ATD: What Diet Should I Follow for PCOS?

Question: Hello, I have PCOS.I really don’t know how to count calories and I’m really not sure what meals I’m supposed to eat. I have tried a lot of different ideas but none of them seem to work for me I can’t seem to get the weight off. I’m a really picky eater. My question is what do you suggest I do? –Iris W.

Dear Iris,

There is some evidence that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have an increased rate of heart disease and diabetes. Insulin resistance is not uncommon, and about 50% of women with PCOS are overweight, although it is not clear why. The recommended diet for PCOS is usually low in simple sugars, moderate in complex carbohydrates, and moderate in fat and cholesterol.

To get started, you might want to read some articles on PCOS and diet from credible sources, or find a registered dietitian in your area who can provide dietary counseling and answer your questions. Keeping a food diary is very helpful in raising awareness of what you eat now, so you can see where healthier substitutions can be made. There are numerous free websites that let you track your food intake online while they count up the calories for you, along with the percentage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein so you can monitor that too.

In general, whatever diet plan ends up working to help you achieve and maintain an ideal body weight will be the best one for you. Don’t get caught up in calorie-counting and carb-counting and outlining exactly what foods to avoid if this is preventing you from changing at all. Instead, aim to make healthier choices than you are right now: Choose a fruit or nuts for a snack instead of a candy bar or cookies; cut down your portion sizes a bit; be sure your plate is 1/4 full of vegetables at dinner and include whole grains instead of refined grains at least half the time.

The Food Guide Pyramid also gives healthy guidelines and sensible suggestions for building a diet that will get you the nutrition you need while limiting calories to help you start losing weight.