Vegan with PCOS

crissygm
crissygm Posts: 42 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi everyone. I am a 31 year old vegan with pcos. Any others like me on here? It is very hard to keep carb counts low when not eating meat or dairy. I'm not on any medications at the moment and am breastfeeding my youngest so I am waiting for him to wean. I just started weighing myself again a few weeks ago and have lost about 4lbs so far without restricting carbs. I am slowly getting back into aerobics and strength training after not doing it for a couple of years.

Anyone know what a good percentage for carbs would be for me?

Replies

  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    Has it occurred to you that your eating plan may be detrimental, especially in light of your health issue? Or that it might be detrimental to your child via your breast milk? (I suppose your kids are getting lots of soy - something worth researching indepth if that is the case.)

    You have every right to do what you choose, but I hope that you choose to be well informed for the sake of your children.


    Wow, could you have said that in a different way so as not to come across hostile? Did the OP say ANYTHING about consuming soy?? Also, in light of her health issues, consuming a vegan diet is smart. A vegan diet *can* help regulate hormones when used in conjunction with other holistic measures.

    To the OP: I can't really help you since I'm not vegan. I was diagnosed with PCOS 5 years ago. I was vegan for a while (mostly for financial reasons, but then found it wasn't the right diet for me), but I don't eat dairy or red meat or fowl - just eggs and fish. The only grains I tend to eat are quinoa and sometimes oatmeal. I eat a lot of cruciferous veggies (that plus sweet potatoes and quinoa tends to be my go-to meal these days). And I cut out all soy (and other environmental endocrine disruptors). The healthier and more of a plant based diet I consume, the better I tend to feel. That's just what has worked for me.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    I am very educated on the subject of breastfeeding. Has it occured to you that I may have absolutely considered my children who are all very healthy? Wow you sure are rude!
  • ThriftyChica12
    ThriftyChica12 Posts: 373 Member
    I am a vegan with PCOS...my vegan diet (2 or 3 yrs now) has been the best thing i've ever done for ALL facets of my health, including my PCOS. feel free to add me. (ps: went vegan for ethics; the health benefits are just a nice bonus). there is a pcos group on MFP, with a few vegans in the group.

    vegan nutrition is something we as vegans (hopefully) study extensively...odds are almost ALWAYS that the non-vegan warning u of vague "health risks" has not done the amount of research u have. so if u have researched on your own, and consulted a knowledgeable doc or nutritionist, disregard all others.

    the nutritionist who helped me stay nourished while training for a half marathon LOVED that i was vegan :)
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Thank you. I am not sure why that person has assumed I am consuming a diet made of soy? I love quinoa and lots of green veggies, I try very hard to avoid soy but it is in many things not just meat and dairy subs. The main thing for me is avoiding processed foods. My children are very healthy and well nourished. I don't know why someone would make such an assumption based on my post. I have been vegetarian for 18 years but only recently turned vegan. Pcos actually runs in my family along with diabetes.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Wow you for sure have picked a hard road to travel. Load up on the soluble fiber foods like oatmeal. Do you like TVP at all? For sure get some nutritional yeast. I assume you are taking a pre-natal supplement especially with breastfeeding? Havent tried it but that Bragg's Amino Acid solution looks like it might really compliment your diet. Keep eating a compliment of proteins beans and rice, grains and beans. With PCOS I know the recommendation is to carb cut, but thats nearly impossible with a vegan diet. I think focus on getting a full compliment of of protein, take your supplements, drink a couple glasses of fortified almonds/rice/soy milk as you can, you may want to consider really consider focusing on meals rich in oil/fats and vegetable protein sources not only supply your breastmilk with essential fatty acids but might be enough to bump down the overall carbohydrate percentage. Keep reading and educating yourself certainly have your work cut out for you.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    I appreciate people trying to be helpful but I need to point out my child is a toddler and he is very healthy. I have no supply issues. I have seen doctors, lactation specialists and am a La Leche League member. I take a special prenatal vitamin for vegans. My children are healthy and well-nourished. No it is not easy but it is my choice and I don't judge others for their diets and would appreciate it if others didn't judge me for mine or make assumptions. I do drink almond and coconut milks, I primarily eat vegetables, some fruits,nuts,beans and grains, mostly quinoa and whole wheat. I do eat oatmeal, which is good for breastmilk production. My weaknesses have been dark chocolate and baked goods. I just recently bought a can of nutritional yeast at Whole Foods so I will have fun experimenting with that. I have done a lot of research with many years of vegetarianism under my belt.
  • SneakyBat
    SneakyBat Posts: 55 Member
    I'm vegan (since '09..lifelong veggie until that point) and was diagnosed with PCOS in August last year, when I was almost 60lbs heavier. The only carb I've really had to cut right back on is white bread, which was my absolute downfall - I could eat mountains of the stuff, especially toasted. I tend to avoid white pasta and potatoes too. Apart from that, pretty much anything goes - lots of quinoa, beans, nuts, veggies of course and wholewheat pasta and couscous. I've not had a particularly hard time losing weight so far with the exception of a couple of 3 week plateaus...grrr! Oh, and nutritional yeast is yummy..I love it sprinkled on a pasta salad!
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    I did not mean to come off as sounding judgmental at all. Sorry if I did. I was just explaining what has worked for me while trying to eat a primarily plant based diet. That was the only advice I was offering to give (I was not suggesting that you eat anything non-vegan either). My apologies.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Oh yes, the beloved white bread! Especially Italian bread. I had to just quit buying that stuff or I would eat it daily. It's so much easier to avoid it if I just skip the bakery section at the grocery store lol. Congrats on your success!
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Lynn, you didn't come off judgemental, I was talking about the person above you. I really appreciated your post!
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    Oh, ok!! Sorry, clearly I'm a bit paranoid! Haha!
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Lol that's okay! The threads look weird on here and it's hard to see who someone is replying to I think.
  • AmIhealthyyet
    AmIhealthyyet Posts: 361 Member
    Has it occurred to you that your eating plan may be detrimental, especially in light of your health issue? Or that it might be detrimental to your child via your breast milk? (I suppose your kids are getting lots of soy - something worth researching indepth if that is the case.)

    You have every right to do what you choose, but I hope that you choose to be well informed for the sake of your children.

    I guess I must be crazy but I don't find this rude or offensive! She didn't say she was right,just asking people to stay informed!
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    The assumption that I'm not informed and haven't done any research and am loading myself and my children up with processed soy products and passing them to my child through my milk thereby causing health issues for them as well is offensive to me. She should not assume that I have no clue what I am doing and haven't done any research.
  • primalkiwi
    primalkiwi Posts: 164 Member
    Hi - I also have PCOS and was given medical advice that upping my fat intake while lowering my carbs (I try to stay under 50g) would be helpful. It has made a huge difference for me (no meds now).

    I eat almost the complete opposite to you with primal being my choice of diet that I have found works best for me. I was a vegan 16 years ago so can understand where you are coming from.
    See if you can find a copy of the book 'Nourishing Tradition's by Sally Fallon. She also has a brand new book out on child nutrition. While it it not super supportive of a vegan diet it does have some very good information on the importance of preparing food for maximum nutrition.
    These websites may also be helpful:
    http://www.westonaprice.org/ and http://www.newtrendspublishing.com/SallyFallon/index.html

    All the best with your choices.
  • AmIhealthyyet
    AmIhealthyyet Posts: 361 Member

    All the best with your choices.

    Yep, I find it hard to believe any person, especially a parent, doesn't make the choices they feel are best! The way I eat, high protein and fat with very low carbs would probably make many cringe!
  • kissncrate
    kissncrate Posts: 2
    Hi, I'm a 33 y/o vegan with PCOS and have just joined up to MyFitnessPal. I have no kids but two possible miscarriages, and my PCOS is not so much cysts as very frustrating hormones. I have been 100% raw food vegan and lost 30kg but even then my weight plateaued despite doing everything right - 100% raw, 5 days / week at the gym, and not a pound lost or gained! I've experienced fatigue the last two years which has undone much of the good work from going raw, and now I'm looking to go at it a little more gentle with the Eat to Live plan from Dr Fuhrman, which from my research seems to have excellent results for vegans with PCOS (it's high protein with good fats, rather than carb heavy which isn't good for PCOS). If you're interested to connect, feel free to add me, I'll be setting up my profile when I get the hang of configuring MFP for Eat to Live / Raw :)
  • kirlia
    kirlia Posts: 81 Member
    Is there a PCOS-related reason you have to have low carb? Because otherwise, a healthy, low-carb vegan diet is essentially an oxymoron - fruits and vegetables are made of carbs for the most part, so it makes me wonder, what are you eating on this diet, if not carbs? (That's the reason you're finding it difficult to keep them low - you're not supposed to be!) Otherwise if you're doing it for weight loss, my advice would be to stop immediately and eat all the carbs your heart desires!

    Edit: just read the post above me - so I guess there is a PCOS-related reason you have to eat low carbs :( sorry, this post is completely unhelpful then!
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Is there a PCOS-related reason you have to have low carb? Because otherwise, a healthy, low-carb vegan diet is essentially an oxymoron - fruits and vegetables are made of carbs for the most part, so it makes me wonder, what are you eating on this diet, if not carbs? (That's the reason you're finding it difficult to keep them low - you're not supposed to be!) Otherwise if you're doing it for weight loss, my advice would be to stop immediately and eat all the carbs your heart desires!

    Edit: just read the post above me - so I guess there is a PCOS-related reason you have to eat low carbs :( sorry, this post is completely unhelpful then!


    I don't actually eat low carb, but was thinking about trying it. I eat about 50% of my calories from carbs right now and am losing weight slowly. Also, my kids aren't vegan. I'm the only vegan in the household. My son is 2 years old and still nursing, never been sick more than a day, 50th percentile for his weight. He's doing awesome and he does eat dairy, eggs and some meats but he is pretty picky. Maybe I should have clarified that my kids aren't vegans and neither is my husband. I have PCOS and IR but never had gestational diabetes. I followed the Bradley method diet with my second pregnancy and had a 9lb baby, vegan diet and all lol. I had to work closely with the midwives and wrote down everything I ate.

    Yes it is hard if not impossible to keep it low, I do not eat refined sugars, avoid processed foods, etc. Most of the carbs I get are from fruits, whole grains, beans and vegetables.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Hi, I'm a 33 y/o vegan with PCOS and have just joined up to MyFitnessPal. I have no kids but two possible miscarriages, and my PCOS is not so much cysts as very frustrating hormones. I have been 100% raw food vegan and lost 30kg but even then my weight plateaued despite doing everything right - 100% raw, 5 days / week at the gym, and not a pound lost or gained! I've experienced fatigue the last two years which has undone much of the good work from going raw, and now I'm looking to go at it a little more gentle with the Eat to Live plan from Dr Fuhrman, which from my research seems to have excellent results for vegans with PCOS (it's high protein with good fats, rather than carb heavy which isn't good for PCOS). If you're interested to connect, feel free to add me, I'll be setting up my profile when I get the hang of configuring MFP for Eat to Live / Raw :)

    I am so sorry about your miscarriages. I will add you.
  • crissygm
    crissygm Posts: 42 Member
    Hi - I also have PCOS and was given medical advice that upping my fat intake while lowering my carbs (I try to stay under 50g) would be helpful. It has made a huge difference for me (no meds now).

    I eat almost the complete opposite to you with primal being my choice of diet that I have found works best for me. I was a vegan 16 years ago so can understand where you are coming from.
    See if you can find a copy of the book 'Nourishing Tradition's by Sally Fallon. She also has a brand new book out on child nutrition. While it it not super supportive of a vegan diet it does have some very good information on the importance of preparing food for maximum nutrition.
    These websites may also be helpful:
    http://www.westonaprice.org/ and http://www.newtrendspublishing.com/SallyFallon/index.html

    All the best with your choices.

    Thanks but my kids don't eat vegan, just me. I think the fact that both my children are very healthy, active and normal weights speaks for itself. I have consulted with their pediatricians, they have had all their routine check ups and blood work and are just fine. My youngest is 2 and has never been sick for more than a day. I admit my kids eat a ton of fruits and veggies because that is mainly what I eat, but they are not vegans and neither is my husband. My family is supportive and respectful of my choice, but we are not a vegan household.
  • AmIhealthyyet
    AmIhealthyyet Posts: 361 Member
    Why was the post that so many were outraged over removed?!?!?! She was neither rude or obnoxious just voiced a view different then some on here have! People can say what ever THEY want but heaven forbid someone thinks differently and says so!
  • fairie_marie
    fairie_marie Posts: 106
    I have had PCOS for as long as I can remeber. I am not a Vegan but I have stuggled with weight and wonky periods since 7th grade because of the PCOS. My docs have told me just to get rid of the simple carbs. I personally take metformin to help balance my hormones, it was just upped to 1500 mg a day and since then I have dropped around 20 lbs. I have noticed that since I have gotten rid of the simple carbs ( for the most part) I feel a whole lot better as well...
  • ranganayakee
    ranganayakee Posts: 67 Member
    I am a lacto vegetarian all my life and my carb ratio is between 40-45% everyday (about 110-140g everday). I have PCOS as well. My carbs come from whole wheat bread and brown rice.

    To answer your question, have you tried upping your protein ratio? I use the Leanfit whey protein (which wouldn't suit your needs) but there are soy based proteins that I see in the MFP forums.
  • ranganayakee
    ranganayakee Posts: 67 Member
    I forgot to mention that not all carbs are bad! I control my intake of the starchy carbs and include a lot of fibrous ones (which don't get digested) You can read more about it here and in a bunch of other sites as well. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-fibrous-carbohydrates-1541.html

Categories