9 year old w/ Hashimotos/Hypothyroidism

Question
Hello,
My 9 year old daughter has Hashimotos disease/Hypothyroidism. She is over weight and we have been very active in trying to keep her healthy. Nothing seems to work. She is very active (swims on a swim team atleast 3 times a week + soccer twice a week. The last nutritionist said that because of her medical issues she metabolizes fat better than carbs, and so we have been trying to keep the carbs out. But this is so hard, and the opposit of the food pyramid and a swimmers diet (mostly carbs). Please help, I am so confused....
Thanks, Renee  

Answer
Dear Renee, The food pyramid is just a guide to follow, it's not to be used for people or kids with health issues. Your daughter's hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication. Weight gain as a result of the hypothyroidism should then be controlled. Other causes of weight gain are diet and activity level. It is OK to limit carbohydrates in the diet because the body can make it's own carbohydrates from fat and protein. Fat and protein in the diet are essential, not carbohydrate. She can live a healthier life with limited carbs especially with her condition. Giving up the habit of eating good tasting carbohydrate foods is by far the hardest part of any weight control program. Follow the nutritionist's advice, I think you will see results if you stick with a low carb program. Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com

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