Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) is something that I have struggled with throughout almost all of my adolescent years without even knowing (for the first few years)! My face would blow up with painful deep-rooted pimples, I would get severe cramps, and I’d never get my period on time (still don’t!) but I attributed all of these issues to the stress of being in high school and then, the stress of being a college student. Little did I know, that the food that tastes yummy to me was actually aggravating this hormonal disorder. Upon consulting a doctor for my diet after getting diagnosed, here are five foods that I, and anyone with PCOS, should leave out of their daily diet.
- Farewell, dear dairy
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Dairy is often the biggest culprit for people who suffer from PCOS––it definitely was for me! This often contributes to excessive weight gain due to insulin resistance and even caused acne, in my experience. Try opting for dairy-free alternatives like nut milk, olive oil butter, and nut milk cheeses (I promise you won’t be disappointed)!
- Sugar, you’re not so sweet after all!
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Another one of the major triggers for me is sugar––that includes maple syrup, honey and agave, too! While it is pretty much common knowledge that refined sugar is one of the worst things that you can feed your body, other forms of sugar such as maple syrup also have the same effect on your blood sugar levels. Therefore, PCOS patients should steer clear from the sweet stuff as it can lead to insulin resistance or premature diabetes. So, the next time you’re craving dessert, try using alternatives such as Stevia instead.
- Goodbye, gluten
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How many of you feel bloated after eating pizza, pasta or any other glutinous foods? PCOS causes a lot of inflammation in the body, which gluten actually aggravates (hence, the bloating). I ditched the gluten long before I was diagnosed with PCOS and I haven’t looked back since. Besides, there are so many alternatives available so I promise you won’t miss a thing!
- Eat yo’ greens
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Growing up, your mother probably told you this a million times, but that’s because it’s everything your body needs packed into one ingredient! Greens are loaded with good carbs, minerals such as iron, and vitamins A, K, and C that are rich in fiber, which aids digestion. While I’m all for health and clean eating, I don’t really like how it tastes so I just add my daily dose to my morning smoothie with some banana and cacao powder and it’s great–– I get all the nutrients without having to taste it!
- Berry, berry cool
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Berries have always been my favorite fruit so this one definitely wasn’t an issue for me! They’re packed with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body, rich in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion, and they are also high in vitamin C which helps strengthen your immunity and brighten skin. While I love snacking on them on their own, you can add them to your oatmeal or smoothies.
I’ve been following this diet for over a month now combined with a short work out every day, I can actually see and feel a difference in my skin, energy levels, and overall health which no medicine (trust me, I’ve tried them all!) has been able to do for me.
So, if you’re struggling with PCOS, you need to give this one a shot–– you won’t be disappointed!
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