Do you or someone you know suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)? I address the question Chris Powell and I so often receive as to whether or not carb cycling works for those diagnosed with PCOS in this week’s Ask Heidi Anything.
Watch the video to hear my answer. Learn more about carb cycling here.
This video contains general information. You should always discuss dietary and exercise plans with your individual health care provider before beginning a new program.
72 Responses
I have tried lots of things in the past, always with my best health in mind, to try and combat insulin resistance. (Brought on by years of disordered eating.) Recently diagnosed pcos (I’m 33), I have acne, slight hair loss, fatigue, and irregular cycles. I am relatively thin, but can tell a difference when I try to add carbs back into my diet. It’s just a big fat “no” for me. I stick to lean meats, green veggies, and healthy fats (and some dark chocolate, no way I’m giving that up!) and it is working for me. That said, I do enjoy pizza or french fries during my once a week cheat meal. Otherwise I might be insane by now. 🙂
good to know as a PCOS woman 🙂
I have PCOS and have actually had great improvement in symptoms as I loose weight with carb cycling. Is it the weight lose or the carb cycling, chicken or the egg, either way I feel great!
All of my life I have struggled with weight. I was made fun of In school and when I woulf go to a relatives home they would call me fatty. When I turned seventeen I went on a very strict diet and would work out when I would drink a glass of water. I wanted to loose weight and find the man of my dreams. I went from a size 22 to a size 12 and I was proud of myself. I felt like I was a new person. Like I could do anything. I met the man of my dreams and after 5 years of dating we were married. This year right before our 11 year anniversary he called and said he wasn’t coming home that he hadet someone new. I was devastated and blamed myself because I allowed myself to get comfortable. I gained all the weight I had lost back. I have Pcos syndrome which makes it hard to loose weight. I always wanted a child and when I was diagnosed with this I was devastated and started eating more. When I lost my husband to this other woman I also lost my job that I had for 17 years due to a store closing and I lost my home. I was going to make my dreams come true in filming a sundance film. Then all of this happened and my life stopped. Here I am I months later and I have lost 30 pounds and its like I am stuck. I can’t seem to get pass 277. My friends are getting married in march and I want to aww everyone with all the weight I have lost. I have a dress I want to wear and I need to loose 144 pounds by then. Please help me. I don’t want to be on the show, however I love your husbands show. I would just like to know what I can do to loose the weight I need by march on a strict budget since I have lost my job and have a very tight budget when buying food and workout equipment. Any advice will be appreciated… thanks so much, Kathy Brown
Love the recipe. I am going to have to try this yum!
Thanks for addressing PCOS, Heidi! I was diagnosed with PCOS in my teens and still struggle with weightgain today. As much as I hate cutting my carbs, I realize its one of few things that actually “treat” PCOS. I’ve cycled in my life, cutting them out and losing weight/then “reintroducing”…and by “reintroducing” I mean “gorging myself on white pastas and breads.” Not so good. Apart from carb control, are there other more “natural” means of dealing with PCOS you’d recommend?
Hi Libby,
I know your comment is almost 2 years old now, but if you’re still looking for another resource, try pcos diva – on facebook or pcosdiva.com. She has helped me a lot. I’m going to be getting one of Chris Powell’s books and try carb cycling, while incorporating what I’ve learned from PCOS Diva. I think you’ll like her a lot!
Great information. After doing two low carb days this last week, I really see a difference in the way I feel and have no doubt that it also aids in this and other medical issues.
I shared this blog with a girlfriend of mine who was just diagnose with PCOS. I hope she reads and enjoys!
Thank you for talking about PCOS. I was diagnosed a few years ago and never really given too much info at that time, but I started getting info on my own and can tell it is very frustrating and so many women are suffering alone. I have lost weight and still trying to lose more and it is hard to know what to do when it seems like your body is fighting everything you are doing.
Thank you Heidi for posting this! I’m 24 and have suffered with PCOS since I was 13. I’m extremely overweight and have recently started my journey to weight loss – can’t wait to get your book and see what it has to offer!