PCOS success with weightloss

Keep_on_cardio

lep_623 wrote: »

I too have PCOS and am finding it hard to lose weight again. I lost about 60 lbs before my wedding in 2012 but have gained it all plus an extra 20 since then. Along with adding the weight on it started messing with my joints so i can't workout as hard as i was the last time i lost weight ( i wouldn't go to bed at night until I had burned 1200 calories according to my heart rate monitor... probably a little too obsessed with that...) but I know i won't be able to do that right now hurting the way I do, but I feel like if I don't do that the weight won't come off. Your story was inspirational and I had thought about cutting carbs but the eating like a diabetic sounds like a great idea!

Feel free to add me as a friend if you all would like, I am looking for some new/more motivational friends to help me stay focused!

Cutting carbs is hard and eating like a diabetic sounds less intimidating I have my moments of eating things I know I shouldn't. As long as you learn tools to help keep you on track, don't fret about treating yourself in moderation

Keep_on_cardio

pcousins13 wrote: »

Thank you for this post! I have PCOS as well and it is really hard to lose weight. I'm trying to cut back on carbs, but that is hard too! I'm determined to do it, though! I just started cutting out my normal morning toast and just have an omlette now. Sweets are still an issue....it sucks being addicted to something! I do exercise daily for at least an hour, sometimes two, depending on the day. I weight train, do videos, and run/walk on the treadmill.

I know the feeling! Sweets are a soft spot for me too. I try telling myself to do good during the week and treat myself on the weekends. I sometimes slip up during the week, that's ok as long as I don't stop working out and getting back on track.

kikilareggae

PCOS here, too. Awesome post and progress! Very inspiring!

katanak9

I'm another PCOS person... And I'm 36. Sorry if this is a personal question- Just wondering how many of you successfully fell pregnant after losing weight? I'm at the start of my journey (in terms of weight loss) but my doctor gave me the impression that pregnancy was unlikely, partially because of the PCOS and partially because of my age. Would love to hear some 'proved them wrong ' stories.

jewwell007

Do any of you find that you feel irritable or depressed when cutting back on carbs, how do you counter that?

Kelly_2013

A very personal question for anyone with PCOS who wants to answer, If not I understand since it's a public forum. I was diagnosed in Dec last year, I honestly don't even remember what the told me, All I remember is I have 12 follicles on each ovary and excess hair, I have never had issues with my periods, they are always on time and I know when I'm ovulating each month, My obgyn put me on birth control stating she thought that would help me with my symptoms (only symptoms I had was excess hair and overweight) but after 4 months of taking it, I did not like the side effects, nor did it help my symptoms so I quit and now my periods are back to normal. So my question is how many women have normal periods and ovulating? I know there are complete different levels of PCOS. Sorry for the book, I was typing so fast hopefully it makes sense

Keep_on_cardio

katanak9 wrote: »

I'm another PCOS person... And I'm 36. Sorry if this is a personal question- Just wondering how many of you successfully fell pregnant after losing weight? I'm at the start of my journey (in terms of weight loss) but my doctor gave me the impression that pregnancy was unlikely, partially because of the PCOS and partially because of my age. Would love to hear some 'proved them wrong ' stories.

I was diagnosed with PCOS 2012. I had already had my oldest daughter in 2011. I had two MC in 2013 and ended up pregnant with my son (4 months after 2nd MC). He's currently a healthy 16mth old little boy. I was told, as long as cysts aren't blocking ovaries that it is possible. I lost 10lb before conceiving my son and was placed on progesterone, until he was 12wks to make sure it wasn't a low progesterone problem. I was told to take prenatals while trying to conceive and the Dr had placed me on Metformin. I did stop taking Metformin after getting pregnant with my son. I was told if I couldn't get pregnant on my own, they would've given me Clomid and that helps with ovulation but is known for causing multiples (twins or triplets). I wish you luck and possibly finding another OB who has more compassion, helping you with getting pregnant. Also understand your Dr is only warning you, because after age 35 (we as women) are considered a high risk and you could end up with other high risk issues with insulin resistance (from the PCOS). I'm only informing on possibilities of being treated for gestational diabetes, at some point because I was. I had to do insulin injections with my daughter and son, around 30wks pregnant. My blood sugars returned to normal, after I gave birth.

Keep_on_cardio

kikilareggae wrote: »

PCOS here, too. Awesome post and progress! Very inspiring!

Thank you!

Keep_on_cardio

jewwell007 wrote: »

Do any of you find that you feel irritable or depressed when cutting back on carbs, how do you counter that?

Yes! I cave sometimes (usually with sweets). I believe it helps to find alternatives to items you love, finding a way to cut down the carb intake. What are your favorite carbs to indulge in? Maybe I can throw out better alternatives. I found these pretty awesome protein bars (peanut butter and chocolate chip) 16carbs. problem is if you can't just eat one, don't eat it! there's ways to get your taste buds and mind to be happy! Without over doing the carbs. I'm telling you, Pinterest is my go to. Whatever you find yourself leaning towards.. Google healthier alternatives to pizza or breads, or sweets. I love alternatives, it's the prep cutting and cooking that tends to wear on ppl bc it's not a quick fix.

Keep_on_cardio

Kelly_2013 wrote: »

A very personal question for anyone with PCOS who wants to answer, If not I understand since it's a public forum. I was diagnosed in Dec last year, I honestly don't even remember what the told me, All I remember is I have 12 follicles on each ovary and excess hair, I have never had issues with my periods, they are always on time and I know when I'm ovulating each month, My obgyn put me on birth control stating she thought that would help me with my symptoms (only symptoms I had was excess hair and overweight) but after 4 months of taking it, I did not like the side effects, nor did it help my symptoms so I quit and now my periods are back to normal. So my question is how many women have normal periods and ovulating? I know there are complete different levels of PCOS. Sorry for the book, I was typing so fast hopefully it makes sense

I believe all it takes is a certain amount of symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS. That being said, yes some ppl can have a diagnosis of PCOS while having regular periods. Also for you and others questioning just know yes there's chances to get pregnant, you may end up high risk. The insulin resistance issues became an issue for me, in both my pregnancies the further along I was. I wasn't able to manage the glucose levels with diet alone and ended up taking insulin around 30wks pregnant.

katanak9

@Amandalowe992013 Thanks for that!

PCOS is such a weird condition. Seems it has a range of severity, but how bad the symptoms are don't necessarily indicate fertility. My symptoms are insulin resistance, overweight (I carry my weight in my belly especially) and my ovaries look like they're wrapped in bubble wrap. Skin isn't great, but could be worse. No excessive hair issues.

I was told I was unlikely to conceive when I was 26. I accepted that and moved on with life, knowing I wouldn't have children. But then last year, I lost 15kg in preparation for my wedding - and I fell pregnant. Everyone was dumbfounded. I ended up having a MC, which was devastating. I'm ok now, but for a long while it really affected me. Now I'm trying to focus on losing weight to be healthy and live life how I want to - but I admit that at the back of my mind there's a tiny little hope that maybe it'll happen again.

@Kelly_2013 - not sure if this helps, but it is possible to have periods without ovulating. Sometimes the hormones don't peak enough to trigger ovulation (or cysts block the egg coming out), but the body carries on with a period on thinking it's business as usual. Crazy stuff. Happened to me. So even when periods are regular, it's still no guarantee that those hormones are behaving themselves like they should.

But from all I've read and heard, losing weight seems to help. And Amanda is proof that with hard work, it IS possible, even with insulin resistance :-)

Sorry for the novel and TMI ladies! But gosh it's nice to share with women who understand!

LMSCROGG

Amandalowe992013 wrote: »

Helpful tips for carb hacks: pizza crust and or dough based items, try CAULIFLOWER you can also use cauliflower to make tortillas

(After pizza crust, I'll give you a pasta noodle substitute; spaghetti squash)

Pizza crust:
Ingredients
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano
(or whatever spices you like for pizza)
2 eggs
1 head of cauliflower

1. Either with a food processor or cheese grater, grind up cauliflower (size of grain of rice).

2. Place ground pieces into a pot of water, boil on stove under texture of mash potatoes.

3. Drain out all the excess water and pat dry

4. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray

5. Mix two eggs in with cauliflower and mash together.

6. Place mixture onto baking sheet, flatten dough into shape of a pizza. Then use your spices to place on top of dough.

7. Set oven to 450 and place into oven for 10-13 min. Remove and add sauce with additional toppings and cheese. Bake an additional 12-15 (until top is cheese is Melted)

Enjoy!

Now if you're a pasta lover, think about SPAGHETTI SQUASH (vegetable by potatoes;yellow)

1. Poke knife in and out, in direction as you will cut squash in half.

2. Place on microwave safe dish; 3-5min to soften squash.

3. Cut squash in half

4. Use a spoon to scrape out seeds

5. Olive oil and season both halves (I use pepper and garlic powder, add spices after it cooks)

6. On a baking sheet place face down. Place into preheated oven at 375 for 35min.

7. Wait for it to cool, use a fork to drag through each middle of each halve. This strings out like spaghetti. Enjoy with pasta sauce and or Alfredo with chicken and or fish with or without more veggies.

Enjoy! (carb hacks)

I have to save this somewhere and try it ASAP.

LMSCROGG

I am late to this party (thread) but I have PCOS and have been trying to get my weight under control since I was in 5th grade! Now I know I do better when the carbs are out of my life so I have been trying to decide between Keto and Atkins. Can't wait to go through this thread again and read some more of the tips. Thank you so much for sharing!

mojonah

Amandalowe992013 wrote: »

Congrats on great achievement.

PCOS_VICTOR

How many carbs do you aim for?

Keep_on_cardio

PCOS_VICTOR wrote: »

How many carbs do you aim for?

Honestly it depends, I’m more so listening to my body on what and when to eat. I do a lot of cardio about an hour to hour 1/2 a day I like to burn 200carbs a day.

Personally speaking, I break down my carbs by aiming to eat more in the morning/early afternoon and aim to eat low/moderate carbs for evening.


My mentally for myself in what I eat, is think like a diabetic (due to the insulin resistance).

If you break down a couple snack periods by snacking 12-15carbs. The heaviest meal being no greater than 40-45carbs.

I personally will not eat foods that have a carb count serving wise, over 30. I rather find other foods that will fill me and I can eat more of, then take in too much at one time.

Keep_on_cardio

LMSCROGG wrote: »

I am late to this party (thread) but I have PCOS and have been trying to get my weight under control since I was in 5th grade! Now I know I do better when the carbs are out of my life so I have been trying to decide between Keto and Atkins. Can't wait to go through this thread again and read some more of the tips. Thank you so much for sharing!

You’re welcome! Keto is amazing! I’m on pintrest and honestly, I’m searching recipes from Vegan, Keto and Paleo. Anything that looks amazing and tasty, with a low carb count. 😊

Keep_on_cardio

Been a long time since I’ve been on.

I’ll add finding amazing recipes, on Pinterest for Keto, Paleo and or Vegan, is what I’m currently doing to help with options of fun/yummy food!

Keep_on_cardio

If you’d like to follow my recipes on Pinterest for healthy ideas, amandagreek23 is my username 😊 I’m continuing to search through meal plans that help my needs.


Anyone who’s has a Costco, there’s an amazing Margarita Cauliflower pizza. I share this, since I don’t have to meal prep for that and my love for pizza. I like to treat myself to healthier alternatives, when I have a craving!

Trail mix, with peanuts, raisins, sun flower kernels, m&ms have been my go to for craving treats. I also love the Nature Valley bars, they have peanut butter or malt flavored. Again, those are great treats and those have about 18carbs a bar. Another treat, fudge popsicles (18carbs). As you can see, I love chocolate and sweets! Lol.

Cauliflower rice, has been an added bonus that you can buy at the store! I’d suggest to cut carbs and fill out meals, the best way clean wise as possible. I still love spaghetti squash as my pasta, to also go under several flavorful entrees.

Keep_on_cardio

katanak9 wrote: »

I'm another PCOS person... And I'm 36. Sorry if this is a personal question- Just wondering how many of you successfully fell pregnant after losing weight? I'm at the start of my journey (in terms of weight loss) but my doctor gave me the impression that pregnancy was unlikely, partially because of the PCOS and partially because of my age. Would love to hear some 'proved them wrong ' stories.

Im sorry I missed this! Not sure where you are, on your journey with pregnancy ect.

I’ll say, With your Dr flat out telling pregnancy was unlikely was possibly so you could begin healing mentally and be prepared for the possibility.

I’m not sure how severe your PCOS is/was during time of conversation. I do know, if follicular cysts are causing any sort of blockage that yes, this can make it nearly impossible without having the blockage surgically cleared. Again, that may not be your case, I’m just sharing how those cysts could be problematic. Another, is your progesterone low? I went through Two consecutive MC, then was placed on progesterone until I was 12wk pregnant, when I fell pregnant after the second Miscarriage. Also, I’m not sure how much weight you needed to lose to have a suggested healthier pregnancy. That would be another factor and why Dr showed concern.

I would say, there’s always hope. The Dr being openly honest of all the higher risks is unfortunately a large truth, even for women who do not have PCOS and over 35.

Keep_on_cardio

Hey ladies, who suffer from PCOS just letting you know there’s hope. Trying to bump an old post of mine, to show ways that helped 😊