Check out my progress on Sweet and Sour
Today was quite a mix of both sweet and sour moments. I’ll begin with the sweet–we all like dessert first, right?
-It’s Friday! Woohoo for a three-day weekend!
-I had my two favorite classes today, the same ones I mentioned here.
-My dinner was supremely delicious, and especially enjoyable due to having the company of my friends:)
Then there’s the sour…
-My (empty) Sigg fell on my new camera…leaving a small dent. Boo.
-I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
That last one is the kicker. This afternoon I received a message from my gynecologist telling me that my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels were above normal and that I would need a prescription for Synthroid. Being the mature 21-year old that I am, I started sobbing uncontrollably, mostly out of fear of the unknown, but also due to my considerable aversion to taking any medication. After a little research, it appears that post-menopausal women are the ones most often diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Hmm I guess I share more in common with 50+ ladies than my love of teapots and early bedtime.
Much of my emotionality this afternoon was due to confusion. I do everything right: I eat balanced meals, I exercise regularly, and I get enough sleep. Why am I having a health problem? Rather than grieve my failure to maintain perfect health, I am just praying that it is only temporary. My kind roommate Alanna left me this Bible verse to ponder: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Enough about me and my thyroid. Onto the goods!
Thursday
I guess my dinner last night just wasn’t enough coconut for the day.
choco-berry shake with strawberries, unsweetened chocolate Spirutein, soymilk, & coconut
Friday
This green monster was far more successful than my last attempt with kale. Spinach is the way to go:)
Green Monster; Kashi Heart to Heart & almonds
peaches, silken tofu, Amazing Grass, rice milk, & spinach
That Groundnut Butter dish that I mentioned last night was stuck in my mind today…I had to have some sweet potato and PB! So I did.
purple sweet potato with PB; spinach with garlic & red pepper flakes; veggies; yogurt with banana & nutmeg
I headed out with a few friends to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Their menu keeps getting bigger–it’s like a friggin’ phonebook these days! Anyway, I ordered a salad and appetizer. I should know by now that their portions are Gargantuan! I took most of the hummus home to be consumed later this weekend…PS Sorry for the flash pics…they were unfortunately necessary in the dim lighting.
the addictive brown bread
Fresh Vegetable Salad with apples, edamame, beets, asparagus, & cucumber
Tuscan White Bean Hummus & grilled pita
Crying and worrying makes me tired. I’m hittin’ the hay. Good night.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Oh Caroline, I’m so sorry to hear this news from you
Many hugs to you.
I’m praying (and sure of this) that you can overcome this ‘bump on the road’.
Don’t worry too much about it – you’ll be fine
I am really sorry to hear about your hypothyroidism. It can be so confusing when it happens to someone who takes such amazing care of themselves. You’re in my prayers for sure!
The ‘sour’ made me so sad! It’s totally fine to sob uncontrollably. Everyone needs a good cry when scary/confusing/upsetting things happen. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason…it just may not be apparent in the beginning.
I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! I hope the medication helps. And even if you do everything right in terms of diet, exercise, sleep etc there are some things that are out of your control so don’t worry about it!
dang sorry about the dent on your new gadget. my sis is hypothyroid. she was born with it! hang in there, things will be A OK. ahh.. the white bean hummus is so yum looking. happy weekend C!
I am so sorry to about your HypoT status. However, there are sooooo many people that this affects, actually way way more than is reported. It’s one of those underreported diagnoses. I am 10 years older than you and have a toddler, but after women give birth it’s incredibly common to be hypoT. Do some research online for natural solutions and of course if need be the Synthyroid will do the trick. Also, google adrenal fatigue. That goes hand in hand with HypoT. When I was 25 I was diagnosed with 4 autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis which is a crippling, disfiguring, painful disease. But look at me, I’m a yoga teacher, I run marathons, I am a busy mom….you just have to keep on keeping on. Wishing you strength!
oh sweets, I’m so sorry to hear about the bearing of bad news. The positive thing is that it is something controllable. You should count your blessings that this health issue is not one of serious debilitation or something uncurable. I know medicine is not you thing, as it is mine as well, but think of it as God’s little tic tac for keeping you in good health.
I know that you will ge through this but in the meantime, Im sending really big hugs and smiles to cheer you up.
Onto happier things, atleast you enjoyed some deliciousness and a wonderful dinner out with friends! That’s the way to do it!
p.s. what kind of pb did you use on your tater? looks so delicious
I’m soooo sorry ro hear for your hypothyroidism.
(And for your camera too but the hypothyroidism is more upsetting)
I’m sure everything will be fine, though!
Such yummy and comforting eats, Banana+Yogurt, Yams+PB, Smoothie made with tofu…I want them all.
xxxxx and Many many hugs,
Vanilla
Oh no, I’m so sorry that you received such bad news. I’m probably wrong, but wouldn’t HIGH levels of TSH indicate an overactive (hyperthyroid) as opposed to an underactive (hypothyroid)? It might just be a typo so apologies if it is, but it seems so unfair that you’d have hypothyroidism when people who do are generally overweight/have problems with putting on weight, which it’s extremely obvious that you do not. If anything, you have the petite frame of someone with an OVERactive thyroid. Bizarre.
Anyway, I wish I could do something more than offer a huge internet *hug* and wish you all the strength in the world in getting through this.
<3
Keep it real. I’m fairly sure there are healing properties in sweet potatoes, so maybe that’s the remedy P;
I hope somehow this condition is only temporary for you, or it can easily be taken care of so it does not inhibit your life in any way. :/ But no matter what happens, I know you will be able to pull through!
The Cheesecake Factory! Haven’t been there in so long, but they do have ginormous portions @_@ Delicious, though
Aww sorry to hear the bad news…but reading the description, it says that if it’s detected it can easily and safely be treated, so that’s EXCELLENT news!
Sometimes we do everything right and life still refuses to play by our rules.
Good luck and I’m sure you’ll get through it!
Awww… I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis! I hope that everything turns out ok, I’m sure its nothing that can’t be fixed or helped, right?
I love going to bed early and teapots, too!!
Keep you chin up!
I’m very sorry
Try not to worry! I’ll keep you in my thoughts!
I’ll have you in my thoughts Caroline! I’m sure that with your strength, you can overcome this. *hugs*
Caroline, things will turn out exactly as they’re supposed to in the end. It’s just a matter of time before God’s plan starts to make sense, but in the mean time, I’ll also be praying for you and hoping that you feel better!
On a lighter note, I MUST go buy some of that sweet potato!
Hi,
I read you blog regularly and wanted to let you know that I have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease) too. I am 32 and was dx 2 years ago and I have always been a health and fitness nut so I was shocked when I was dx as well. Just wanted to let you know that you can send me an email if you have any questions any time. I would send you email but am out of town this weekend at my brother’s wedding which means crazy insanity right now!!
I live down in Auburn, AL by the way but drive up to Birmingham for the doctors…I seem to remember you living in AL (or going to a lake in AL) but going to school in NC. Let me know if you want in book recommendations…I have spent hours in the bookstore!
Marianne
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis! My “sister” has hypothyroidism and other than taking a pill every morning, she’s fine.She’s in her early thirties, married, has kids, everything so I’m sure everything will work out for you
Oh warm, grilled pita! Why must you tempt me?!
Purple sweet potato? Must get on the hunt for those ASAP!
I can well imagine being scared of a diagnosis that you don’t know much about. I would’ve cried, too. (((HUGS)))
I’m sorry Caroline
It’s so frustrating when in theory, you are doing everything ‘right’ and yet your body does it’s own funky stuff anyway. I don’t know much about thyroids, but sending good vibes your way (I know sea vegetables are rich in iodine which is good for thyroid function but I’m no RD!)
Have a nice weekend and don’t worry too much…as weird as bodies can be at times, they also have an amazing ability to adjust/adapt/heal x
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this Caroline! Sending hugs your way. At least there were some positives to balance out the bad news. That hummus looks like it was a good salve.
Aww Caroline, don’t worry!! I was actually diagnosed (a few years ago) as having borderline hyPERthyroidism, and at first I was scared of what that meant. But the doctor said that it was actually so minimal that I didn’t even need medicine, as the condition often goes away on its own. So maybe that’s the same for hypothyroidism and you won’t need medicine either. But even if you do, know that medical science these days can do amazing things. I love you, girl!
P.S. I’m so happy you like the broccoli-os
P.P.S. Have you ever had Ethopian food? If you get the chance, take it!!
Aww I’m so sorry to hear that! Luckily it’s not a very serious disease.. the medicine will help you and you’ll be back to normal! Hang in there! If you ever need to talk I’m here!
On the brightside that purple sweet potato with peanut butter made my day! Finally another blogger who has tried it!
I am sorry to hear about your thyroid problem – hopefully things will get better soon!
Your food looked delicious! I love the cheesecake factory!
Sobbing uncontrollably is a lot better than bottling it up and keeping your fears/etc to yourself.
Science and medicines are so advanced now I’m sure you’ll be OK!! and perhaps there’ll be other options other than medication.
I hope you’ll get to talk to a doctor real soon to get your doubts clarified and questions answered.
Sometimes, leading a healthy lifestyle doesn’t always guarantee that one will never have any health issues. =\ But I’m sure it’ll help improve the situation!
Do try to stay positive, talk to someone if you need to, and I hope things will turn out OK for you!!
So sorry about your diagnosis. It’s definitely ok to cry and be a little scared. I don’t think that hypothyroidism is a reflection on your health habits at all. It sounds like it just spontaenously happens sometimes.
Love, hugs, and prayers your way…
Hi Caroline. I’m very sorry to read about your bad news. Like you, I struggle with things like this happening to people that try so hard to take good care of themselve. It’s not fair!!! I like the bible verse your friend gave you and also keep in mind that God will never place more on us than we can handle. Keep your chin up and show that mean condition it picked the wrong girl to mess with!
PS My Spirutein came so I’ve been trying to recreate some of your yummy shakes! Thanks for that tip.
Caroline! I am sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Poo. Maybe it’s in the genes? All you can do is keep being the healthiest you can be. And I have that same Bible verse written in my quotes section of my Facebook page! But that verse is so true…I remind myself of it all the time, probably more than any other verse I can think of…but it is hard to not worry! I don’t want to hear about any tears, though…no no! Please cheer up! I wish I could come give you a great big hug! And come to meet you and buy you dinner at that awesome-sounding African restaurant you mentioned.
And omg. That purple sweet potato w/ PB looks amazing!
IT’S BEEN WAYYY too long since I’ve been to the Cheesecake Factory!!
I’m so sorry to hear about the thyroid issue, Caroline! Don’t blame yourself for this health woe–we all see how healthfully you live, and how much effort you put into living life to the fullest. I’ve known people with this condition, and they lead normal, healthy lives. With the amazing medical technology we have these days, it is no wonder! I know you will be able to get through this strongly and will be keeping you in my prayers! That verse is definitely wonderful, and I’m so glad your roommate found it for you
Oh Caroline, I am so so sorry to hear about the thyroid issue. As someone who is also averse to taking medication, I know how hard it can be to hear that a pill is necessary to make something better (I remember last year when I had tummy issues, my doc prescribed something and it took days for me to come to terms with it). Hang in there, girly – I’m always here if you need someone to lend an ear.
On a more positive note, I think that purple sweet potato with PB just may be the best looking food I’ve seen all week. That is ridiculously cool! I’ve never seen a purple sweet potato, and am now on a quest to find one.
Don’t even get me started on the addictiveness factor of Cheesecake Factory brown bread. What do they put in it to make me want to continuously eat it?! It’s gotta be the molasses.
oh dear…. i can imagine your frustration and confusion…. I hope it’s only temporary and your doctor find out the reason and the solution for you soon!!! Don’t worry too much about it…. you’re doing everything find…. you have a role model healthy life style and I’m sure it will do only good to you in the long term!
I would cry too! Basically because I would be scared of what it meant. But I am sure everything will be fine! You are strong and smart and can handle it.
Love the addictive Cheesecake brown bread.
oh love…i am so sorry to hear that. just goes to show – so much is out of our control. we just gotta have faith, do what we can and keep on swimming. much love girl!
haha cheesecake factory menu IS like a phone book. i just laughed out loud in the coffee shop i am at and people stared. yes, they did.
happy sunday
http://thehealthyeverythingtarian.wordpress.com
You should go get ice cream with your girlfriends! That always makes me feel better!
Oh honey, I am thinking about you. News like that is always hard to take, but it sounds like you are starting off on the right foot. Just remember that God has a plan for you.
Hugs!
I’m 24 and have had hypothyroidism since I was 21 as well. All you have to do is take a pill every morning on an empty stomach and go periodically for bloodwork. I have been thin my whole life and still remain thin even with this. Don’t worry about gaining weight. I have not in the slightest bit. It hasn’t changed me at all!
Aw, Caroline :/
I cry at EVERYTHING. And it does make me feel better (just slightly). I am glad you have good friends around you (Alanna! And your blog world!! And me hehe) to support you during hard times. <3
I can def relate to the anxiety that hypoT can bring… 4 or 5 years ago I gained a lot of weight in a matter of like, 2 or 3 months, I was cold A LOT, and tired, etc., and my doctor suggested something wrong with my thyroid… I think that exacerbated my body image issues bc I became angry at my body, even though my body really wasn't doing anything wrong. I never ended up taking any medication, even though my TSH was elevated for a year or two. I think it was okay at my last physical. It does seem "unfair" because you treat your body so well — hopefully the commenter above me (and others) are right in that it's a very easily-treatable condition and does not interfere too much with life's pleasures!
If we're talking HUGE portions, have you ever been to toreros? I went for the first time last night and O.M.G. I feel like they give you enough food for 3 people and it's 25% off for dukies!
Caroline, everything is going to be fine! It’s horrible to hear that from the doctor and it shocked you. But believe me, you’ll be able to live like now (most possibly without medicine). A big hug!
I’ve been reader of your blog for about two months since I discovered blogosphere..and I like your blog!
I’m so sorry about your bad health news! I know how frustrating it can be, especially when you fancy yourself a very healthy person. Here’s hoping that a little treatment can set things straight, and you’ll move on quickly!
Agreed on the spinach vs. kale in smoothies – spinach is the key! And that sweet potato is soooo pretty.
I’m sorry about the bummer news
I think everyone’s already said it but you are much too strong, capable and gorgeous to have this get ya down! Good luck girlie
No matter how healthy a lifestyle we lead, we can’t always control our genetics. But the fact that you do lead and healthy lifestyle means that you’ll do what’s right for your body to treat your hypothyroidism