I've had luck with the INsulin Resistance Diet for the past few months. It's got some higher protein, lower carb action, but isn't too extreme. I'm happy that I've lost about 18 pounds on it in the past 3 months, but I'm totally ecstatic that my cycles have shortened to almost normal lengths!

First and foremost, if you're diagnosed with PCOS (and hopefully under the care of a trustworthy and board certified OBGYN), you should see a registered dietitian. They can assess what your eating habits and workout habits honestly are, and go from there.

For me, my doctor and dietitian worked together to determine that my diet should be based on a carbohydrate intake restriction. We are NOT talking Atkins. Most of us using MFP have probably tried that, and can tell you how damaging it can be for your body. Low carb and restricted carb are two very different things.

PCOS is a resistance to insulin, and therefore controlling your glucose levels through restrictive carbohydrates is essential to weight loss. At the advice of my medical support team, I am aiming to keep my carbs LESS THAN 35% OF MY DAILY CALORIC INTAKE. The MFP app is perfect for a PCOS diet because it has a pie chart built into it that tells you EXACTLY what percentage of carbohydrates you're at. I like to plug a food item in before I actually eat it to find out how it may negative affect my goal before I try to put it in my mouth.

If you're worried about the cost of consulting with a dietitian, rest assured that it is well worth it, one visit will sometimes be sufficient to get you started, and is roughly about $75. Make sure to let them know that you are not planning subsequent follow-up, so they will used your visit time as wisely as possible. You can read all you want online, and take advice from strangers... but medical professionals know the BEST options for YOU.

For me, realizing that carbs come from three main groups of foods: GRAINS, DAIRY, AND FRUIT has helped me steer towards veggies and protein over anything else. (Did she say Fruit?!?!) Yes, fruit is a silent killer to those on a PCOS diet. The vitamins you miss from a high-fruit diet (which is also a high-sugar diet) can easily be supplemented with a multi-vitamin.

MFP has the option for you to change your nutrition goals... (Go to the Home tab, click on the sub category of "Goals" and click the box that says "Change Goals") choose the "Custom" option, change your values to reflect 35% in carbs, 35% in protein, and 30% in fat, and you'll be in the right direction.

I also try to look to keep my sodium intake down, as ladies with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart disease, and a low-sodium diet can help you keep your ticker ticking.

One last thing, restricted carbs should also go hand in hand with a healthy-fat diet. A lot of low-carbers forget to keep their fat content in check, and aren't able to keep the weight off. (But don't choose fat-free proteins, you're just going to shoot yourself in the foot losing all of the benefits of the protein.) So make sure you are keeping a keen eye to make sure you’re not substituting calories that should come from protein for calories from fat.

I hope this helps, and I apologize for it's length. If you're looking for good recipes, I like to go to diabetic-friendly websites... they're basically doing the same thing us with PCOS are doing-trying to control their insulin. GOOD LUCK and HEALTHY EATING! :flowerforyou:

xoxoFreddie

I am doing South Beach diet and it's been great for me so far. Been on it a little over a year and have lost 58 pounds. I also go to the gym about 3 times a week.

Hi there!
I'm trying to go 'lower carb' to aid with weight loss but I have one challenge/concern I'm looking for suggestions on.
It seems that when I go low carb, my fat intake is too high. Culprits are cheese, egg, yogurt? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

I've found a lot of women saying that they have had success by becoming gluten-free. I have been doing this for about 3 months, and have found that it helps my cravings, and the way I feel, but I am gluten intolerant and always suffered from undiagnosed abdominal pain, which was really a gluten issue. A lot of times dieticians and doctors will tell you to eat more "healthy grains" like wheat, which raises your blood more than eating table sugar. It seems really hard to do, but there are so many alternatives out there to wheat based foods, also wheat is hidden in so many things, cereal, granola bars, etc. It is the secret and hidden food ruining everything. Wheat has also been known to be an endocrine disruptor, not good for us PCOSers. I read the book "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis, and it changed my perspective on food. This all of course is my personal opinion, but I tell everyone I know to check out the book.