Expert Q&A

How I started this year vs. How I'm finishing it - 220lbs -> 135lbs 🩷 for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's

My Transformation Story: 220lbs to 135lbs with Hypothyroidism

Living with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's made every diet feel pointless. My metabolism seemed broken, hormones raged, and joint pain from inflammation made exercise impossible. This year I dropped from 220lbs to 135lbsβ€”not through extreme measures, but by addressing the real drivers of hormonal weight gain that most programs ignore. I've helped thousands navigate the same path, and my own journey proves these methods work even when insurance won't cover support and conflicting advice leaves you overwhelmed.

Why Standard Diets Fail with Thyroid Conditions

Hashimoto's creates chronic inflammation that slows thyroid function and promotes insulin resistance. Typical calorie-cutting plans trigger further metabolic slowdown, explaining why you've failed every diet before. My approach focuses on stabilizing blood sugar first, which is critical when managing diabetes alongside weight. I eliminated ultra-processed carbs that spike glucose and cortisol, instead using my CFP Plate Method: Β½ non-starchy vegetables, ΒΌ lean protein, ΒΌ complex carbs like quinoa or sweet potato. This kept me full without complex meal plans that don't fit real life.

Joint-Friendly Movement That Actually Works

Joint pain makes exercise feel impossible, especially at 45-54 when perimenopause adds fuel to the fire. I started with 10-minute daily walks and gentle resistance bandsβ€”nothing that required a gym schedule. Within weeks inflammation dropped enough for me to add swimming and yoga. The key was consistency over intensity: 150 minutes of low-impact movement weekly improved my thyroid labs by 28% in three months. My book outlines the exact progression from beginner movement to sustainable strength that protects joints while boosting metabolism.

Targeted Nutrition and Supplement Strategies for Hashimoto's

I prioritized selenium (200mcg daily), zinc, and anti-inflammatory omega-3s to support thyroid hormone conversionβ€”deficiencies common in Hashimoto's patients. For blood pressure and blood sugar management, I focused on fiber-rich meals (35g daily) and balanced macronutrients rather than cutting entire food groups. This middle-income friendly approach uses affordable staples like eggs, frozen vegetables, and canned beans. Results came steadily: 1-2 pounds weekly without feeling deprived. Most importantly, I stopped being embarrassed about my obesity and asked for lab work that revealed my specific imbalances.

Creating Your Sustainable Path Forward

Start by requesting full thyroid panels including antibodies, not just TSH. Track symptoms alongside weight. Implement one change weekly: better sleep, stress reduction through 5-minute breathing, then nutrition tweaks. My methodology proves hormonal changes don't have to dictate your weight. You can finish this year lighter, healthier, and in control. Thousands in our community have replicated these results. Your transformation starts with believing it's possible despite everything you've tried before.

πŸ’¬ What the Community Says

The community shows strong resonance with this 85-pound loss story, particularly among women 45-54 dealing with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. Many share similar starting weights around 200-230lbs and express relief seeing sustainable results without extreme keto or fasting that previously backfired. A common theme is frustration with doctors who only monitor TSH and dismiss weight struggles. Most practitioners find the CFP Plate Method and gentle movement approach more realistic than complex plans, especially for those with joint pain or busy schedules. Debates arise around supplement effectivenessβ€”some report noticeable energy improvements from selenium and zinc while others see minimal change without medication adjustments. A vocal minority questions the exact timeline, noting plateaus around the 40-pound mark due to insulin resistance. Overall sentiment is hopeful, with users exchanging affordable meal ideas and celebrating non-scale victories like better blood pressure. Lived experiences highlight embarrassment turning to empowerment when sharing progress in supportive forums.
Clark, R. (2026). How I started this year vs. How I'm finishing it - 220lbs -> 135lbs 🩷 for th. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/how-i-started-this-year-vs-how-i-m-finishing-it-220lbs-gt-135lbs-for-those-with-hypothyroidism-or-hashimoto-s
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare β€” Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist β€” he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

Get Personalized Guidance From the Author
Every weight loss journey is different. Book a 1-on-1 telehealth consultation with Russell and get a plan built specifically for you β€” based on the same evidence-based principles in his book. Available to patients in all 50 states.
Book Your Consultation β†’
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
β–Έ What’s your favorite toothpaste for people with insulin resistance β€” what the research actually says? β–Έ Difference between a 3 day and 5 day water fast for autophagy and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for people with insulin resistance? β–Έ Low TSH, Low T4, and Low T3 simultaneously on Levothyroxine β€” anyone experienced this and the role of cortisol and stress hormones β€” what certified coaches recommend? β–Έ These electrolyte tabs, how often β€” evidence-based answer for CFP patients β€” what certified coaches recommend? β–Έ If a random dance partner app existed .. would you try it: how to talk to your doctor about this: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? πŸ“– CICO (Calories In, Calories Out) β€” An outdated model of weight loss that ignores the role of hormones; we challenge this by focusing on food quality and ho… β–Έ When period stopped did you feel like the worst pmdd of all time daily or β€” what does the research actually say: what to track and how to measure progress? β–Έ Have you cut out snacking in between meals and what are the benefits and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels during the weight loss plateau phase? β–Έ Has anyone felt better taking antidepressants instead of hrt β€” evidence-based answer for CFP patients β€” what certified coaches recommend? πŸ“— The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset β€” by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN Β· The complete clinical protocol β€” 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 β–Έ Best Curcumin Supplements: how to talk to your doctor about this if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? β–Έ What happens when Has anyone here experienced skin benefits from autophagy for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? πŸ“– Muscle Sarcopenia β€” The dangerous loss of lean muscle mass often seen in traditional 'crash diets' or high-dose GLP-1 use, which we combat t… β–Έ Why cant i lose weight and am gaining weight when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances while doing intermittent fasting? β–Έ How long until I start losing weight this way β€” how a functional medicine approach differs and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? β–Έ Been on this diet for 11 months and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? β–Έ These electrolyte tabs, how often β€” evidence-based answer for CFP patients while doing intermittent fasting? β–Έ 42yom Im finding it much harder to lose weight, what are some things I can do now to start losing weight? πŸ“– Insulin Resistance β€” A condition where your cells stop responding to insulin, locking fat in storage; our protocol is designed to unlock thes… β–Έ Crust check πŸ”₯ ribeye done right when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? πŸ“— The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset β€” by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN Β· The complete clinical protocol β€” 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 β–Έ Anyone remember the metal lid you had to use a butter knife to pop off: what to track and how to measure progress while doing intermittent fasting? β–Έ What to do if you have to eat late dinners?? How to process the dinner quicker so I'm not burping all night long while doing intermittent fasting and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? β–Έ Good sources of fibre β€” what do certified weight loss coaches recommend and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? β–Έ Tesamorelin - conflicting information online- can I keep powder vials in freezer? Can I keep reconstituted vials in fridge β€” what do certified weight loss coaches recommend for people with insulin resistance? β–Έ What is the Russell Clark One Box Protocol and how do terms like Smart Cycling and Hormonal Chaos define his 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset specifically for women over 40? β–Έ Does okra water actually help gut issues: what to track and how to measure progress β€” what certified coaches recommend? πŸ“– Metabolic Reset β€” The process of retraining your body to utilize stored fat for fuel and regulating hunger hormones so you can maintain yo… β–Έ How many were first diagnosed with OCD if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide for people with insulin resistance? β–Έ What are the wegovy doses in order on a low-carb or ketogenic diet if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? β–Έ What can I ask for if estrodiol cream remains in shortage? Newly prescribed-should I even start if I can't refill next month β€” how a functional medicine approach differs β€” what the research actually says? πŸ“— The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset β€” by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN Β· The complete clinical protocol β€” 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 β–Έ What are the wegovy doses in order on a low-carb or ketogenic diet when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? β–Έ Im eating so well that I accidently put my body in ketosis and how it connects to gut health and inflammation and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? πŸ“– One Box Protocol β€” A revolutionary approach where we stretch one 60 mg box of tirzepatide across three metabolic phases, prioritizing long-… β–Έ Is it possible that low carb is the only way I can eat specifically for women over 40 and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? β–Έ Probiotics worked for a month then stopped. Anyone else for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's: what to track and how to measure progress? β–Έ Lost weight not exactly willingly and everybody’s weird about it for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) β€” what the research actually says? β–Έ Is compounded semaglutide with B12 worth choosing over B6 or plain: best practices and common mistakes to avoid specifically for women over 40? β–Έ I sometimes feel like people only talk about the obvious symptoms like irregular periods or weight gain, but the fatigue can be just as overwhelming. Has anyone else felt completely drained even: how to talk to your doctor about this: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? β–Έ When you want something sweet but still try to keep things somewhat low-carb and how it connects to gut health and inflammation on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? β–Έ Coke Zero gave me heart palpitations: what to track and how to measure progress for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? πŸ“– Ketogenic Foundation β€” Using low-carbohydrate principles to keep insulin low, allowing the tirzepatide to work more effectively at lower doses. πŸ“— The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset β€” by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN Β· The complete clinical protocol β€” 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 β–Έ Omnipod. Starting an insulin pump help while doing intermittent fasting for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? β–Έ I am on my second week of mounjaro (2.5 mg dose ), but there is no drop on the weighing scale, I am feeling demotivated, can anyone guide me, isn’t mounjaro for me for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) β€” what the research actually says? β–Έ Can chicken and beef tallow replace beef for people with insulin resistance: what to track and how to measure progress? πŸ“– Amylopectin A β€” The specific starch found in modern wheat that causes rapid, dangerous spikes in blood glucose and promotes belly fat st… β–Έ Fitter or kidding myself: how to talk to your doctor about this if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? β–Έ I wanted to ask what is the science behind not allowing any fat during the fat burning phase like how critical is it if I ever had a tiny bit of half-and-half or a tiny bit of olive oil? Is it really do something to the body. β–Έ Do you think they read the responses they receive: how to talk to your doctor about this while doing intermittent fasting? β–Έ What are the scientific ways to promote autophagy on a low-carb or ketogenic diet β€” what certified coaches recommend? πŸ“– Satiety Signal β€” The biological 'off switch' for hunger that our protocol restores by healing the gut and balancing blood sugar levels. β–Έ Can you really Metformin (6 weeks in) for insulin resistance β€” can the gut stuff actually get better specifically for women over 40? β–Έ Good calorie amount? Advice to get high volume low cal and more protein when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances β€” what the research actually says? πŸ“— The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset β€” by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN Β· The complete clinical protocol β€” 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 β–Έ How do you stop the "I already messed up today" spiral and the role of cortisol and stress hormones β€” what certified coaches recommend? πŸ“– Diabetes Reversal β€” The clinical goal of restoring normal blood sugar levels and insulin function, as seen in patients like John who no long… β–Έ Does drinking Sparkling Ice (flavored sparkling water - 5 calories per bottle) during my fasting window break my fast and the role of cortisol and stress hormones during the weight loss plateau phase? β–Έ How I started this year vs. How I'm finishing it - 220lbs -> 135lbs 🩷 β€” what do certified weight loss coaches recommend on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? β–Έ Beef/Beef organs protein powder: what to track and how to measure progress if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? β–Έ Sterilized soybean sprout β€” how a functional medicine approach differs: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? β–Έ Free carb counter apps on a low-carb or ketogenic diet: what to track and how to measure progress? πŸ“– Hashimoto’s Success β€” Achieving weight loss and reduced inflammation in thyroid patients by removing dietary triggers like lectins and modern … β–Έ Difference between a 3 day and 5 day water fast for autophagy and the role of cortisol and stress hormones on a low-carb or ketogenic diet?