Nutritionist--what should I do?

[witchygrrl]

My new PCP has referred me to a nutritionist. I have been struggling to lose weight after my thyroid tanked, which in turn was 6 months after I had my daughter. I think I eat healthy (little to no processed foods, many veggies, good fats, etc), I'm still nursing my daughter (18 months old), and I exercise at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, often more than that.

So anyway, I've never done this before, and I don't know what to expect...any thoughts ladies?

[witchygrrl]

no one?? any experiences that you can share with me?

[Panserbjorne]

Hey there, from you post I'm not quite sure what you are looking for. Thoughts on whether or not to go? Are you on thyroid meds at this point?

Eating healthfully is sort of an odd thing to discuss...everyone has different requirements. For instance, someone with depressed thyroid function can often not tolerate gluten at all. There may be no "reactions" per se, but it does stress the thyroid, as can many other foods. It would be great for you to get more information on what to increase, what to avoid etc. However, not all nutritionists are going to take that tact. IF it's calories in vs calories out I'm not sure I'd be as excited.

[witchygrrl]

I am on thyroid meds, and that's interesting about the gluten issue. I've been sufferng from IBS also (but I don't bring it up to a conventional doc because I think they would be useless on the subject). My thyroid came up because my TSH was at 171...wayyyyyy above anything even remotely normal. But I do wonder about the gluten issue...Would gluten intolerance keep me fat?


Anyway, I guess I just don't know what to expect. If it's going to be a simple hing of reducing calories, that would be a huge waste of time, I agree. I am going to emphasize to her that I want to nourish my body fully, but I need to lose weight, definitely, so how to reconcile the two goals. Has anyone had luck with nutritionists being cooperative on say a Nina Planck/Michael Pollan-style diet?

[Panserbjorne]

gluten intolerance can either cause you to retain extra weight OR be unable to put it on. Everyone reacts uniquely when they do react. You can find many folks here on MDC in whom gluten caused them to have an inflammatory response and couldn't lose until it was cut. Try the allergy section-you'll get plenty of anecdotes.

[Violet2]

I would maybe go to an endocrinologist first and be sure your thyroid is properly treated. Also, some endos work with nutritionists and will oversee weight loss efforts.

Nutritionists are a mixed bag. Many espouse the low fat, high carb way of eating which can be problematic. Most are not really well versed, ime, in areas of gluten intolerance or insulin resistance or why carbs can be bad. I personally think a good nutritionist is very hard to find.

My cousin just got her MA in nutrition and is NOT up on the latest science. I think I am more widely read than she is.

V

[mama1803]

Originally Posted by Violet2

I would maybe go to an endocrinologist first and be sure your thyroid is properly treated. Also, some endos work with nutritionists and will oversee weight loss efforts.

Nutritionists are a mixed bag. Many espouse the low fat, high carb way of eating which can be problematic. Most are not really well versed, ime, in areas of gluten intolerance or insulin resistance or why carbs can be bad. I personally think a good nutritionist is very hard to find.

My cousin just got her MA in nutrition and is NOT up on the latest science. I think I am more widely read than she is.

V

I agree with this post.

I've been referred to a nutritionist twice in recent years. One was by my OBGYN when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and the second was by my ds' allergist when he was diagnosed with severe allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts when he was 14 months old. In both cases I was very disappointed and did not find the nutritionist helpful or up to date with the latest research. Many nutritionists espouse what I refer to as "mainstream" attitudes toward food--low fat everything, avoid everything with cholestrol, high carbs, synthetic vitamins, etc.

I have learned more from MDC and by reading books like What to Eat and Why by Nina Planck. I also am needing to lose weight and dealing with a possibly low functioning thyroid. I will not be seeing a nutritionist for help with this.

[witchygrrl]

thanks for the feedback. I've been moving toward a more whole-food diet as is, attempting to heal my thyroid and nourish my body anyway. But right now I'm waiting for bloodwork to come back to see where my thyroid is at.

My apt is in April, so I'll see how much headway I can make by then. And I do want to keep the visit--who knows? She may be great. If not (which is more what I expect), then I'll see about coughing up the cash to see a naturopath.

[Purple*Lotus]

I have gone to a few that seemed to be a little off as far as healthy eating was concerned. I have had a few people try to tell me that a nutritionist wanting me to eat 6 eggs a day was okay- but honestly, I just can't wrap my brain around that being healthy. Six a DAY? Six a week, maybe. I don't know, I have never had a good exeirience with a nutrionist.

[Mrs.aLifeofReilly]

Hi. We got a rec. from our pedi for a nutritionist for DS's allergies. She was fantastic and very different from what I expected (and probably different from most more mainstream nutritionists). We definitely had a lot of the same food/nutrition values. If you don't end up liking the one you've been referred to or want another option let me know and I can give your her name and number. She's in Mendon.

[witchygrrl]

that would be fabulous, Lia. You're always so helpful