s functions which include two major important things in your life my sex hormones and my cortisol levels. When you have hypothyroidism your cortisol levels are naturally higher than someone without hypothyroidism. You see I’ve learned that my Cortisol is more than just a steroid hormone that is made in the cortex of the adrenal gland. It has a greater task than just being tagged as your fight or flight response system. Almost every cell in my body contains receptors for cortisol. When my stress levels are high cortisol is released into my blood stream. Our bodies aren’t designed for us to be in a constant state of emergency. Our adrenal glands doesn’t know the difference between a true emergency or just being stressed out. So in return she will continue to produce extra cortisol into our blood stream. After a while of pumping out the constant need for cortisol she will become weakened and start decreasing her ability to produce cortisol and instead produce extra adrenaline. So do you see why we must get our stress under control and not stress the small stuff! Let things roll off our back like a duck does water.

7. Start Addressing the Root Cause of my Hypothyroidism

I needed to understand or get a idea of how everything has a part to play in my body. Being diagnosed with hypothyroidism wasn’t just here take this pill and it will fix my issues. Hypothyroidism had a root cause. Once I started addressing the root of your problems then my body can start healing itself. My body is an awesome design but there is a complex balance between everything. It’s a domino affect. If I had something in my body that is overworked it can cause a major shift in my body. Two things I needed to start doing immediately is getting my immune system in check and decreasing inflammation. Inflammation disrupts the production and regulatory mechanisms of thyroid hormones. Sometimes we have to do a little pruning of the branches, in order for the tree to be healthy again. A number of things can be the reason why I had hypothyroidism. It could be a wide range of things from celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, leaky gut, autoimmune disease disorder, nutrient deficiency’s, adrenal fatigue, exposure to chemicals, gluten or other food allergies, and hormonal imbalance. It most defiantly started with the foods that I was eating and the chemicals in the environment, my thyroid could be influenced by many different circumstances. I needed to start figuring out what the root cause of my hypothyroidism was.

8. Start Loving Myself Again

All I do is run, run and run! I am exhausted and felt so guilty anytime I needed to have down time because there was things that needed to be done. So I started to allow myself to take a day and do nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. WHY? Because my body needed to recharge and stop being ran into the freaking ground. I am not a machine. I started taking Epsom salt baths. I will also take a day where I lay around and watch movies. Get up take a shower and put on more pajama’s.

We all have to die someday but do me a favor. Don’t die not trying, Don’t die not seeking after the truth, don’t die just accepting this is your fate. It’s up to you to make a difference in your life. This your life, your body and your choice. We all have a story. You are the author of your book, make it fantastic.

In my book: A Survivors Cookbook Guide To Kicking Hypothyroidisms Booty. It goes into detail with recipes and tips of how to start fighting hypothyroidism.

I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Disclaimer

Your Thyroid has a Mistress

1 Reply

Your thyroid has been having a relationship with your adrenal gland. It’s never been straight forward with your body and it never will be. That butterfly shaped gland in the front of you neck does more than control your metabolism. Your thyroid puts out hormones in your body that knock on every cell and tells it what to do basically but for some reason when you have hypothyroidism those cells refuse to answer the door.

Your adrenal gland is only the size of a walnut and are locked on top of each of your kidney’s. She is in charge of producing vital hormones that help regulate your body’s functions which include two major important things in your life your sex hormones and your cortisol levels.

Your Cortisol is more than just a steroid hormone that is made in the cortex of the adrenal gland. It has a greater task than just being tagged as your fight or flight response system. Almost every cell in our body contains receptors for cortisol. When your stress levels are high cortisol is released into your blood stream. Your body isn’t designed for you to be in a constant state of emergency. Your adrenal gland doesn’t know the difference between a true emergency or just being stressed out. So in return she will continue to produce extra cortisol into your blood stream. After a while of pumping out the constant need for cortisol she will become weakened and start decreasing her ability to produce cortisol and instead produce extra adrenaline. This is what makes us feel shaky, lightheaded and anxious. This can start leading our body towards adrenal fatigue syndrome. Cortisol is also released by two other major players in your body your hypothalamus in the brain and your pituitary gland.

Your hypothalamus job is to keep your body in a constant stable condition. It’s like a supervisor that collects and combines information and puts changes in place to correct any imbalances. The hypothalamus also tells your pituitary gland how much hormones to release and store. Next what happens is your pituitary gland will produces the chemical messengers, also known as hormones, that stimulate the adrenal gland to secrete who is in charge of producing vital hormones that help regulate your body’s functions which include two major important things in your life your sex hormones and your cortisol levels.

The million Dollar Question

Back to the million dollar question what does all this have to do with my thyroid. So, when the adrenal glands are weakened from one or more of the causes I discussed above, what happens is that it puts the body in a state of catabolism. What this means is that the body begins to break down, which as you can imagine isn’t a good thing. As you probably know, the thyroid gland puts out hormones in your body that knock on every cell and tells it what to do basically. So when the body is in a state of catabolism, the thyroid gland will slow down in order to slow down the catabolic process.

The light Bulb Moment

Is this all starting to make sense now? What we need to realize is in most cases, the malfunctioning thyroid gland isn’t the actual cause of the problem. Other areas of the body are usually responsible for the thyroid condition. Many hypothyroid symptoms are very similar to adrenal fatigue that they are often confuse or misdiagnosed.

On top of all this confusion, the tests performed for thyroid and adrenal problems are often difficult to interpret correctly.

Why doesn’t your medical doctor check to see if its adrenal fatigue instead of just labeling you with a thyroid condition? The main reason is because your medical doctors aren’t trained in medical school to evaluate the entire endocrine system. They are trained to treat your symptoms with medication and surgery. Webster’s online dictionary give this definition: a person who is skilled in the science of medicine : a person who is trained and licensed to treat sick and injured people. You should see a endocrinologist if you’ve been diagnosed with any thyroid disorder.

Endocrinologists have the training to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in the body.

Why should you take a thyroid replacement pill when you really need actually have adrenal fatigue ? This is where a endocrinologist can help. Hypothyroidism can also be by nutrient deficiencies and not your adrenal gland. This is why you should also look into seeing a Holistic medicine practitioner. They believe that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. In this way, if people have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall health.

All is not lost!

I wanted you to understand or get a idea of how everything has a part to play in your body. Being diagnosed with hypothyroidism isn’t just here take this pill and it will fix your issues. Hypothyroidism has a root cause. Once you start addressing the root of your problems then your body can start healing itself. Your body is an awesome design but there is a complex balance between everything. It’s a domino affect. If you have something in your body that is overworked it will cause a major shift in your body. Don’t worry the good news is it can be healed.

Food is not just calories it is information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. Your most powerful tool to change your health is your fork. You can’t go long periods without food. Your body always needs energy. If your blood sugar starts to drop this creates a stress reaction and now your adrenal glands will do what it needs to do to maintain your body’s function by releasing more cortisol or adrenaline. Eating often will help put your body back in its normal cycle. You should eat foods that nourish your body and not hinder it.

The following table outlines the key differences in the signs and symptoms between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism.

Characteristics	Adrenal Fatigue	Hypothyroidism
Body Measurements
Weight	Early: gain weight; severe – cannot gain weight	Generalized weight gain
Body Temp	97.8 or lower	Low 90s to 98.6
Temp regulation	fluctuating and exaggerated	Steady

Mental Function
Mental Function	Brain Fog	Slow thinking
Depression	Sometimes	Frequent

Physical Looks
Eyebrows	Full	sparse outer 1/3
Hair	Thin, sparse on extremities	Coarse and sparse
Hair loss	Sometimes	Common
Nails	Thin, brittle	Normal to thick
Peri-orbital Tissue	Sunken	Puffy
Skin	Thin	Normal
Skin tone	Dry	Oily or moist

Internal feeling
Ligaments Flexibility	Good	Poor
Fluid retention	No	Yes
Pain	Headache, muscular, migraines	Joints, muscles
Reactivity	Heightened and hyper-reactive	Hypo-reactive

Medical condition
History of Infections	Common	Occasional
Chronic Fatigue	Yes	Yes
Orthostatic Hypotension	Frequent	No
Blood Sugar	Tendency toward hypoglycemia	Normal to hyperglycemia
Heart Palpitation	Frequent	No
GI function	Irritable or hyperactive	Constipation and hypoactive
Mal absorption	Yes	No
Sensitive to Medications	Frequent	Normal

Personality Traits
Personality Type	Type A	Type A or B
Obsessive Compulsive	Frequent	Mixed

Habits
Sleep Pattern	Wake up 2-4 am	Sleepy
Temperature Tolerance	Intolerance to Cold	Intolerance to Heat
Food Craving	Craving for sweet and salty	Craving for Fats

I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet? If not let’s do that now, healing Hypothyroidism? I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com . You can also Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Food is thy medicine, right? Actually, it can work one of two ways. Food can be thy medicine or food can be thy death. This book is a guide that will inform you from the perspective of a women. You will also be able to determine what areas in your life that may need a little bit of work and the skills needed to improve those issues along with some fabulous recipes to help get you started on how to eat KETO AIP. I will also help you understand how to fix your gut, strengthen your immunity and fight inflammation with an autoimmune approach. The Keto AIP removes all the common inflammatory food triggers that stimulate a possible autoimmune reaction in the body. We’re going to start resetting those adrenals, boosting that energy and doing a little booty kicking to those hormones that have decided to act like a wild college student and pull an all-nighter the day before final exams.

The Keto Autoimmune Protocol Healing Book for Women: Strengthen Your Immunity, Fight Inflammation and Love Your Incredible Body

theketoautoimmunebookcover

A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s: How I healed my Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Disorder with Personalized Nutrition

Poisoned Profit

Disclaimer

http://www.yourhormones.info/Hormones/Cortisol.aspx

http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands

http://www.yourhormones.info/glands/hypothalamus.aspx

https://www.womentowomen.com/adrenal-health-2/eating-to-support-your-adrenal-glands-2/

http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/what-does-pituitary-gland-do.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-connection-between-the-pituitary-gland-and-adrenal-gland.htm#

https://www.holtorfmed.com/adrenal-health-understanding-the-adrenal-and-thyroid-connection/

The Link Between Adrenal Fatigue & Thyroid Conditions

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doctor

The Link Between Adrenal Fatigue & Thyroid Conditions

https://www.drlam.com/blog/adrenal-fatigue-versus-hypothyroidism-2/3643/

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=265

12 Superfoods you Should be Eating with Hypothyroidism

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HippocratesQuote

Super-foods are considered to be nutrient-rich powerhouses that are beneficial for overall health and well-being. Eating these super-foods may reduce the risk of chronic disease and lengthen your life. Along with essential nutrients, super-foods feed our body the necessary nutrients that our Standard American Diet is lacking.

Although your thyroid is small, it produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body. The thyroid determines the rate in which your body produces the energy from nutrients and oxygen. What if you could start eating foods to feed your thyroid? What if you could start nourishing your body back to health with foods that jump kick your metabolism? Foods that are powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer? Are you interested?

I really don’t like labeling a certain number of foods as “super” to just 21. There are so many other foods out there that pack a powerhouse punch but if you are affected by hypothyroidism these foods that I have listed will start to feed your body the nutrients that it is lacking. Make sure you eat the color of the rainbow. Fill your plate with a lot of fibrous vegetables that will help you lose weight, stay fuller longer and improve your skin. When you eat fibrous vegetables it passes through your body undigested, keeping your digestive tract running smoothly and helping your bowel movements flush out cholesterol and harmful carcinogens. Fibrous foods are asparagus, green beans, beetroot, cooked broccoli, cooked brussel sprouts, carrots, celery, cucumber, garlic, lettuce, mushrooms, onions tomatoes and cooked spinach. Many people with hypothyroidism are deficient in Magnesium, B-12, Zinc, Iodine, B2, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and Vitamin A.

Blueberries are nutrient dense and are loaded with fiber, vitamin c, vitamin K, manganese, antioxidants, fights cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, fights cancer and boosts brain health.

Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium , zinc, contains L tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well-being that aid depression and is anti-inflammatory which means it helps with joint health, organ health, stress relief and soft tissue injuries!

Gluten free oatmeal are suitable for a gluten-free diet. People with hypothyroidism typically have a gluten intolerance. Oatmeal with fuel your body, give you fiber, help lower your cholesterol, enhance your immune system and help stabilize your blood sugar.

Free-range or “pastured” organic eggs contain Tryptophan and Tyrosine which is important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. They are loaded with all 9 essential amino acids choline, powerful antioxidants and sulfurB12, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin e, iron, phosphorous, selenium and B2 and B5.

Beans, beans, beans the magical fruit! The more you eat the more you toot! Eating foods that cause gas is the only way for the microbes in the gut to get nutrients. They are full of nutrients, including protein, fiber, slow-burning carbs, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Healthy individual can have up to 18 flatulences per day and be perfectly normal per Purna Kashyap, a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Red bell peppers is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, manganese, antioxidant-rich, six different carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin).

Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been found to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Sardines are an excellent source of vitamin D, vitamin b12 and rich in protein, which provides us with amino acids.

Brazil nuts are a very good source of vitamin-E, Vitamin B, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folates, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Just two brazil nuts per day can give you the recommended daily allowance of selenium. Most hypothyroidism patients are selenium deficient.

Dark chocolate Cacao not cocoa are two different kinds of chocolate. Once the beans are roasted and processed that they are called cocoa. Most cocoa powders have additives like sweeteners or cocoa butter. The cocoa beans lose much of their nutritional benefits. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate you can eat. It is raw and much less processed than store bought cocoa powder. It’s full antioxidants, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and manganese.

Wild salmon is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, High Quality Protein, Essential Amino Acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Seaweed contains vitamins A, vitamin C, calcium and is a natural source of iodine. Iodine deficiency is common with people who have hypothyroidism. Symptoms of being iodine deficient are fatigue, depression, difficulty losing weight and are a higher chance of becoming sick.

Chia seeds contain Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), fiber, protein, magnesium, Vitamin B2, calcium, phosphorus, loaded with Antioxidants, almost all the carbs in chia seeds are fiber, they have more Omega-3 fatty acids than salmon and has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet? If not let’s do that now, Got Hypothyroidism? I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com . You can also Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

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References

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Yi W et al. (2005). Phenolic compounds from blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Agric Food Chem 53(18):7320–9.
Malin DH et al. (2011). Short-term blueberry-enriched diet prevents and reverses object recognition memory loss in aging rats. Nutrition 27(3):338–42.
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Lichtenthäler R et al. (2005). Total oxidant scavenging capacities of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açaí) fruits. Int J Food Sci Nutr 56(1):53–64.
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Lynn A et al. (2012). Effects of pomegranate juice supplementation on pulse wave velocity and blood pressure in healthy young and middle-aged men and women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 67(3):309–14.
Aviram M et al. (2000). Pomegranate juice consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to LDL, and platelet aggregation: studies in humans and in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. Am J Clin Nutr 71(5):1062–76.
Webb AJ et al. (2008). Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite. Hypertension 51:784–90.
Kris-Etherton PM & Keen CL. (2002). Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Curr Opin Lipidol 13:41–9.
Hooper L et al. (2008). Flavonoids, flavonoid-rich foods, and cardiovascular risk: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr 88(1):38–50.
Kris-Etherton PM et al. (2003). Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 23:e20–e30.
Delgado-Lista J et al. (2012). Long chain omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Br J Nutr 107(Suppl 2):S201–13.
Goldberg RJ & Katz J. (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain 129(1–2):210–23.
Brown MJ et al. (2004). Carotenoid bioavailability is higher from salads ingested with full-fat than with fat-reduced salad dressings as measured with electrochemical detection. Am J Clin Nutr 80:396–403.
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Crozier A et al. (1997). Quantitative analysis of the flavonoid content of commercial tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and celery. J Agric Food Chem 45(3):590–5.
EFSA panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (2010). Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for carbohydrates and dietary fibre. EFSA Journal 8(3):1462. Available at: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1462.htm
EUFIC Review (2012). Fruit and vegetable consumption in Europe – do Europeans get enough? http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/Fruit-vegetable-consumption-Europe/
EUFIC Review (2009). Food-based dietary guidelines in Europe. http://www.eufic.org/article/en/expid/food-based-dietary-guidelines-in-europe/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=54
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/04/28/306544406/got-gas-it-could-mean-you-ve-got-healthy-gut-microbes?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email
http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Beans-Weight-Loss-32829604
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/09/02/why-does-this-commonly-vilified-food-actually-prevent-heart-disease-and-cancer.aspx
https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/
http://eshape.org/health-foods/worlds-healthiest-sea-vegetables/
https://wildforsalmon.com/why-wild/health-benefits/page.aspx?id=1097
https://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brazil-nuts.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=147
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=50&tname=foodspice
http://www.mayo.edu/research/faculty/kashyap-purna-c-m-b-b-s/bio-00092735
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php

The Ultimate Magical pill that will get you in that bikini body

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1 Magical pill that will get you in that bikini body. This magical pill will have heads turning all summer long. It’s a all natural nutrient packed formula combined with the ultimate extra sexy sizzle that will have heads turning all summer long and even guaranteed to attract the opposite sex!

Do I have your attention? Well, of course I do. We all seem to be looking for a 1 fit all program or that “magical pill” to get the imagine in our minds of what we think we should look like but guess what? There’s no such pill and no such program but what we do have is lifestyle choices and lifestyle changes.

You need to make your calories count! Healthy weight management starts with eating the right foods , physical activity and another powerful tool called reading labels.

Reading labels isn’t that hard but it can be very misleading. Food manufacturers are brilliant in using misleading tricks to convince people to buy their products.

One of the best suggestions I can offer you on this is ignore the labels on front of the packaging. Front labels are there to entice and lure you into purchasing the products by making health claims. Companies want to make you believe that their product is healthier than others. The first list of ingredients is what the company has used the most.

Glance over first three ingredients, this is actually the largest part of what you’re eating.

If your first ingredients include refined grains, some sort of sugar or hydrogenated oils, you can beat your bottom dollar that this product is unhealthy.

What you can do when reading labels is opt for items that have whole foods listed as the first few ingredients. Also if the ingredients list is longer than 2–3 lines? You guessed it, it’s highly over processed.

This has actually been studied. Research shows that adding health claims to front labels affects people’s choices. It makes them believe a product is healthier

A few things you should look at when reading labels.

What is the serving size?

Make sure you do the math and get the serving sizes right.

How many serving are in the container?

How many calories are in a single serving?

How much sodium does it have in it?

Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which increases heart disease risk, and it may be a sign of a more highly processed . The recommended daily limit for sodium (2,300 mg). If you have high blood pressure already you are not suppose to consume more than 1,500 mg’s of sodium per day.

How much fiber does it have?

The idea is to eat heart healthy foods . If you anything that has enriched wheat flour or enriched anything that it is a sign that the grain has been refined, meaning it has been stripped of the germ and bran, which pack most of the grain’s nutrients including fiber. Any product that contains grains you want it to have at least have 3g per serving.

How much saturated fat does it have?

It if it has healthy unsaturated fat, that’s a better product. If the product has any trans fat, put it back on the shelf. Trans fat has been shown to increase levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol while decreasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol— YUCK- a major health hit.

Misleading Labeling Claims – and What They Actually Mean

Health claims on packaged food are designed to catch your attention and convince you that their product is healthy.

Here are some of the most common ones, and what they actually mean:

Light: Light products are processed to reduce either calories or fat, and some products are simply watered down. Check carefully to see if anything has been added instead, like sugar.
Multigrain: This sounds very healthy, but basically just means that there is more than one type of grain in the product. These are most likely refined grains, unless the product is marked as whole grain.
Natural: This does not necessarily mean that the product resembles anything natural. It simply means that at some point the manufacturer had a natural source (for example, apples or rice) to work with.
Organic: This label says very little about whether the product is healthy or not. For example, organic sugar is still sugar. Only certified organically grown products can be guaranteed to be organic.
No added sugar: Some products are naturally high in sugar. The fact that they don’t have added sugar doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Unhealthy sugar substitutes may also have been added.
Low-calorie: Low-calorie products have to contain 1/3 fewer calories than the same brand’s original product. However, one brand’s low-calorie version may contain similar calories as the original of another product.
Low-fat: This label almost always means that the fat has been reduced at the cost of adding more sugar. Be very careful and read the ingredients listed on the back.
Low-carb: Recently, low-carb diets have been linked with improved health. However, processed foods that are labeled low-carb are usually just processed junk foods, similar to processed low-fat junk foods.
Made with whole grain: There is probably very little whole grain in the product. Check the ingredients list and see where the whole grain is placed. If it is not in the first 3 ingredients, then the amount is negligible.
Fortified or enriched: This basically means that some nutrients have been added to the product. For example, vitamin D is often added to milk.
Gluten-free: Gluten-free does not equal healthy. It simply means that the product doesn’t contain wheat, spelt, rye or barley. Many foods are gluten-free, but can be highly processed and loaded with unhealthy fats and sugar.
Fruit-flavored: Many processed foods have a name that refers to a natural flavor, such as strawberry yogurt. However, there may not be any fruit in the product, only chemicals designed to taste like fruit.
Zero trans fat: “Zero trans fat” actually means “less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.” So if serving sizes are misleadingly small, the product can actually contain a lot of trans fat (5).

Sugar goes by many names in ingredient lists, many of these you might not recognize.

Types of sugar: beet sugar, brown sugar, buttered sugar, cane sugar, caster sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, golden sugar, invert sugar, muscovado sugar, organic raw sugar, raspadura sugar, evaporated cane juice and confectioner’s sugar.

Types of syrup: carob syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, honey, agave nectar, malt syrup, maple syrup, oat syrup, rice bran syrup and rice syrup.

Other added sugars: barley malt, molasses, cane juice crystals, lactose, corn sweetener, crystalline fructose, dextran, malt powder, ethyl maltol, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, galactose, glucose, disaccharides, maltodextrin and maltose.

You can always avoid being misled by these labels and start eating whole foods and avoid processed foods altogether.

However, if you decide to buy packaged foods, it is necessary to sort out the junk from the higher quality products.

Keep in mind that whole food doesn’t need an ingredients list, because the whole food IS the ingredient.

Remember Babe you got this!

I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Resources:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/videos/CFSAN/HWM/hwmintro.cfm

https://authoritynutrition.com/how-to-read-food-labels/

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20708150_4,00.html

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Imagine You’ve Just discovered the Secret to an Amazing Formula

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Imagine You’ve Just discovered the secret to an amazing recipe. You’ve come across the secret of all secrets to eating mind-blowing chicken? Many people think boneless, skinless chicken breast are the best part of the chicken. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Chicken thighs deserve the real love.

Chicken thighs are the most succulent chicken you will ever eat if cooked correctly, which really isn’t that hard! They are super flavorful with perfectly crisp skin.

I find saying this a little strange because many years of my adult life I’ve been a vegan to vegetarian to pesicatarian. I still had to manage to cook meat for my family , they never jumped on my vegan/vegetarian/pesicatarian band wagon. No matter how much I swayed and had my “proven” facts of how it did improve your life.

These days, I find myself standing in front of a meat counter wondering what I even like, let alone what I can do with a particular cut or how much I need to get to feed my family of six. Even if it’s is hormone and antibiotic free and sustainably raised. Sometimes I just feel so frazzled about even eating.

I’m still learning, but I can say one thing with certainty and I feel I say this with a whisper from my background with the love/hate relationship with meat, eggs and dairy : I love these chicken thighs.

The key to cooking chicken thighs is to start them in a cold cast iron skillet. Yep, you know I love my cast iron skilled. I prefer to just season them well with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then put them skin-side down in the skillet over medium heat. Lay them down in a cold pan.

Try not to touch them for 14 to 15 minutes. As the pan heats up, the skin will slowly get crispy. It might pop and hiss, but that is great. As long as you watch your heat, it’s almost impossible to burn or overcook these.

Once they have crisped nicely in the skillet, dot your thighs with lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs and finish them in a 400°F oven for another 13 to 15 minutes, depending on the size.

If you’re in doubt on the cooking time, leave them in for another few minutes. It’s very hard to overcook these guys.

I’ve found 11 of the most Mouth watering Hypothyroidism Chicken Thigh Recipes out there for you!

1.Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs

Serves 4

2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 4 to 6 thighs)
Olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1 lemon, sliced thin
5 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs

Preheat your oven to 400° F. Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and season them well with pinches of salt and pepper.

Place the thighs in a large, cold cast iron skillet, skin-side down. Place the skillet on a burner over medium heat. Let them cook, undisturbed, for 14 to 15 minutes.

When a lot of the fat has rendered out and the skin is crispy and brown, flip the thighs so the crispy skin is up. Dot the cast iron skillet with lemon slices and thyme sprigs and stick it in the hot oven. Let the thighs finish cooking in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165° F. If you’re in doubt, leave them in for another few minutes.

Serve thighs immediately.

2.Crispy Mustardy Pan Fried Chicken Thighs with a lima bean salad

Adapted from Bon Appetit and Food and Wine

This chicken is so delicious. The key is rendering out the fat and getting the skin nice and crispy. The mustard rub is just gilding the lily. I try to buy chicken that’s at the very least hormone and antibiotic free, and ideally organic and pasture-raised. The last ones I got were from Slagel Farm, which I found at Andersonville’s Urban Orchard. (Note that if you intend to make this gluten free, you should make sure to use gluten-free tamari and read the labels on your mustard and Worcestershire sauce.) It’s great with a salad or dark leafy greens on the side.

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
kosher salt
neutral oil such as grape seed or canola

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

Make the mustard rub. In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard, tamari, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme.

Pat the chicken thighs with a paper towel to remove the surface moisture and sprinkle both sides with kosher salt.

Carefully slip your fingers under the chicken skin to create a pocket for the mustard rub. Spread a quarter of the rub between the skin and the meat of each thigh. (Wash your hands thoroughly.)

Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over high heat, and add enough grape seed or other neutral oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down and cook for about two minutes. Reduce heat to medium, and continue cooking until the fat renders out of the skin and the skin is golden brown, about 8 minutes.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 13 minutes. Turn the chicken skin side up and continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat registers 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.

Remove from the oven, and let it rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate and serving.

Lima Bean Salad

Yield: Serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Lima beans have long had a bad rap, but not so in this fresh salad. Full of flavor, this is not the lima bean from a can that many of us cringe and remember from childhood. I really think you’ll be surprised at how delicious lima beans can be!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups dried large lima beans
1 cup diced English cucumber
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup cilantro, minced
4 garlic cloves, mashed
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 teaspoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons whole grain Dijon mustard
1/3 cup tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper

Rinse and and sort the lima beans and place in a medium saucepan. Cover with about 3 cups hot water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover and let it sit for 1 hour. Drain, then add about 4 cups of hot water. Let it come to a boil again, then lower heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 45 minutes partially covered, or until the beans are cooked (do not overcook, as it will be mushy). Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the drained and cooled lima beans with the cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. In a small bowl, mash together the garlic and salt. Whisk in the lemon juice, mustard, vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste with pepper. Toss the dressing into the lima beans and vegetables. Let it sit for at least an hour in the refrigerator. Give it one final toss before serving

3.Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken

This delicious honey spiced glazed chicken is made with chicken thighs and cooked under the broiler. It’s sweet, spicy and oh so delicious!

Yield: 8 chicken thighs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch

Total Time: 25 minutes per batch

Ingredients:

1 package boneless skinless chicken thighs (you should get about 8 thighs per package)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works well too but smoked brings more flavor)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use less if you don’t like heat)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Mix spices together and set aside.

Mix honey and cider vinegar and set aside.

Un-tuck chicken thighs so they are flat. Cover both sides in seasoning, set flat onto sheet pan. When all chicken as been seasoned put under broiler* (I put mine on low just so I don’t worry about burning the chicken)

Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side and flip. Cook for a 5-7 minutes on other side. Flip again and then baste the chicken in honey/cider mixture. Be sure to really get the chicken covered. Add to oven again and let it cook under the broiler for a few minutes until the honey starts to thicken up and glaze. It may smoke a little but this is completely normal.

Take chicken out of oven and let rest for a few minutes before devouring. You don’t want to burn your mouth with all that hot honey glaze!

* If you have a gas oven and your broiler is at the bottom you can bake the chicken at 400 degrees for about 15 – 20 mins.

4. Chicken With Mushroom Sauce with green beans

5.Roasted Chicken With Asparagus

6.Spiced Chicken Kebabs over a bed of quinoa pilaf

7. Roasted Chicken Thighs With Winter Squash

8. Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with artichokes and peppers

9. Apricot chicken with roasted root vegetables medley

10. Cranberry chicken thighs

11. Greek lemon chicken with potatoes bake

I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Check out my latest books! Order yours today..

Kicking Hypothyroidisms booty, The Slow Cooker way: Kicking Hypothyroidisms booty, The Slow Cooker way on EBook $ 5.99

Kicking Hypothyroidisms booty, The Slow Cooker way: Kicking Hypothyroidisms booty, The Slow Cooker way on paper back $ 9.99

Got Hypothyroidism?: 21-day Meal plan to reboot your thyroid

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The Best-kept Secret in Skin Care Revealed!

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People often say that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder,’ and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. The fountain of youth hasn’t been discovered and I don’t know about you but I have to work hard to reverse aging process. Something’s are unavoidable unless you have a cosmetic surgeon at your finger tips. I only wish that I started this journey sooner. Your body needs the right nutrients to fight off damage, and your skin is no different. Nutrients help the cells replicate and have more energy. Processed foods, stress, toxins and low-nutrient diets will accelerate aging. We must protect ourselves from harmful chemicals while trying to get enough sleep, relaxation and exercise.

You can have a healthier, more youthful looking skin but you have to put some work into it. Your diet and what you put on your skin has everything to do with your skin. Does that make sense?

Have you ever heard the term , “Rode hard and put up wet”! That happens when you are not taking care of yourself. Your body will eventually start to break down if you are not taking care of it. It’s like a car engine. If you don’t maintain it properly and treat is with care it will not last you long.

You must nurture your skin. Just like you try to eat healthy and avoid all those over-processed chemicals in our standard American diet. Why not do the same for your skin? If you are not already eating healthy here are some natural strategies to start your way to more youthful-looking skin.

Natural Strategies for Healthier-Looking Skin…

Avoid eating grain carbohydrates, especially wheat – Bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, and corn can cause surges in insulin production. Instead, eat vegetable carbs because your body can typically digest them more easily.
Consider a gluten-free diet – Particularly if you suffer from gluten intolerance, a gluten-free diet can potentially help you avoid toxins being pushed through your skin due to the intolerance.
Eliminate/Reduce sugar in your diet – Like grains, sugar (particularly refined sugar) causes an insulin spike which can lead to less-than-desirable skin.
Establish the proper balance of gut bacteria – Eating fermented foods and/or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement can promote a healthy balance of gut flora and support your immune system.
Drink plenty of fresh pure water – Hydrating your body facilitates cell growth and regeneration, elimination of wastes, and helps remove dead skin cells. Hydration can enhance your skin tone as well.
Eliminate ALL sodas, juice, and energy drinks – These drinks are often loaded with sugar, artificial flavoring, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and artificial colors (dyes). As far as juices, eat the fruit in moderation instead.
Eat for your Nutritional Type (NT) – Knowing your NT will help you determine the ideal amount of carbohydrates you should be eating and help you fine-tune each meal to just what’s right for you.
Optimize your vitamin D levels – Vitamin D is crucial for establishing a healthy immune system and to help promote healthy-looking skin.
Get enough vitamin C. –A diet rich in vitamin C leads to fewer wrinkles. Researchers have found that skin exposed to vitamin C for long periods of time can produce up to eight times more collagen!
Reduce your stress – Research suggests that changes in skin often correlate with increased stress.
Exercise regularly – Getting plenty of high-intensity exercise helps your body flush out toxins, including those in the pores of your skin. The more you sweat, the more you flush unwanted contaminants out of your pores.
Get a good night’s rest – Your body’s time for rejuvenating is at night while you sleep. And this applies to your skin as well, as it can help promote a cleaner, clearer complexion.
Naturally cleanse and moisturize your skin – Avoid toxic skin care products with risky chemical ingredients. They can cause more skin problems than they solve.
Have a rainbow-colored plate of food – Free radicals form in our bodies and cause major damage to our cell structures. The different nutrient-rich foods we eat neutralize them. You need to consume the widest variety of antioxidants you can to fight off the different kinds of free radicals.
Eat healthy fats – Add foods such as avocados, olive oil, flax seeds, nuts and fish into your diet is important. The fatty acids are crucial for your skin to look youthful.
Lemon water Cleanse – We build up of toxins daily from our surroundings. The air, water and food can cause damage to the body as well as aging. Freshly squeezed lemon water is a way that our body can start eliminating toxins. Drink a glass of warm water with squeezed lemon first thing in the mornings.
Use non-toxic cleaning products– It is very important that we limit exposure to toxic chemicals because the skin absorbs them.
Eat foods with antioxidants – Antioxidants are the best resources your body has to fight disease and aging by reducing damage and inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of wrinkle formation. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include:
- Blueberries
- Pomegranates
- Acai berries
- Goji berries
- Spinach
- Raspberries
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Purple grapes
- Dark chocolate (70% or higher of cocoa content)
- Organic green tea
Opt for natural skin products – Many skincare products contain harsh chemicals. When choosing moisturizers or makeup, research the ingredients in them the best you can to confirm that they’re safe.
Grape see extract– Studies have shown that grape-seed oil is even more potent than vitamin E and vitamin C in the quest for anti-aging.

Here are some of my favorite natural skincare recipes to help you switch from conventional products to a more natural way.

Natural Make-Up Remover

I use olive oil or coconut oil to remove mascara (even waterproof) and it will remove other make-up as well but fi you have oily skin you should use liquid castile soap . Just mix it with water , apply is gently to your face and it will remove makeup without adding oils to the skin or stripping the natural ones.

Lotions and Moisturizers

I use coconut oil. That is all that I need to moisturize face. It is naturally full of collagen supporting lauric acid and is easily absorbed by the skin. Even for oily and acne prone skin, coconut oil’s natural anti-bacterial properties make it a great option.

Natural Exfoliators

A sugar/oil scrub is great for most skin types when extra exfoliation is needed. Just mix equal parts oil (coconut, olive, etc.) and sugar (white or brown) and use as a whole body exfoliator. For more oily skin, plain baking soda can be used to exfoliate skin and remove blackheads or dirt.

Avocado-Honey Moisturizer

A moisturizer is an anti-aging must. By helping your skin retain moisture and acting as a temporary filler for wrinkles, it makes your complexion look smooth. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of fresh cream 1/4 avocado 1 tablespoon honey Directions: Place all three ingredients in a blender and puree into a smooth cream. Apply it to your skin and leave on for at least an hour. Rinse off with warm water.

Wrinkle-Fighting Salad

This energy-boosting fruit salad is packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin from sun damage and boost circulation to help deliver essential nutrients to skin. Eat it for breakfast to start your day on a beautiful note. Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup fresh strawberries 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup organic orange juice 1 handful of chopped walnuts Directions: Combine first four ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the orange juice over the mixture and sprinkle with the walnuts.

Acne Spot Treatment

When you have a blemish that needs to disappear—stat—try this nifty trick. The yeast fights bacteria, the lemon helps dry the blemish. Ingredients: Brewer’s Yeast A squeeze of lemon juice Water Directions: Make a paste using a little bit of brewer’s yeast, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a bit of water. Apply right on your blemish and leave for 10 minutes, cover with a bandage.

Basil Toner

This recipe is great for those prone to acne. The basil acts as an antiseptic, helps clear acne-causing bacteria, and improves circulation to the skin. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves 1 cup boiling water Directions: Crush up the dried basil leaves and mix them into a cup of boiling water. Once the mixture cools, strain out the leaves, put it in a spray bottle and spritz your skin. Use a cotton ball or pad to spread the toner gently around your face. Do this daily before cleansing.

Almond-Sugar Facial Scrub

Regularly exfoliating your face helps get rid of dead skin cells (which dull your complexion) so your skin looks smoother and brighter. Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of fresh cream 1 cup of white sugar 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1/2 cup of ground almonds 2 tablespoons olive oil Directions: Mix all ingredients well. Apply to dry face in a circular motion Wash your face off with warm water, followed by cold water. Pat your face dry. Place in a jar and store in your refrigerator for future use.

Coconut Deep Conditioner

Keep your hair smooth, hydrated, and shiny with this natural conditioning treatment; apply it once a week. Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon coconut extract Directions: Mix ingredients together, apply and cover your scalp with a plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap). Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse hair thoroughly.

Tighten skin

Egg Whites help to tighten skin, giving your face a healthy glow while diminishing the look of fine lines. Egg whites also help to remove dead skin cells and draw excess oil from the pores while tightening them.

Remove dead skin from your face

Baking soda is excellent in removing dead skin form your face. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Directions: Mix ingredients together, apply to your skin with a cotton ball in a rotating movement. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Thanks for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Have a great day!

Audrey

XoXo

Disclaimer

References:

http://www.rd.com/health/beauty/8-natural-recipes-for-amazing-skin-from-a-plastic-surgeon/

8 Damn Delicious Hypothyroidism Dinner Idea’s

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1. Sweet Ginger Glazed Salmon

Everyone will love this salmon dish. Not only is it full of flavor, it’s high in omega-3. Salmon is, undoubtedly, one of the healthiest seafood to date. So glad it’s also supple and scrumptious. Great idea a hypothyroidism dinner!The sweet ginger glazed salmon recipe offers a sweet and tangy sauce for juicy and savory bites. It’s a protein-packed meal with an Asian twist. Compliment the meal with a mixture of zucchini, sweet carrots and summer squash! Instead of using soy sauce as suggest in the recipe use coconut amino’s instead.

Try it at Clean Eating Dinner – Sweet Ginger Glazed Salmon.

2. 10-Minute Thai Shrimp, Cucumber and Avocado Salad (by Cooking Canuck)

Please visit Cooking Canuck’s website. It’s full of delicious and healthy recipes–and this clean eating salad is one of them. Combining fish sauce with chilli and agave, this clean eating salad offers great flavor with zero guilt. It’s also quick and easy, and we all like that.

Find recipe at 10-Minute Thai Shrimp Cucumber and Avocado.

3. Five Spice salmon

Five Spice Powder is a traditional Chinese condiment containing cloves, cinnamon, fennel, star anise and pepper corn. It’s used in many dishes including chicken stew and five-spiced eggs. It has a sweet and herb-y flavor and smells wonderful.

Today’s Five Spice Salmon uses mainly the Five Spice Powder. Simply marinade salmon with powder, along with a few other ingredients, and bake until salmon’s thoroughly cooked. The outcome is quite flavorful. Hope you like it.

Get recipe at Five Spice Salmon.

4. Seaweed Tuna Bite

Love these little bites because they’re abundant with protein and has zero carbs. Seaweed and tuna make a nice combo, if you haven’t tried. Find recipe at Clean Eating Snack – Seaweed Tuna Bite.

5. Lobster, Cilantro and Avocado Salad
You can substitute shrimp for lobster if you want. Either way, this salad is hearty and delicious. Get recipe at Clean Eating Idea – Lobster Salad.

6.Creamy Tomato Shrimp

If you like creamy sauces, you’ll like this creamy tomato shrimp. It’s smooth, flavorful and tastes great with anything. Enjoy recipe at Clean Eating Shrimp Recipe.

7. Salad Cups with Quinoa, Shrimp, Avocado & Lemon Dressing Recipe

You’ll love every bite of this salad that is filled with tons of goodies. The dressing is light and fragrant, with a lemony touch of spring and an herbaceous flavor from dried oregano and voila – a beautiful, healthy salad

Find this recipe at Cooking Canuck

Thanks for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Have a great day!

Audrey

XoXo

Your morning coffee, Hypoththyroidism and your Health

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Nothing like that waking up to the smell of coffee. It’s gets the juices flowing with that very 1st sip. It’s offer you a energetic boost and mental clarity on a feeling that life can go on.

The thyroid gland is such a very important part of the body’s regulatory mechanisms; thyroid problems can affect everything in the body from our temperature to appetite to the pulse. Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, can affect the thyroid in a number of ways and has an effect on your central nervous system, your digestive tract, and your metabolism.

According to the recent article, in new study from the journal Thyroid people who consume coffee at the time of taking their thyroid medication, we see a 25-57% drop in T4, one of the thyroid hormones, compared to non-coffee drinkers. This adverse effect persists for up to one hour.

Researchers have also found that for patients taking levothyroxine tablets, absorption is affected by drinking coffee and espresso within an hour of taking the thyroid drugs.

According to “Coffee and Health,” by Gerard Debry, in experiments on rats, very high doses of caffeine caused the thyroid gland to enlarge, but at doses of about 300 mg, caffeine in humans did not change levels of thyroid hormones.

What about the benefits? Yes, there are many reliable studies that say coffee is full of antioxidants and polyphenols. However, these same antioxidants and polyphenols can also be found abundantly in many fruits and vegetables.

There are many other reliable studies that show coffee can play a role in the prevention of cancer, diabetes, depression, cirrhosis of the liver, gallstones, etc.

Many coffee drinkers report feeling good for the first two hours (mainly due to a dopamine spike).

(If you just can’t give up that morning cup of Joe recommendations by researchers are clear: wait at least sixty minutes after taking levothyroxine before drinking coffee.)

What about decaf you ask?

Many manufacturers use a chemical process to remove caffeine from the coffee beans. The result is less caffeine, but more chemicals. It is the caffeine in the coffee that has the health benefits. Without it, you are left with little benefit.

Here are 11 reasons other reasons to give up your morning coffee even if you don’t have hypothyroidism. Written by Magdalena Wszelaki, Thyroid Diet Coach

1. Increases blood sugar levels

According to this study, caffeine increases blood sugar levels. This is especially dangerous for people with hypoglycemia (or low sugar levels) who feel jittery, shaky, moody and unfocused when hungry. Blood sugar fluctuations cause cortisol spikes, which not only exhaust the adrenals, but also deregulate the immune system. This is highly undesirable for those of us with adrenal fatigue, Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. Such cortisol spikes are also highly inflammatory.

2. Creates sugar and carbohydrate cravings

As the result of the above, when our blood sugar levels come down, we need an emergency fix to bring them back up. This is why people who drink coffee at breakfast or indulge in sugary and processed breakfasts crave carbs and sugar by 11am or later in the day.

3. Contributes to acid reflux and damages gut lining

Coffee stimulates the release of gastrin, the main gastric hormone, which speeds up intestinal transit time. Coffee can also stimulate the release of bile (which is why some people run to the bathroom soon after drinking coffee) and digestive enzymes.

In a person with a healthy digestion, this is not a big deal. However, for people with autoimmune conditions, compromised digestion (such as IBS, or “leaky gut”), this can cause further digestive damage to the intestinal lining (source).

4. Exhausts the adrenals

Coffee stimulates the adrenals to release more cortisol, our stress hormone; this is partly why we experience a wonderful but temporary and unsustainable burst of energy.

What many of us don’t realize is that our tired adrenals are often the cause of unexplained weight gain, sleeping problems, feeling emotionally fragile, depression and fatigue. Drinking coffee while experiencing adrenal fatigue is only adding fuel to the fire.

5. Worsens PMS and lumpy breasts

It’s well-established that coffee contributes to estrogen dominance (source), which can mean one of two things: we either have too much estrogen in relation to progesterone, or we have an imbalance in the estrogen metabolites (some are protective and some are dangerous).

PMS, lumpy breasts, heavy periods, cellulite and even breast cancer (which is an estrogenic cancer) can be symptoms of estrogen dominance.

6. Gluten-cross reactive food

50% of people with gluten sensitivities also experience cross reactivity with other foods, including casein in milk products, corn, coffee, and almost all grains, because their protein structures are similar. Cyrex Labs provides a test for gluten cross-reactive foods.

Many people report having a similar reaction to coffee as they do to gluten.

7. Impacts the conversion of T4 to T3 thyroid hormones

Coffee impacts the absorption of levothyroxine (the synthetic thyroid hormone); this is why thyroid patients need to take their hormone replacement pill at least an hour before drinking coffee.

The indirect but important point is that coffee contributes to estrogen dominance, cited above, and estrogen dominance inhibits T4 to T3 conversion.

8. Can cause miscarriages

This study showed that women who drink coffee during their pregnancy are at a higher risk of miscarriage.

9. Is highly inflammatory

Any functional or integrative doctor would say the majority of modern diseases are caused by inflammation – a smoldering and invisible fire found on a cellular level.

This study found that caffeine is a significant contributor to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chronic body pains and aches, fatigue, skin problems, diabetes and autoimmune conditions are just some of the conditions related to inflammation.

10. Can contribute to and even cause osteoporosis

It is well-known that coffee changes our body pH to a lower, and thus more acidic, level. A low pH (which means a more acidic body) can contribute to osteoporosis.

This study has confirmed that habitual coffee drinking among postmenopausal women was the leading cause of osteoporosis.

11. Can cause insomnia and poor sleep

This study showed that 400mg of “caffeine taken 6 hours before bedtime has important disruptive [sleep] effects.”

There are healthier alternatives to drinking coffee.

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha Green Tea Powder - Powerful Antioxidant Japanese Organic Culinary Grade - 113 grams (4 oz)

This is a great alternative to coffee. It has caffeine to give you a gentle jolt to wake up, but the caffeine content is nowhere as high as that of coffee, so you won’t experience a midday crash and fatigue your adrenals over time. One cup of this wonder tea can keep you going for most of the day.

Chai

This Indian tea is rich in antioxidants and contains a plethora of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and ginger that is sure to awaken all your senses in the morning. The smooth creamy flavor actually makes you feel like you are sipping a cup of coffee, but without all the extra caffeine.

Warm Water with Lemon

This is a great way to rehydrate and alkalinize your body and perk up after sleep. It also detoxifies the liver and helps get your bowels going. This really should be the first thing everyone sips in the morning.

Protein Shake with Banana and Berries

Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein Vanilla, 631g Powder

Who doesn’t enjoy a yummy protein smoothie? It is a terrific way to load up with energy and nutrition. Use almond, soy, or coconut milks and your choice of a good quality protein powder. Throw in some bananas and berries which add heaps of extra minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are sure to fill you up and get you going for the grueling day ahead.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is Mother Nature’s perfect drink. It has an abundance of electrolytes and minerals while being low in fat and sugar. This is the best alternative to an energy or sports drink, and can really give you a burst of energy in the morning.

Quinoa Milk

Suzie's Quinoa Milk - Vanilla - 32 oz
This protein-rich natural energy drink may soon make its way into the stores…be prepared almond and soy and coconut milks…it’s the next big health thing! Quinoa (pronounced keen-WAH), is a gluten-free, alkaline-forming, high-protein grain that has tremendous health benefits. Click on this link to read more of the healthy benefits!

Quinoa milk can be made from scratch, at home.
Consumers of quinoa milk do not need acreage or a cow to make this refreshment. The ingredients necessary to create quinoa milk can be purchased at a local health food store. The recipe is simple and cost, affordable. Here’s a recipe from OmNomNally.com:
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa grain
2 cups + 5 – 6 cups water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
Soak quinoa overnight in water and drain on the day of cooking or rinse quinoa under running water to remove bitter saponins. Cook 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Add cooked quinoa to blender with 2 cups of water. Blend on high until smooth. Add water to the desired consistency, blending the mixture after each addition. Up to 6 cups total of water may be needed for the consistency of store-bought non-dairy milks. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon and agave if using. Pour milk into nut milk bag, hold over a bowl or large jug. Massage contents until all liquid has passed through the material – leaving only the ‘pulp’ behind

Kombucha Tea

Yogi Tea Green Tea Kombucha Organic - 16 Tea Bags (image may vary)

You’ve probably heard about this one but don’t know too much about it. Kombucha is a type of yeast. When you ferment it with tea, sugar, and other flavors or ingredients you make Kombucha tea. While the benefits of Kombucha are debated, many claim that it is useful for treating memory loss, regulating bowel movements, preventing cancer, helping with high blood pressure, and more.

Yerba Mate

Guayaki Yerba Mate Organic Tea, 25-Count, 2.6oz

Yerba mate is the good alternative to coffee for those who can’t start the day without a cup o’ caffeine. Providing the same buzz that coffee gives, Yerba Mate is preferred by many as it’s packed with nutrients, too. Mate is made from the naturally caffeinated leaves of the celebrated South American rainforest holly tree. It is widely known for not having the heavy “crash” that coffee can bring. Another benefit of Yerba Mate is that it can be prepared and consumed in a variety of ways–hot, cold, with honey, in a tea infuser, in a French press, or even in a traditional coffee machine.

Sparkling Water

While it’s not the most exciting beverage in the world, sparkling water can be a refreshing alternative to both coffee and water. Especially when flavored with natural, sugar-free, fruit extracts, sparkling water is delicious and hydrating. There is a lot of competition in the marketplace from Perrier to San Pellegrino.

Hot Apple Cider

Hot apple cider’s sweet tanginess offers its own unique pick-me-up in lieu of caffeine, and its soothing warmth is just as satisfying as that of coffee on a cold fall or winter morning. In addition to its natural sweetness, because apples are the key ingredient, apple cider offers health benefits not available in coffee.

Click on this link for a recipe by the Pioneer Women for Hot apple cider.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is highly anti-inflammatory, and this golden turmeric tea recipe is sure to help heal your body from a number of inflammatory health conditions. Turmeric can help detoxify the liver and protect cell damage caused due to environmental pollutants, attack from free radicals . Research has found that turmeric extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels – especially LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol. It has lipid lowering properties. This can reduce cholesterol levels and benefit weight loss by reducing adipose tissue weight gain.

This rich creamy and lightly sweet beverage is something you’re sure to enjoy!

Turmeric Tea Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Turmeric (powder or grated root)

Directions:

Pour coconut milk and water into the saucepan and warm for 2 minutes
Add in butter, raw honey and turmeric powder for another 2 minutes
Stir and pour into glasses.

You have to exercise caution when combining it with medications or supplements taken to slow down blood clotting. Turmeric supplements must be stopped two weeks prior to a surgery.

It must not be consumed by diabetic patients, those with gallbladder problems and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor about the right dosage to consume for a specific medical condition

Thanks for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.

Have a great day!

Audrey

XoXo

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The Hypothyroidism diet (and How I am doing it anti anxiety style)

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On my journey of self discovery, I’ve come across some many articles that say “eat this, not that”. I want to be live a long life full of great health, happiness and wisdom. There is always room for improvement. After finding out I had hypothyroidism 15 years ago. It’s been on a never ending battle to feel normal again. What is normal, you ask? Well, we all have what we consider to be our own “normal”. What’s normal for me , might not be normal for you. My main goal is to eat to cater to my body. It can be overwhelming and mind boggling to figure out exactly what I should be eating. So I start with the basic’s. My hypothyroidism. Next, whatever else is bothering me. I listen to my body. Right now, the 2nd thing that I am concentrating on is anxiety.

Anxiety can be a symptom from hypothyroidism. Along with dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, unable to lose weight, heart palpitation’s, depression, memory problems, frequent constipation, high cholesterol, changes in your menstrual cycle, sensitivity to cold, Muscle cramps and aches, slurred speech, jaundice, decreased libido, dry hair, knot in throat, & tightness in your throat.

You don’t have to encounter every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Everybody’s experience with the disorder is different. While you may notice that your skin and hair have become dry and rough, someone else might be plagued more by fatigue , depression or anxiety.

The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level reflects the severity of the hypothyroidism. For example, if you have a mild form of hypothyroidism and a relatively lower TSH level, you may not notice—or even have—symptoms. That’s because your hormone levels haven’t decreased to the point where they have a major impact on your metabolism. The more hypothyroid you become, the more symptomatic you’ll be.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always noticeable, but it’s important that you understand what to look out for. Recognizing hypothyroidism early on will allow you to manage the disorder and prevent it from interfering with your life.

So I’ve been reading The Mood Cure and The Anti-anxiety Food Solution writing down notes, crossing comparing notes of foods that will cater to bringing my anxiety down. I’ve always believed that you are what you eat and food is the key to our good health. think of your body like a car engine. You have to put the right fluids in it to get it run properly. Feed it the right things or it will break down eventually or refuse to run all together! While reading The Anti-Anxiety book I came across many interesting things. It’s full of awesome information. Gut damage, food intolerances and nutrient deficiencies play a key role in many of our problems. We can’t expect to feed our bodies processed , sugar loaded, fake foods, artificial crap and expect it to be okay with it.

So, this is what I’ve learned and how to cater to my anxiety while fighting hypothyroidism.

1.Avoid sugar, processed foods and “white foods”

This should already go without saying since we have hypothyroidism. We should be eating gluten free. Having hypothyroidism it makes us more sensitive to gluten. Some of us have gluten intolerances and don’t even know it. key thing is to listen to your body. Avoid junk food, refined sugar, all of the white foods ( white flour, white rice, white bread and so on) processed foods, soda’s, sugary beverages and alcohol. We must keep our blood sugar stabilized.

Try to always eat organic (pesticide free), non-genetically modified, whole-foods. If you cannot afford organic there is a list here of fruit and vegetables that retain pesticides but it does not include berries particularly blueberries which are high on the list).

2. Eat Enough protein

Are you eating enough protein? Don’t immediately think of meat when I say this. Plants can give you plenty of your protein needs along with adding a scoop of Raw Meal to your smoothies.

3. Eat breakfast, along with a good protein and fat

You should always take your thyroid medication with lemon water and then eat after 1 hour of waking.

Gluten free oatbran with coconut oil ( good fat) , Ceylon cinnamon ( heart health, blood sugar, anti inflammatory, cancer fighter) , flaxseed ( Good fat and fiber) , smashed banana ( potassium) . Along with 1 cage free boiled egg( protein) .

or you can make your self a smoothie!

1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal.

4. Keep a food diary

You must keep a food diary to see how you body reacts to certain foods. Write down what you eat. Monitor how you feel after you’ve eaten certain foods. You could have a food intolerance dairy, gluten, legumes,

5. Improve your digestion.

I’ve read so many articles that have stated your stomach is your 2nd brain. You are what you eat! Having bad guy flora can contribute to anxiety and a whole list of health problems. The digestive system actually has it own nervous system and over 95 % of serotonin is made in the guy. Having a sluggish thyroid can contribute to constipation, food allergies can contribute to digestive distress, which can cause you to have low zinc, low magnesium and adrenal fatigue. Add more high fiber whole foods to your salads like zucchini, celery and carrots. Mushrooms and cucumbers are excellent choices too. Add a simple vinaigrette. Evoo & balsamic vinegar , Evoo & organic apple cider vinegar.

Enzyme-rich foods include:

Papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and grapes
Avocado
Raw honey (the enzymes actually come from the bee’s saliva)
Bee pollen
Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil
bone broth
bitters
lemon water
apple cider vinegar

Here is more information on ways to get more digestive enzymes. Click on this link to this article. The Truth About Digestive Enzymes.

6. Exercise

Exercising raises Gaba levels ( the brains natural valium) .

GABA is a calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, it’s like the brains natural endogenous Valium.
GABA enables your brain to put an end to persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in your mind.
We believe the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin enable the brain to calm and control anxious thoughts, so when they are deficient it can make it almost impossible to stop worrying thoughts dominating and overwhelming our mind and turn into anxiety, even “normal” everyday worries or concerns can ruminate, escalate and cause terrible stress.

Symptoms of lack of GABA/serotonin include:-

anxiety, feeling fearful, general (free floating) anxiety disorder or GAD,
panic attacks,
nervy/stressed disposition,
persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in the mind, cannot switch of the mind,
inability to relax,
insomnia due to an anxious mind or cannot switch off the mind,
physical aches and pains because the nerves keep firing, possibly causing/contributing to fibromyalgia,
headaches,
IBS
carbohydrate cravings.

A taking walk outside in the sun is a good stress reliever plus you getting much needed vitamin d. Yoga has been proven to be a stress reliever. Jumping on a rebounder is excellent too. A study showed that the increased G-force helped increase Lymphocyte activity. The lymph system transports immune cells throughout the body and supports immune function. For this reason, rebounding is often suggested as a detoxifying and immune boosting activity. Click on this link to order yours today

7. Nourish your body.

Eat Grass fed meats, pastured poultry, wild fish, cage free eggs, whole organic fruits and veggies, flax seed oil, avocado’s ( good fats) pumpkin seeds, organic apple cider vinegar, lemons, mushrooms, garlic, coconut oil, zucchini, celery, more fiber, brown rice and quinoa. Eat 2 snacks and 3 meals a day. Make sure you getting plenty of vitamins. Drink plenty of water! You should take you body weight & divide it by 2, that is how many ounces you are to drink per day. I also drink 2 tablespoons of braggs organic apple cider vinegar per day.

Stay away from sugar, dairy ( until you know if you can tolerate it) , all gluten, no white foods, no processed foods, artificial colors and addictive’s.

Having Hypothyroidism you are to limit raw Cruciferous vegetables intake it can hinder the absorption of your medication. Read more here about it. Please do eat your cancer fighting cooked veggies.

Are you still confused about what to eat? Maybe you shouldn’t think about what your not eating and focus on what you can. Having hypothyroidism and anxiety isn’t a curse it’s a chance to become better from the inside out. Here is a sample menu of what my day looks like. Don’t forget to keep a food log!

4:oo am wake up 20oz of lemon water with thyroid medication

4oo – 4:30 exercise rebounder ( when your adrenals are low you shouldn’t exercise more than 45 minutes due to your already high cortisol levels in your body) Click on these links to find out more about that.

Click Link 1 Help! What To Do About High Cortisol Levels

Click link 2 Cortisol and Thyroid Hormones

Click link 3 Adrenal fatigue: Healing a hormone imbalance

Breakfast

1 boiled egg, 1/2 cup gluten free oat brand, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal, banana

Gluten free oat bran because- it’s gluten free, high in protein , high in soluble fiber. It’s high in vitamin B and has iron. This is a stick to your guy breakfast.

Snack

Pineapple cup ( anti-inflammatory with digestive benefits, vitamin C, copper, B1 and B6, improves thyroid function) with 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds ( ( tryptophan, vitamin E, Vitamin k, iron potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium and good fat) and dried unsweetened coconut flakes ( good fat)

Lunch

Smoothie or a Simple salad or you can have your smoothie for breakfast and eat your oat bran for lunch? There are many options

Smoothie- 1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal and I also add a teaspoon of dulse flakes a few times a week. Having Hypothyroidism makes you have very low iodine. Dulse flakes is an excellent way to boost your iodine naturally thru foods.

At lunch I also take what my body needs in vitamins, although it might seem like a lot to some, it is what my needs right now.

Organic life vitamins, Super b complex, caltrate (D3), probiotic

Snack

organic apple with 1 boiled egg( protein)

Dinner

Quinoa with Grilled Zucchini, Garbanzo Beans, and Cumin

Along with a simple salad and here are 3 thyroid friend salad dressing recipes

Vitamin C, flaxseed oil

( Yes, I checked to make sure I am not overdosing on any of my vitamins)

Yoga

Epsom salt foot soak ( magnesium) I don’t do this everyday but a few times per week. If you have high blood pressure this isn’t a good option for you. It can raise your BP.

For adults, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause: Diarrhea

Want more tips and information on Hypothyroidism/anxiety food fighting recipes and suggestions? Keep an eye for my latest E Book that will be able to download by your finger tips soon! The Kicking hypothyroidism’s booty ( Anti-anxiety style) I am still working on the title but the book is in motion.

Here is a breathing exercise video that does work By Dr. Pratt.

Please LIKE and Share this and post your comments below!

Disclaimer

references:

http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-hypothyroidism

http://www.healthnutnation.com/2013/11/07/10-ways-naturally-stimulate-digestive-fire/

http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/26/GABA-Deficient-Anxiety.html

http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/rebounding/

http://thyroid.about.com/od/symptomsrisks/a/All-About-Goitrogens-thyroid.htm

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/oat-bran-vs-rolled-oats-1761.html

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-raw-pumpkin-seeds-6627.html

http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/02/what-to-do-about-high-cortisol.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256

https://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html

thehypothyroidismchick

Audrey Childers is a 20x published author, blogger and investigative journalist with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She has the natural skills for digging deeply into arguments and making compelling statements for the world to read. Along with being the creator and founder of the website Thehypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. This is just a few of her written published works : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, The Ultimate guide to healing hypothyroidism, Beyond the Bite: The Keto Autoimmune Protocol Healing Book for Women: 75+ Simply Easy Recipes to Help You Feel Amazing, Awareness has Magic: Creating a Healthy Hypothyroidism Mind, body and Spirit Home life and A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way. You can find all these books plus many more that she has written on Amazon.

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EAT. ENOUGH. SALT.

(Necessary internet disclaimer: there is such a thing as too much water so don’t get silly about it)

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1.Lemon Thyme Chicken Thighs

Lima Bean Salad

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

4. Chicken With Mushroom Sauce with green beans

5.Roasted Chicken With Asparagus

6.Spiced Chicken Kebabs over a bed of quinoa pilaf

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What about decaf you ask?

Turmeric Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

Directions:

References

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