PCOS- wanting to try something new...

Julie7741

Hello! I suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (with insulin resistance). I have lost 40 pounds, just through exercise and counting calories. I have come to a screeching halt (no loss for the past few months). I'd like to lose at least 20 more. That would get me to a healthy weight on the BMI charts.

When I was trying to conceive several years ago, a reproductive endocrinologist put me on a VERY low carb diet, similar to the "old" Atkins. It was basically no grains, no dairy, no carbs other than veggies and 2 servings of fruit per day. My insulin levels were very high at the time, and the concern was that my pancreas was going to just shut down. I lost some weight FAST, got pregnant, etc. Also, I felt absolutely fabulous and my insulin levels got better.

As I research options, the Paleo diet looks very similar to what I was eating at that time. Paleo wasn't a buzzword in 2006, but that is basically what I was doing.

I'm considering moving back in that direction with my diet, but I have a few concerns/questions, as my lifestyle is very different now than it was then.

I exercise a lot now (biking, running) and worry that the low carbs will make exercise difficult. I also have kids now, and I do not want to put them on a restrictive diet, which might make things a little more difficult.

So- My questions from the Paleo group and/or PCOS ladies are:

1. How does Paleo affect athletic performance (biking or running)?
2. Has anyone used the Paleo diet for PCOS? Did it result in more effective weight loss?

I don't want to start the Paleo debate or a low carb debate. I have a clear, diagnosed medical condition that might benefit from this way of eating. I am in no way suggesting it would be right for everybody or wrong. If I could eat 100 calorie packs of cookies all day and still lose, I would!! Believe me, I'm a carbaholic! But, strictly counting calories isn't working for me anymore. I suspect it's an insulin issue. My current endocrinologist isn't really up to date on dietary stuff, unless you're a diabetic. He tends to just push blood tests and medicine, which I don't want to do.

I welcome any and all advice. I really want to get the scale moving again!

Thanks-
Julie