Help with PCOS diet?

I've lost weight (60 pounds so far) with just calorie counting and increased exercise while greatly improving symptoms. I also started seeing more improvement in body shape since I added strength training.
Both my new and previous reproductive endocrinologists suggested that I not go low-carb since I was having success losing weight without restricting categories of foods. I do not have insulin resistance or diabetes.

If low-carb is something you can do permanently and it works well, go for it! Lots of others with PCOS have had success dropping carbs. Being at a healthy weight can offer a lot of relief. Personally, I think adding exercise was immensely beneficial, especially in terms of reducing the size of my disproportionately-large midsection and speeding up weight loss (I seem to lose slightly slower than expected, but it's definitely not impossible).

Do you have insulin resistance issues? PCOS and IR often go hand in hand, but you can have PCOS without IR. The low carb is recommended if you do have insulin resistance, but it would be worth it to find out if that's truly the case for you. I personally have PCOS with no IR, so I just stick to my calorie goal and focus more on keeping my protein up (letting the others fall where they may) and it works for me.

A lot of people do well on low carb, but finding a sustainable diet that you could handle eating for life is very important.

hannahmclaughlin1990 wrote: »

Hey knelson095. I have PCOS with no IR and have been struggling to lose weight. I have seen quite a few people now saying up the protein. Do you alter the protein goal in your MFP settings to make sure you achieve a certain level? If so, what have you set your protein goal to?

If anyones reading this and would be interested i becoming my MFP buddy that would be great! I could do with a bit of support/making sure im.on the right lines. Well....i am sure a few of us could! X

I aim for at least 90g. Usually around 25%, so not super high. My macro percentages are set at 45c/25p/30f. I mostly monitor it for muscle retention while losing and for keeping me satiated. Are you using a food scale for solids and measuring cups for liquids? The food scale has been essential for me for consistent loss. I'm terrible at estimating portions, so I weigh and measure everything. I have my goal set at 1 lb/week loss and so far I have lost just over 46 lbs in 46 weeks.

catsdogsh wrote: »

I have PCOS and IR and low thyroid. Only thing I have found to work is very low calorie, below MFP suggestions. And Metformin along with lots of cardio and strength training. One doesn't seem to work without the other. Low carb in my opinion has been useless except on weight lifting days so I can get more protein and stay under calories. The only thing carbs do is make you retain a bit of water that you eventually pee off.

Hey, I am in the same boat as you. PCOS, Insulin Resistant and Hypothyroid. I always lose the weight with low caloric diets but it always comes back when I go back to normal. Carbs for a IR person means much more than water retention. If you have IR then most of the carbs you intake get turned into fat storage. Insulin is the only way for your cells to intake carbs and use them as energy. IF the cells are insulin resistant, your carbs get turned into fat storage.

Low carb diet is the best thing apparently for me. My insulin levels have drastically improved in the last 4 months. The key is not go on a low calorie diet. Maintain a healthy caloric intake with 40% protein, 35% fat and 25% carbs.

Goodluck

I have PCOS.
What worked for me was - a low cal normal diet and going to my doctor for the proper medication. Low carb just made me sick and gave me dietary deficiencies.

I have PCOS and have since I was about 17. I have almost all the fun symptoms including the weight. I topped at 231 in February and am down to 192 as of today. At first I was lean meats, veggies, tons of fruit and very limited carbs. Mainly special K and almond milk for breakfast or 1 piece of whole wheat bread. I didn't exercise for the first month then started walking about 30 minutes 4-5 times a week. The first 2 weeks were tough. And I try to stay under 1200 cals a day. I've always been told PCOS peeps have to go 200-300 cals lower than estimated.

I know a lot of people say no sugars including fruit and no carbs but eliminating foods completely sets my cravings off BAD. And switching out fruits for bad snacks works for me. I've slacked up the last week's but about to get strict again. Good luck!