Newbie with PCOS

[n_loxton]

Hello,

My name's Nat, I'm 26. I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and four weeks ago my infertility specialist told me that many women with PCOS can't process carbohydrates well, and I am one of them.

Last year my grandmother died of diabetes related complications and my Aunty (who also has PCOS) was diagnosed with diabetes at 45 years old. The idea that I am in such a high risk category for diabetes scares me half to death. I'm only new to Atkins, but I want to make low-carbing a life time choice.

At the moment I'm about 30kg overweight. I've been trying to follow Atkins for just over 3 weeks now. I've made a few mistakes on induction (like nuts and too much dairy) but slowly I am getting better at this.

I have never been able to stick to diets in the past. Now that I am on Atkins though I realise why. Before Atkins my sugar levels must have been going crazy because I was VERY hungry every 15 minutes. Now I'm only hungry on rare occasions.

In just 3 weeks it feels like most of my carb addictions have already disappeared (I do miss bananas though). And unlike other diet I find that this is getting easier over time.

So hopefully I will get better at this over time by changing one habbit at a time. This week my goal is to stop overeating on cheese/nuts and start eating more raw cabbage and red capsicums (peppers). YUM

Or maybe cooked capscum stuffed with cooked cabbage, ground beef and a little cheese YUM!!!

Any support and tips that anybody can offer would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you know an easy recipe or two??

[chinadoll]

Re: Newbie with PCOS

Welcome Nat. I think you are off to a wonderful start and if you stick with it you will be eating in such a way as to effectively combat the diabetes threat and cravings. You are also wise to recognize that practice makes perfect and you need to chip away at the things (like too much cheese) that can slow you down.

If you like pesto, one of my favorite recipes is to use a peeler to make zucchini (courgette) "noodles" and stir fry them in some pesto and olive oil. I then sprinkle with parmesan. Sometimes I cook some chicken strips first and toss the zucchini in with them for a quick skillet meal.

I also like chicken strips stir fried with eggplant, red capsicum and summer yellow squash strips with a good spicy sauce of garlic, chili, lemongrass, and whatever else comes to mind.

Also check out Linda's low carb recipe site (I need to get the link for you) for great Induction recipes.

[chinadoll]

Re: Newbie with PCOS

Here you go. I lifted these links from one of Imagood1 (Carole)'s posts!

Recipe Sites
http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/menus.html (Linda’s)
(Never ending induction recipes)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/58513-never-ending-induction-recipes.html (Induction recipes)
(Induction Recipe Basics--More recipes added)http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-diet-14-day-induction/6807-induction-recipe-basics-more-recipes-added.html (Induction Recipe Basics)

[imagood1]

Re: Newbie with PCOS

Hi and Welcome Nat!!! I know what you mean about high rish for diabetes - unfortunately I didn't find Atkins before being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year but I'm doing my best to combat it and get off the meds!!!

Jill already gave you the recipe sites so that's good -- make sure you're only eating foods on the acceptable foods list -- drink a MINIMUM of 64 ounces pure water daily (nothing added) -- eat when you are hungry and eat until you feel full (not stuffed - full -- learn the difference!)....remember it's a high fat, low carb, moderate protein way of eating......good luck!

If you need anything let us know - we're here to help each other.

[Valina]

Re: Newbie with PCOS

Hi Nat!
your words may just be mine as i feel EXACTLY the same way. Diabetes runs in my family too and my aunt went into pre menopause at 29 (!!) because of it.
But yeah, for me, since i started on Atkins, it's going really great, not only cos im losing weight, but mostly cos i feel FREE from hunger!!
Are you on some treatment for PCOS? i'm since 3 years on a pill (diane mite 35, european brand) and it is really a help. at least it stopped weight gaining and embarassing hair growing..

[sporty]

Re: Newbie with PCOS

Hi Nat,

Congrats on taking steps to get your life in control. As you lose weight, I bet you will find you health in many areas so much better!

My husband (dawgs2269 on the board here) was diagnosed as a type 1 in May. His sugar was over 700 and his A1c was a 14!! It is much easier to control pre-diabetic than when the onset starts.

He had started this before I did because of his blood sugar and he feels great and will be off his meds by the end of the year. And trust me he takes a LOT!

I would stick to the induction strict for the 2 weeks. You will be surprised at how much better you feel. I am on day 4 and I am starting to feel GREAT!!! I am bouncy off the walls today. Before I use to be so tired!

I wish you much luck and continued success!

Traci