Winning against PCOS

To all my pcos'rs I just want you to know that I feel like I'm winning. I've changed my lifestyle to mostly pescetarian, and by excercising regularly. I am having a regular, normal period every month (which anyone with PCOS knows is a big deal). That's right, normal...not gross, messy, suprise I'm here periods. You know, the kind that show up after 6 months or years of not having one. This is my theory. I have no scientific evidence to back it up, and I know each of us with the disease is entirely different.

First of all, I gave up almost all process carbs. No cokes, no french fries, brown rice or quinoa only. I can still have white potatoes and fruit (in moderation), but I have to be smart. Why? Because PCOS is a disease based on insulin resistance, therefore it makes since to limit the foods and drinks that spike your blood sugar.

Processed meats (aka any kind you buy from the grocery store) are loaded with growth hormones. Our bodies already struggle with itself on the hormones its suppose to regulate, so adding foriegn one from meats can't be helping. Since I quit eating meat, I feel normal. In control of my emotions and my body. My intestines feel light and funtion normally (and did I mention a nice normal period?!), and my skin and hair and nails are looking much more healthy. When I do choose to eat meat, I try to make sure it is wild meat. This is easy since I come from an outdoorsy family that loves to hunt.

Excercise regulates so many things. PCOS can cause so many side effects including depression and a fatigue. When I feel tired or blue a nice long walk or bike ride can cure it, in most cases.

Also, since I've changed my lifestyle, I'm noticing other positive side effects. Facial hair is gone. I never had a huge issue with this..just the occasional stray hair that could be plucked quickly so I can say this will happen for everyone. I want to be around people again. I think PCOS undermines your confidence and makes you self-conscience, and I feel like I'm in control and people can learn to love me.

Additional side-effects really have nothing to do with my body, but my family is excercising together. I bought my hubby a bicycle and we are now going on family bike rides. I spend a lot more time outside (even with summer heat approaching 100 degrees), and enjoy sunshine again. I can help my kiddo warm up for baseball practice without feeling I'm going to die, and have so much more energy.

So, PCOS, I am winning. You will no longer control my life. I am only down 20 pounds, but almost 2 pant sizes. Weight comes off slowly, and I admit, I am impatient, but you will not beat me. You may be within my body, but its MY body, and you cannot control it any longer!