Paleo diet and PCOS

Sweettart

I have been reading a lot lately and I have found that the paleo diet is great for women with pcos. Have you tried the diet and did you find a difference in the way you feel and did you lose weight.

I am thinking about starting

CoderGal

All I know is progressive strength training with a high protein diet can make a big difference. And as long as you're getting a variety of food and everything you need as far as nutrients go in your diet, then I see no problem with giving it a go if that's what you want to do. I don't do paleo myself, but know a few people who have had success with it. Particularly on a calorie deficit, since you still want to get all your nutrients/fat/proteins. Carbs, however, are not the devil, unless like everything else, eaten in excessive quantities. And I see no problem eating them, particularly while exercising. I mention this because I know many of the paleo people seem to think carbs are the devil. Just make sure you're not leaving essential things out of your diet. And that can be managed, as far as I know, on a paleo diet. Also, calories are not the devil. I find a lot of the PCOS people who haven't talked to anyone reputable dealing with this problem and turn to the forums find themselves in the low calorie/1200 cal diet which can suppress a suppressed metabolism even more.

You don't need paleo. But if paleo keeps you from feeding souly on nachos and breads constantly, then woohoo. But I don't like trying to stick to a particular diet. I like variety, and I recommend just trying to go for everything you need first.

Sweettart

Living without carbs would kill me! I love carbs but I also know how to control myself as well (most of the time)

Mr_Knight

Paleo doesn't mean no carbs. It doesn't even mean low carb.

hunterjumper642

I have PCOS and I do Paleo. I definitely feel better and I don't ever gain on it. My hirtutism isn't as bad, I don't feel as bloated, and I feel a lot more athletic. Just make sure you're eating enough and I would personally recommend not eating loads of nuts and seeds but fill calories with lean turkey and meats, salads, and vegetables.

I do Paleo 6 days of every week, so I allow myself a cheat day and this helps when you're going out with friends or what not. I've found that restaurants definitely will alter their menus if you ask them politely enough Also, my friend, who is also a paleo eater, completely cut out gluten for a year, and is now allergic to it. Unless you want to do it for your entire life I would eat some bread every now and again (at least that's what I do.)

Good luck!

CoderGal

Paleo doesn't mean no carbs. It doesn't even mean low carb.

I agree, which is why I didn't state that it was a flaw with paleo. I have nothing against paleo even though I don't quite understand why one would go on it. That being said a high protein diet, which paleo tends to be, can be beneficial with those with PCOS. I've heard a lot of people doing paleo in person and on here limiting their carbs by allot. It's not a paleo requirement (my friend certainly doesn't), but it seems common.

Sabine_Stroehm

A higher protein lower glycemic diet seems to work really well for PCOS from what I've seen. Hope it works for you.

dancingdeer

Paleo is not a high protein diet. The recommended macros are 65% fat, 15% protein, and 20% carbs. And, carbs are not the devil. There are plenty of ways to get grain/legume free carbs through pumpkins and other squash, sweet potatoes, beets, etc.

Some of us can't digest grains, or have sensitivities - and find that Paleo works best for us.

If you want more info - a good source is the book "Practical Paleo", and the free podcasts by the author of said book which can be found on iTunes under "Balanced Bites". She also has a FB page under "Balanced Bites".

Sabine_Stroehm

Paleo is not a high protein diet. The recommended macros are 65% fat, 15% protein, and 20% carbs. And, carbs are not the devil. There are plenty of ways to get grain/legume free carbs through pumpkins and other squash, sweet potatoes, beets, etc.

Some of us can't digest grains, or have sensitivities - and find that Paleo works best for us.

If you want more info - a good source is the book "Practical Paleo", and the free podcasts by the author of said book which can be found on iTunes under "Balanced Bites". She also has a FB page under "Balanced Bites".

Does the book address the needs of women with PCOS? I suspect beets would not be a good PCOS food, but that's just a gut instinct.

fitnessmare

This thread caught my eye because I have recently and gradually gone Paleo. I don't know anything about how it affects someone with PCOS but I can say this: I have never felt better in my life! I was always so foggy-headed and had such ups and downs with my energy levels. I always had a time of day, usually from about 3-6 pm. when I felt I couldn't do anything. I just dragged myself around and did what I had to do at that time, usually making dinner. I woke up with huge bags under my eyes and so much bloating. I started out by cutting back on carbs (I am Italian and love my pasta and breads!), then I gradually, as I was learning, cut back some other things like sugars, dairy, and pre-packaged foods. I can not tell you how much better I was feeling! I was no longer foggy in the morning!

Then I started reading more and more about Paleo with never any intention of going that way but I thought I'd at least try it for a few weeks. I gradually gave up breads and pasta by not eating any after noon for awhile and then none at all. I stay away from processed sugars (esp. high fructose corn syrup!), high salt foods, vegetable oils, dairy, and grains. My diet consists of a lot of vegetables! I try to have about 2/3 of each meal as vegetables, a small (palm-sized) serving of meat or eggs, some healthy fats, and a piece of fruit, although now my fruit is usually for a snack as it satisfies my sweet-craving. I make my own salad dressing with EVOO, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. (Add some form of vinegar if you like that. I don't)

I do have some treats now and then! Sometimes it's a small bowl of ice cream, sometimes a piece of zucchini bread... whatever I just love, love, love and can't pass up. I'd go crazy if I could never have any of those! I am totally surprised at how satisfied I feel. I never thought I could be satisfied without breads and pastas. I have noticed that my mood is much improved too. I no longer have giant mood swings that send my husband to the far corners of the house. LOL

I was having a hard time losing the last 5-10 pounds of weight I wanted to but once I went Paleo it just came off so easily! I was in a calorie deficit so I'm sure that was part of it but I was hardly ever suffering with hunger. Before on a calorie deficit I was always, always cheating and snacking and looking for something more. Now I'm not.

I just think that the main reason I'm writing here (sorry it's so long) is that I feel so wonderful. I try not to eat the foods that cause inflammation and it's amazing the difference that I notice. I feel like a new person! I would think Paleo would be very beneficial for someone with PCOS. I just don't see how it can't!

Two months ago, if you told me I was going to be Paleo now I would have laughed in your face! Now I totally believe it is right for me. You have to find what is right for you.

Sweettart

I need to read more about the diet. It would be a HUGE change for me but I can start slow.

fitnessmare

I think that's the best way to do it. Start slow. And you don't have to go Paleo 100% of the time. You're allowed to cheat now and then. I like this site: http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/10/04/the-beginners-guide-to-the-paleo-diet/
and this one: http://vitaminbk.tumblr.com/post/28698593547/eating-right-made-simple
and this one: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/#axzz2biVpRyTo

I don't even miss breads and pastas (and remember, I'm Italian!) hehe
Good luck and have fun learning!

suebnelson

Also read..."It Starts with Food"! The author's also have an awesome website that give tons of free information and lots of support tools... whole9life.com. AWESOME!

MyTurn2BHappy

Thank you! I just started the Paleo diet because of high bloodpressure and I am looking for as many ideas as possible!

mosseho

HI! I am very interested in Paleo diet also mainly to improve my health. I have a website with some recipes also, so you can check it out for some ideas - paleofoodcooking.net

Marysinc

Paleo really helped me. My husband and I had been trying to conceive for years before we both switched to a paleo diet. I have heard about it being very helpful for women with PCOS too.
There are lots of great resources out there.
Have a look at http://simplypregnant.net to find Chris Kresser's video course on natural fertility.
Also worth looking at http://www.westonaprice.org for lots of free information.
There are a couple of books on Amazon - the Better Baby Book and Beautiful Babies which are both about paleo nutrition and pregnancy.

PaleoBombshell

I have done paleo on and off for about 4 years. I have had PCOS for as long as I can remember (officially diagnosed in 2006). The only reason I don't stick with paleo is that I'm extremely busy (I work 60+ hours a week, plus take classes), and fast food is my go-to when I don't even have a half hour to prepare a quick meal. Each time I start eating a paleo diet again, I start losing weight like crazy and my periods come back and are unbelievably regular. I even went so far once to try the paleo autoimmune protocol. I only did that for 2 weeks. I didn't do well on that one, I lost 16 lbs in 12 days. I felt like I was going to die, so I gave up on that one all together. Paleo however I feel amazing on. I have energy, clarity of mind, intestinal ease, and my depression lifts almost instantaneously. It is the only time my body actually likes me. Most times when I'm off paleo, I don't even have a period, especially during times of stress, they can be completely absent for a year or more, I gain the weight back slowly, and I have diarrhea nearly every day. In my opinion, if done right, paleo can be a life saver. Eating lots of fresh vegetables, some fruit and generous amounts of lean meats and natural oils, keeping hydrated and making sure you eat enough high nutrient foods to heal your body, that's what paleo is about. I believe it is very possibly be the world's most perfect human diet practice.

Sabine_Stroehm

I have done paleo on and off for about 4 years. I have had PCOS for as long as I can remember (officially diagnosed in 2006). The only reason I don't stick with paleo is that I'm extremely busy (I work 60+ hours a week, plus take classes), and fast food is my go-to when I don't even have a half hour to prepare a quick meal. Each time I start eating a paleo diet again, I start losing weight like crazy and my periods come back and are unbelievably regular. I even went so far once to try the paleo autoimmune protocol. I only did that for 2 weeks. I didn't do well on that one, I lost 16 lbs in 12 days. I felt like I was going to die, so I gave up on that one all together. Paleo however I feel amazing on. I have energy, clarity of mind, intestinal ease, and my depression lifts almost instantaneously. It is the only time my body actually likes me. Most times when I'm off paleo, I don't even have a period, especially during times of stress, they can be completely absent for a year or more, I gain the weight back slowly, and I have diarrhea nearly every day. In my opinion, if done right, paleo can be a life saver. Eating lots of fresh vegetables, some fruit and generous amounts of lean meats and natural oils, keeping hydrated and making sure you eat enough high nutrient foods to heal your body, that's what paleo is about. I believe it is very possibly be the world's most perfect human diet practice.

Wow. Those are some pretty major responses. I Hope you can find a way to eat that's right for you for the long haul.