Living with PCOS can be a tedious and melancholic task, as different aspects of your life have to change in order for you to deal with the condition. If you’re starting to feel the negative side effects of a PCOS lifestyle, it’s time to change your diet.

PCOS can seriously affect how you go about living your day-to-day life, because of the impact it can have on your body. Women with PCOS have been found to have a resistance to Insulin, meaning the bodies of women with PCOS do not respond to Insulin as quickly as they should. This means PCOS sufferers have to change elements of their diet to suit this new lifestyle.

What Does Insulin Resistance Mean for My Body?

When an individual has an Insulin resistance, the body has to produce more Insulin for the cells to take up glucose absorbed from what we eat and drink. The body then has a high Insulin level, which causes high levels and imbalances of hormones like testosterone, contributing to other PCOS symptoms like unwanted hair growth.

However, the body is unfortunately not converting food to energy like it normally would, leaving a PCOS sufferer hungrier and lethargic. The body isn’t functioning normally but is still intaking more food than needed, meaning the individual will gain weight. This imbalance of hormones is why us PCOS sufferers find it so hard to shift unwanted weight.

What Foods Should I Be Avoiding?

Carbohydrates tend to be the worst for leaving glucose in the bloodstream, especially those foods which are starchy or sweet. For example, foods like bread, pasta, rice and cereal are all high in carbs and your body may struggle with breaking them down.

Fatty foods, specifically foods with high saturated fats, are also best to avoid. Therefore, you may have to ease up on takeaways on weekends and opt for low or no fat dairy products.

Caffeine has also been considered bad for those trying to live a balanced PCOS lifestyle as it can have a negative impact on hormones too.

What Foods Are Better for Me?

It’s best to try wholemeal, wholewheat and brown alternatives to foods like white bread, normal pasta and starchy rice.

Foods that are rich in protein are also super good for those suffering with PCOS as they help to lower insulin levels. Fish and lean meat like chicken and turkey also have high amounts of protein, so are good for those who want to live a healthy PCOS lifestyle.

It’s also vital you get your five-a-day as fruits contain myo-inositol, which can help with normal ovarian function. Nuts, beans and grains also naturally have myo-inositol which can help to balance your hormones by maintaining insulin levels. Alternatively, you can take food supplements, which will help you get the nutritional elements you need with a PCOS lifestyle to help minimise the effects of the condition.

Some Dietary Tips

Drink a lot of water during the day – it not only fills you up, but also helps you to stay hydrated too. If you do get bored and fancy a change, make sure you stick to diet or zero sugar drinks, as these reduce calorie intake.

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