PCOS/ Insulin Resistance

I also have PCOS and I was recommended to do a 40-30-30 diet by a dietician who took this into consideration. What this means is that you should have 40% of your net calories coming from carbs, 30% from protein, and 30% from fat. It's the same recommendation that I found in a PCOS book that I own. I have been struggling with this problem since I was 15. When I was 15, I was 226lb wore a size 22 and had a lot of the problems that come with insulin resistance. This might sound like a long time but in 7 yrs I lost 100lb overall. How? I followed my medication regiment, became more active, joined WW (not any more, but good start), and eventually became a vegetarian. I am not encouraging you to become a vegetarian (though I feel so much healthier now) or joining WW (though it's a great program). I would recommend changing your goal settings and catering it to the 40-30-30 ratio diet. MFP allows you to do this. As a vegetarian I can't cut carbs and I still can lose weight and get enough protein on this diet. Doing a gluten free diet when you are not gluten intolerant is bad for the body. It may actually create a gluten intolerance by depriving the body of it and then causing celiac symptoms, if gluten ever reintroduced into the diet. This is something I know from what happened to my best friend and from personal research. Especially for us on metformin, we need to keep some carbs in order to not have symptoms of hypoglycemia. I would also try and see a nutritionist since they will be the best at knowing how to address your diet needs. Also ask your doctor about glucophage (spironolactone is the brand I believe). Helps with secondary problems that come with PCOS and insulin resistance, like excessive bloating. Feel free to add me as a friend. I would like a support system of ladies with PCOS as well.

I don't have either condition, but am worried about my family history of diabetes and my last blood work showed my sugar levels were high and my fat is concentrated around my middle. My dr. recommended I try South Beach...I found the South Beach diet book at a used bookstore & read a ton about it before I tried it. It mentioned the belly fat may be an indicator of insulin resistance so that scared me into trying it.

I did phase I (which is 2 weeks of virtually no carbs or very low glycemic index veggies, no alcohol & no fruit...lots of lean protein & veggies)...I found it surprisingly easy. I wasn't hungry at all. They say most people lose 8-14 lbs on the phase 1, however I didn't lose anything, which was frustrating. But I guess it didn't come on overnight, so I can't wish it would come off in 2 weeks. I'm now in phase 2 which lets you add back some good carbs, fruit, and alcohol sparingly. I went off the rails for a few days, but back on track.

I can say I feel good when I eat good, and I feel awful when I eat bad. So, South Beach diet has been a good helpful lifestyle change for me. You may want to consider it.

Ketogenic diet. 65% fat, 30% protein, 5% (net) carbs. Just keep your electrolytes and fiber up and follow those macros. Stay below 20g net carbs.

Hey, I was recently diagnosed w/ PCOS, too. I have lost weight w/ South Beach in the past and it was recommended to me to do South Beach or Paleo as they both helped other people in the past w/ PCOS. I just purchased a book written by an endocrinologist who specializes in PCOS for over 40 years. I've included a link to the book on B&N's website. I just started reading it, but I would recommend starting with South Beach (I've lost weight on it before and I think it's one of the healthiest diets you will ever find) while you conduct research and maybe see some Drs (I suggest seeing an endocrinologist that specializes in PCOS).