PCOS: The Struggle Against Weight Gain

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease that many women have all over the world. The disease is basically a growth of cysts in your ovaries that prevent regular menstrual cycles and cause difficulty in getting pregnant. Some other complications attached to the disease are acne, loss or thinning of hair, and weight gain that is difficult to lose. It is highly common in women who have PCOS to gain an average of 50 pounds or more. On top of that, the common treatment for PCOS is birth control, which generally tacks on even more pounds. It's almost like fighting a losing battle especially in our fast food generation.

We are without a doubt surrounded by a myriad of obstacles to stay healthy in a fast-paced society that doctrines fast food and instant meals. Just take a look around; every corner there's a McDonalds, a Jack in the Box, a Taco Bell (the list is endless). However, there is hope and the struggle to be and feel healthy can be achieved.

PCOS has been affecting me for several years now and I have gone through the ups and downs of the rollercoaster of weight. I still struggle with it, but with the tips I am about to share you can get to a place where you can feel good about your body and keep yourself from spiraling towards the path of diabetes and heart disease, which can be the result of PCOS.

1. Exercise!!

There is no diet that can honestly keep you healthy and fit without exercise. Try not to over think exercising. I know some of you are thinking "I don't have time" and "I'm just too tired by the end of the day." All it takes is 30 to 45 minutes out of your day. All you need is to follow either one of these recipes.

45 minute run/walk: Start walking at a regular pace for 5 minutes. Jog for a full 10 minutes. Speed walk for 10 minutes. Jog for a full 10 minutes. Speed walk for 5 minutes then walk in your regular pace for 5 minutes.

30 minutes run/walk: Start walking at a regular pace for 5 minute. Jog for a full 5 minutes. Speed walk for 5 minutes. Jog for a full 5 minutes. Sped walk for 5 minutes then walk in your regular pace for 5 minutes.

This is best done on a treadmill, but even doing this outside is totally fine and you can enjoy the fresh air while you're at it! Ideally you want to fit this run/walk regimen into your everyday lifestyle, but at the very least try doing this at least 3-4 times a week.

2. Food to stay far far away from!

Soda, Chips, Bread, Milk, Sweetened Tea, Juice, Rice, Pasta, Ice Cream, Candy, Potatoes (& french fries), Coffee with Cream and Sugar, Cookies, Cheese. Anything you can think of that is related to any of these items stay clear away from! Well, at least stay away from these things for a good 2 months.

I know you must be thinking, Oh My God! What in the world CAN I eat?? No worries! There are delicious things that you can eat that you will love and help you get past the struggle.

3. Foods that you'll love!

Things you should snack on when you are hungry and you can eat as much of it as you like, but try not to stuff yourself silly!

Water!! Lots and LOTS of water. Soy Milk (with no sugar!), Regular Oatmeal (none of the fancy stuff with flavors in them), Lots and lots of Fruit, Non-Fat Plain Yogurt, Granola with Dried Fruit, Egg Whites ( I suggest hard boiling some eggs and tossing the yolk).

Here's some meals that I would suggest making:

Steamed/baked Salmon (squeeze a lemon on top of it) with Corn and Carrots. You can salt and pepper as you like, just don't use any oil and if you must use a tiny bit of olive oil. You should keep the portion small and keep the Salmon around the size of the palm of your hand.

Don't have a lot of time to prepare something? That's ok, grab a can of tuna in water and some leafy greens throw in a little olive oil and black pepper to make a tuna salad. Grab a bottle of water, drink a few sips and squeeze two slices of lemon into the water. This will help neutralize some of the oils you're ingesting and help you digest better.

Now, if you you're going out to eat at a restaurant and you can't order anything that's remotely close to what I've described here is the rule of thumb: keep your portion small! Don't eat more than the size of your hand (from your finger tips to the base of your palm).

I can't absolutely guarantee the results, but you will be eating healthier and feeling better! I was doing this for 2 and a half months and I lost nearly 50 pounds (check out the photo), pretty much all the weight that was gained from PCOS. If you can stick to this recipe for at least that long you should see results. After 2 months you can treat yourself to some of the snacks and food you prefer but remember the rule of thumb and keep your portions small! (Eat half of the suggested serving).

4. Fighting the acne battle.

If you're taking birth control or metformin and the acne continues to rage on, I suggest Daniel Kern's benzoyl peroxide and face wash which you can find on acne.org. My photo is actually on their before and after page and it is the same one I have posted on here.

You can get healthy and feel good about yourself and not let PCOS control you!