Hello lovely, and thank you for taking the time to read my very first blog about PCOS. If you are reading this, I know there is a chance that you also struggle with this and I want to say, I am truly sorry. I know how it feels, and I know how it does really effect my life. I am unsure what your symptoms may be, but some general symptoms that may occur if you have PCOS are the following; weight gain, facial hair, acne, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, low sex drive, pelvic pain, bloating, irregular periods, cysts, infertility, depression, digestive issues, thinning hair etc. I know from personal experience these symptoms alone can make you feel less self confident, and nearly trapped in a forever low, but I am here to change that. I am here to encourage you to make the necessary changes to ensure long term self love and happiness.
I think the first step in all of this, is to know your worth. Know you are worth health and happiness. You are capable of a positive change. You aren't doing this for anyone but yourself. You are strong, and deserve the world. You also need to establish why you are doing this as well a.k.a. your BIG WHY. For me personally, I have decided I am TIRED of being bloated, I am tired of wearing baggy clothes in case I have a systematic spell, I am tired of not trying for myself, I want to reduce symptoms, be healthy for my family, I want to have a clear mind and inspire others, I want to lose the extra weight in hopes that one day I may be able to get pregnant without the use of medication. I want to be more than living, I want to be ALIVE. I want to live my dreams and stop believing I am incapable.
I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago, and let's be honest. I go in and out of denial. I don't want to deal with it, or even really accept that I have it, but the truth is approx. 5 MILLION people in the USA (1 of 10) struggle with it as well. It effects your mind, body, and soul. I've decided it is time to face the facts, and really treat myself well. As most of you know, I believe diet is a HUGE factor in HEALTH and overall HAPPINESS. I have been doing research on a diet that can and will help with PCOS symptoms, as at this time no cure is available.
A basic guideline I have found is the following:
No Gluten.
No Dairy.
Monitor Carbs.
Eat LOTS of Protein.
Avoid Processed Foods.
No Added Sugar.
Load up on Lean Meats, Veggies, and Whole Foods.
Eat Foods with Low Glycemic Index.
Avoid Soy.
Increase Water Intake.
No Caffeine
(This is not ALL of the information I have found (some even personal testament) but it is a general basis as I do not want to overwhelm you from the get go. I want to also remind you, I am no doctor. I am merely just feeling inspired and craving change.)
I know it seems like a LOT of "No's" and for me those things that I am not supposed to really eat according to what I have found for PCOS made up a good 90% of my diet. I have been gluten free for over a year now, and that change along has changed my life in ways I could never imagine. I did not do the elimination due to PCOS but due to an allergy, and I am so thankful I did. I now am not longer in a fog, I lost weight, I rarely get hives, and have an overall better self confidence. Just that one change has been HUGE.
I began this journey today, and am feeling WONDERFUL just knowing that I am making the change for myself, and I truly hope to inspire all of you along the way. I look forward to sharing things with you as I continue my research on this issue. I am so intrigued and realize knowledge is power. In fact, for so long I did nothing because I knew nothing. I know now.. I am capable of educating myself to feel as great as I can dream, and you can too. Start with a small goal. Example: Eliminate all soda, drink a gallon of water a day instead. You have to learn your pace, to succeed. I personally am cutting dairy, soda, limiting myself to one cup of black coffee per day, no fast food, and increasing my intake of vegetables and protein to start. Oh, and I can't forget I have a goal of drinking ONE GALLLON of water per day. So far, day one is going fabulously. I started the day off with a banana, almond milk, almond butter, cinnamon smoothie, have drank over a half of gallon of water, and have a delicious vegetable soup cooking in the crockpot. YUM. I am happy, and feeling so inspired. I just know, I am capable and so are you. The only person stopping you, is yourself.
Please feel free to leave comments, message me, email me, about any questions, comments, concerns you have. I know I am no doctor, but want to share my story.
Best wishes on your journey.
XO.
Your Fellow Soul Cyster.