Ladies w/ PCOS please come in

Hey all,

It's all finally starting to come together.

I've been EXTREMELY tired. Though it's taken me awhile, I think I'm finally starting to realize that my constant lack of energy may have lots to do with my diet, and with the PCOS.

So, my question is, what does your diet look like? I really need to start taking control of this. Did any of you go to see a nutritionist, or someone else to help you come up with an eating plan?

I'm just so sick of pretending that I don't have a problem--because I do, and ignoring it isn't going to help.

Thanks everyone!

Re: Ladies w/ PCOS please come in

Diet absolutely plays a huge role in PCOS! I've done research and have read a number of books on the subject. Losing weight absolutely helps with PCOS. Studies have shown that even by losing 10% of your body weight can help you to start ovulating on your own. I started changing my diet in February of this year. First I cut out all sugar... no sweets, no sugar in my coffee, etc.... I then started seeing a nutrionist that specializes in PCOS. I've cut out most carbs (I just CAN'T cut out all... I'd never survive! ) But by doing all this, I've lost about 25lbs. Also, I'm on metformin and if I eat the wrong thing, I get sick (upset stomach...I won't go into detail!) Even my RE pushed the importance of losing weight. Overweight women, are more prone to complications once pregnant (gestational diabietes....among other things). I'm not saying ALL overweight women will have complicated pregnancies. I mean, I know there are many women that are overweight that have healthy pregnancies. I just want to be as healthy as I can be before getting pregnant. I'll update my post in the morning with the name of the books I've read.

Message edited 10/21/2007 10:04:04 PM.

Re: Ladies w/ PCOS please come in

Here is a sample of what I might eat in a day:

Breakfast:
2 slices of LIGHT whole wheat toast.
Snack pack of cottage cheese (usually will put it on my toast)
1 hard boiled egg
16oz cup of coffee, half a splenda and a few dashes of cinnamon with a splash of half and half

Morning snack:
Handful of grapes, or some strawberries. Maybe some carrot sticks, or some string cheese, or those little babybel cheeses

Lunch:
Salad, with grilled chicken. half a capful of olive oil and vinegar.

Afternoon snack (only sometimes)
sugar free jello cup, or sugar free jello pudding (only 60 calories!)

Dinner:
Usually pretty liberal here, but I usually cook healthy dinners anyway. Usually grilled chicken, or turkey burgers, or even red meat. A small salad and some type of veggie.

I'm also a fry junkie... I LOVE fries. So, I allow myself on Friday nights when we go to the diner for dinner to have a burger (no bun) and fries. If I really want a burger with the bun, then I just don't have the fries.

I HAVE to have ice cream at night..we always have no sugar added in the house. I love the fudge pops. They are no sugar added and only 40 calories.

Re: Ladies w/ PCOS please come in

I haven't really changed my diet since my diagnosis, but I have always been a pretty healthy eater. I can't cut out carbs and sugar, I love them too much. I have pasta about once a week. I also have to eat ice cream almost every day, lol. At first the metformin gave me big stomach problems, but now I am fine. I take 1500mg a day.
However, I am not overweight, so my PCOS is not due to a weight issue - for me losing some weight would be nice, but wouldn't get me to start ovulating. I have heard though that for some, as soon as they have lost weight, their bodies regulated and started o'ing normally.
Good luck to you!

Re: Ladies w/ PCOS please come in

There was a book I got when I was first diagnosed called the PCOS Diet.

It was very helpful to me. I think I got it on Amazon.