Just got put on Metformin for PCOS, any pointers

[DChavez80]

Hey all, I was just deemed insulin resistant due to polycystic ovarian syndrome.. I work out hard, 4 days a week and wasn't losing weight, so I was tested and sure enough..

So now, I've been on metformin for about a week.. I was on a low fat high fiber diet before, switching to low carb is been tough.. any tips

I mean I eat one chicken cutlery and I'm bloated and full.. a handful of baby carrots and grapes and I'm done.. any portion advise? It's making my workouts more difficult due to lack I'd energy but I feel like if I eat more than that I'll be sick..

[Barb135]

Sounds like you're doing good, but I think you need more protein... 2 oz turkey breast is not enough protein.. you should have at least, 3 oz and possibly 4 per meal.  I don't see any healthy fat there either.  Veggies are good and they fill you up, but it's the protein and fat give you the energy and keep you full.

Your diet shouldn't hinder your workout performance...

You will have to get used to the changes... Have you also had your thyroid tested?  Many women with PCOS also have hypothyroidism.  Get TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 - don't settle for just a TSH, like most doctors want to test you for...

[DChavez80]

Thanks.. like I said I was doing a low fat high fiber diet, so I have already cut a lot of the beads, pastas, etc out of my diet already..

I'm just trying to find a balance with this medication.. I'm finding that even a a small lunch is making me feel like I've eaten a whole cow.. ( a typical lunch for me would include 2 oz turkey breast, handful of carrots, handful of raw snap peas, a string cheese and grapes... )

I just don't want it to hinder my workout performance (they'be been my addiction for 5 years now)

I think my body just needs to get used to working on less fuel, so to speak.

[Barb135]

I just posted the following on another thread you'd posted on:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is related to insulin resistance.  It's often treated with metformin, which is often used to treat Type II diabetes.

The best "natural" treatment for PCOS is the elimination of processed foods such as breads and bread products and eat lots of veggies, lean meats, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, etc. Avoid fruit, except for one serving/day, or any simple carbs that spike the blood sugar, which, in turn spikes insulin levels.  This will help with weight loss, which will help with the symptoms of PCOS.

Here's a link to the other thread:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Weight-Loss--Dieting/cyst-near-ovaries/show/2510220

Remember, there are 2 types of carbs - there are the simple carbs, such as those found in sugar foods, such as fruit, and other sweet foods, along with the bread products I mentioned above that contain processed grains... those are breads, pasta, white rice, even white potatoes.  The simple carbs break down quickly and spike your blood sugar levels, which in turn spikes your insulin levels - this is what you want to avoid.

Then there are complex carbs, which are those found in non-starchy veggies and whole grains.  Veggies are almost always "free", meaning you can eat as much as you want as long as they aren't laden with heavy, creamy, cheesy sauces...

The trick here is add some filling fat, which will fill you up, but won't spike your blood sugar.  Season your veggies with a a little butter and some herbs/spices.  Cook with coconut oil... add coconut oil to your cup of tea, your bowl of oatmeal, etc.  Fat helps satisfy you so you won't eat as much, and you won't get hungry nearly as quickly.  Also be sure to add protein to every meal/snack, because protein also keeps feeling fuller longer.  Protein can be in the form of meat, chicken, dairy (I've gone back to full fat dairy), eggs, nuts, etc)

I don't have PCOS, but I do have insulin resistance, plus hypothyroidism, and I find that as long as I add butter and/or coconut oil to every meal, I don't eat nearly as much at the meal, I need snacks between meals and I do lose weight. I've lost 20 lbs over the past 3 months, when I've struggled with it for the past 7 years.

One of my favorites i bulletproof coffee... 1 cup hot coffee, 1 tablespoon unsalted grassfed butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil.  Blend in blender until frothy... enjoy hot.  I often have this with my noon meal.