As you may know, I am a firm believer in using food to manage my PCOS. Following a PCOS Diet has become a part of my lifestyle and something I really enjoy.
But, I know that it can be really hard, especially when you’re just starting to make some of these changes. So, here are 5 ways to make the PCOS diet work for you.
The Slow Cooker is your Friend
I understand that life is busy and sometimes you just don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, especially after a busy day at work. Buying good quality meat can also get expensive.
This is where the slow cooker comes in. With it, you can have delicious and super nutritious food waiting for you as soon as you walk through your front door. The slow cooking process also means that you can buy some of the cheaper, tougher meats and they’ll be brilliant once cooked for a couple of hours.
Slow cooker meals are great for your time and your purse.
Eating at Restaurants
This is something that I am often asked. What on earth can you eat when you are out and about?
Well, let’s be honest. Nobody is going to stick to a PCOS diet it means giving up some of your social life. So, you can definitely make this work when you are out at restaurants.
I tend to avoid pizzerias and Italian restaurants. Pizza and pasta is just going to shoot your insulin through the roof. But, at most other restaurants, I can generally find something PCOS friendly. Something like fish or steak with a serving of vegetables or salad is perfect.
Let’s talk Leftovers
Here’s the thing. It becomes hard to stick with something if it becomes all-consuming. We get tired of putting in 100% all of the time. So, we need to find ways to strategically give ourselves a break.
One of the ways that you can do that is to intentionally cook extra food, with the plan to use the leftovers for another meal. This saves you time in the kitchen (and money if you buy the food in bulk).
There are a couple of different ways to do this. For example, last night I made beef casserole in the slow cooker. There is plenty left for today’s lunch (just what I need in cold rainy England today).
But, tonight, I’m making a roast chicken. That will serve a couple of meals. Tonight’s supper. Tomorrow’s lunch – chicken soup. And I’ll also make bone broth for another soup. There are at least 3 meals in that one roast chicken.
Be Prepared
I always find that things fall apart for me when I don’t have a plan or am not prepared for my day. When I have no lunch when I’m out and about. Or, when I get super hungry and don’t have snacks with me. That’s when I’m more likely to turn to junk food.
So, when I’m packing snacks for my kids, I always make sure that I pack something for me too. PCOS friendly muffins, nuts, fruit and almond butter are all good snack ideas for when you’re out and about.
Find Alternatives
With two young kids, my hubby and I don’t get to go to fancy restaurants (or any restaurant for that matter) very often. But, we do go to coffee shops, a lot. I used to always have a tall, milky latte.
Now, I’ll have a cup of peppermint tea. Tim still gets his coffee and we still get to go out. Do I still have coffee? You bet I do. I either make it myself with coconut milk at home, or I have a little flask that I can take out with me.
But, I have a plan to avoid the things that I shouldn’t be having.
And you know what? I don’t even miss it or crave it anymore.
Looking after my PCOS is far more important than a cup of coffee, a pizza, a bar of chocolate.
Take it one step and one bite at a time and I wish you the most amazing 2016!
If you have any thoughts on how to make the transition to a PCOS diet a little easier, leave me a comment below!
- sustainable pcos weight loss strategies
- Over 5500 women have done it and seen results
- [bonus] combat cravings kit
- [bonus] intermittent fasting for pcos course
- [BONUS] personalised nutrition plan
JOIN OVER 5,500 OTHERS
10 Responses
Your site has been really great in helping me change my health. I’m 3 months in, no gluten, no dairy, no refined sugar, no white potatoes or white rice. My cycle has balanced, the only stubborn thing is hirsuitism. I’ve lost over a stone in weight, which is amazing, I have one query though, why do you still drink coffee? I find it really knocks out my adrenals and wears me out. As hard as it’s been giving all of the above up and my coffee addiction I feel so much better. More energy, little acne and a lifetimes worth of under-eye puffiness has vanished! That is a miracle to me because that really lowered my spirit.
Hello! I new to the web and I been reading about PCOS. I was dx with this condition over 5 or more years but I also have Hypothyroidism. I have tried the new pill to loose weight and I been working out more and watching what a eat. I did this for a month with no results. I gave everything up and went back to my eating habits. I would like to know what I can do to improve my health and be able to conceive. I have a 10 year old boy and had a miscarriage 4 years ago, after this I haven’t been able to conceive again. I am scare of seen a specialist. What would you recommend thanks in advance.
This line right here was exactly what I needed “Looking after my PCOS is far more important than a cup of coffee, a pizza, a chocolate.” I was just diagnosed 4 days ago and am navigating this new world. I needed something to remind myself why I am doing this and this line is perfect! (I haven’t been doing the eating changes long enough to feel it yet, but I know once I do feel it that will help:))
I’ve only been diagnosed 5 days ago with PCOS at age 30 and am grateful to have found this site! I love this line “Looking after my PCOS is far more important than a cup of coffee, a pizza, a chocolate.” These are my 3 fav things – particularly sweet wine & pizza on a Friday night!
I look forward to reading everyone’s experiences and am particularly interested in feedback on the drug Metformin as this is what my doctor is recommending to help lose weight and stabilise my hormones.
Hi i also PCOS it is hard to manage it. i exercise regularly but im finding it hard to lose my belly fat. can anyone please give me any information ow to lose it.thank you.
Hello Mia I am from pakistananf I can understand your problem as I am going through the same problems living in a family and all the food around it does get difficult but thanks to this excellent website I am getting my life toghter xx
Good luck everyone and thank youTarryn xx
Hi Tarryn,
I have just been diagnosed with PCOS. I am finding it all a bit over whelming.
I really want to start looking at my diet and changing it for my health. U have heard a lit about taking suplements, but I’m trying to do d out what ones to take and why. Do you have a section on this that I have missed.
U hope your recovering well from your surgery.
Hi. I am wondering if you have any tips on being vegan with pcos. I am vegan for ethical reasons, so adding meat into my diet is out of the question. I just recently cut high carbs out of my diet, like potatoes and pasta and breads. I’m now working on eliminating soy and gluten. My meals are focused around beans, veggies, nuts and seeds and some fruit. Thanks!
You may be lacking nutrition in your diet.
Hey Tarryn. I am from Pakistan. Thank you so much for being so helpful. I would have been lost without you. I was daignosed a few years ago and its only with your help that I am beginning to take control of my life. The first thing I have done to help myself is take a deep breath and go one step at a time. Habits built over a life time cant change in an instant. But gradually i ve made changes. I first quit sugars. Gradually moved on to quiting dairy. I ll try moving off gluten next. But here in my homeland all our staple foods are full of gluten. Living in family systems its difficult to stay on track but I am trying. I hope you read this and know that you are helpful globally. Thank you.