Hi all! I was just browsing the forums, and spotted this thread. I was dianosed with PCOS last year and immediately went into denial. Now my body won't let me igmore it anymore! I am not sure what kind of diet goes with PCOS...my doctor put me on an 1800 calorie diet but nothing specific. I am clueless with diet and nutrition. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Blessings,
Rita

I have insulin resistance and PCOS. Oh my gosh...I had trully thought I was pretty much alone on this one. My doctor told me that I should eat a low carb diet and have a calorie intake between 1400-1500 so that I can lose weight. I must admit that I can do the calories but I struggle eating low carbs. Any suggestions?

I also have PCOS and it is hard to lose weight. I was reading articles last week and I did see that if you have PCOS a low Glycemic Index diet is the best. I might try it, but I want to just do the normal low calories diet for awhile.

I recently found out that I too have PCOS. After a unexplainable weight gain of fifty lbs over ten months, major acne break outs, messed up hormones, etc, I was relieved to finally know what was wrong. I was put on Metformin back in February, which not only helps with the insulin resistance, but also with feeling hungry. My Dr. never mentioned any type of diet restrictions, only to watch my sugar intake and to exercise more... Low carb may be the tool I need!
I had been dieting for six weeks before I found out I had PCOS, and have had such a hard time losing weight the whole time I've been on the diet! It seems like I have had to work twice as hard as "normal" people. Thank you everyone for your posts. I had no idea that this effected so many women. Its encouraging to me to find other woman out there who are working through the same problem as I am.

I have had it for 3yrs I was told no carb or very little. I tried and cant do hard I get headach just feel YUCK when I have tried. I do take Metformin 850mg 3 times aday. dont know if you know if the restance gets to bad you will loose your period. This has regulated they come on time every month.

I have had this for years and i'm 53. It's a real pain in the A@@, only one of my daughters has it also. She reallly had a hard time getting pg but we do have a 1yr old girl. It is very hard to loss weight, and i've always had trouble with my weight after my kids were born. I really don't eat much less than 1200 calories per day. And most of the time it's limited to fruit and veg, chicken i never drink sodas only water. And I still weigh 238 as of last week. I have started a excercise program at curves, but with my horriblemoes out of wack too many male looks like with the excercise i'm getting very large muscle. Which isn't all bad. It's tough and no two people are alike with PCOS, my daughters issues are completely different than mine. But it really helps to talk to people that have this.

this is from soulcysters web site..


Weight loss has been the major recommendation by physicians for women with PCOS. Lifestyle modifications including stress reduction, exercise, and group support, along with a decrease in total energy intake, have had positive results. A weight decrease of only 5% of total body weight is associated with decreased insulin levels, increased fertility, reduced hirsutism and acne, and lower free testosterone levels.


Women with PCOS can lower their risk of developing diabetes and heart disease by exercising and eating a healthy diet. However, some women with PCOS have trouble shedding their extra pounds. (source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association)

Sticking to a special diet is a very important aspect of PCOS care. Some women with PCOS find success by reducing their total intake of carbohydrates (cereals, breads, pastas) and choosing to eat different types of carbohydrates that are less processed (whole wheat, brown rice, beans). Replacing manufactured carbohydrate products with whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your insulin response. The diet also should include enough protein to control the amount of sugar in the blood. (source: Hormone.org)

According to many studies, women with PCOS can improve their insulin resistance just with moderate activity. Even if you exercise and don't lose weight, you are still reaping very important health benefits. Exercise has been shown to improve use of insulin and can support dietary interventions to promote weight loss; it is important that the exercise program chosen is enjoyable for the PCOS woman.