best diets and/or food for PCOS???

sassyred · 06-21-2005, 06:35 AM

i was wondering what are the best diets and foods for us PCOS gals to try???

i also wanted to know what to avoid???

i need to do something now i cant stand it, im to fat to do anything and so fat that i need to do something!!!

what has worked for you guys ???

thanx

dellwood · 06-21-2005, 07:12 AM

I honestly think that as people's metabolisms can be so different, with diets, it's a case of "suck it and see!" There is a comparison of different diets at the top of the diet and exercise board, and you need to decide which one is going to be the easiest for you to live with longterm. Some diets have fantastic early results, but they're so restrictive they are nearly impossible to live with.
Most PCOSers have issues with carbohydrates, and the IR diet is very popular, as it's not too restrictive. There is a PCOS diet, designed by Colette Harris, specifically for us.
Basically, everyone, not just those with PCOS would benefit from a diet with less processed food, less salt and fat, and far less refined carbohydrates. If you can find organic food easily, that's a big plus. The less artificial gunk we put into our bodies, the less there is to mess with our hormones! I think we should all be trying to say

to GM foods and junk foods as much as possible. Hard at times when that chocolate or burger is calling out your name from the fridge, I know!
I'm sure you will get plenty of replies and there are loads of people here with much more knowledge than I have, but here's my 2 cents, for what it's worth. Hope it helps a little.

asrai · 06-21-2005, 10:10 AM

I've had a success (in weight loss, overall health, and dealing with eating disordered behavior) with an organic/whole foods way of eating. It's pretty much "naturally" low in simple carbs and high in fiber. Basically I only buy healthy stuff and then just eat what I want when I'm hungry. No freaking out about food, counting, weighing, measuring, etc.

If I want something junk food-ish, I go out and get it when I want it. I've gotten spoiled - sweets and snacks eaten out are usually a lot more fun and a lot better tasting than that box of oreos in the cabinet or a bag of chips.

I do think exercise is the most important thing we can do, especially muscle building. Using that extra testosterone to build muscle instead of show up on our bodies is really good! Also, a recent study showed that even moderate exercise (walking 1 hour, 4 times a week) reduced IR by up to 25%!!

But I pretty much look at is as playing, instead of exercise. I only do what I enjoy. I wish I had a pool. I would swim every day. The apartment complex has one, but I'm pretty shy, so I don't use it without husband being with me.