Top 10 Tips for PCOS Patients
(written by the CYWH staff of Children's Hospital, Boston, updated 8/09, youngwomenshealth.org)
- Eat a balanced diet. Your body needs carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
- Choose healthy carbohydratefoods that are high in fiber and low in sugar.
- Load up on vegetables and fruits. They are high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Balance your carbohydrate foods with proteins and healthy fats.
- Limit your portions when you are eating high–carbohydrate foods (especially ones that are low in fiber).
- Eat small meals and healthy snacks during the day instead of 3 large meals.
- Don’t forget to exercise! Good nutrition is important, but it isn’t enough. You also need to exercise regularly. Adding exercise or increasing the exercise you already do will help you manage your PCOS.
- Don’t get frustrated if you don’t lose weight quickly or if you’ve tried to lose weight before and it didn’t work. Learning how to choose and balance your carbohydrates and doing regular exercise will help!
- Stay positive! It can be very difficult to achieve visible results. Doing what’s right for your body IS doing something good, even if you don’t see a big change in your weight.
- Talk to your physician about managing your PCOS. Most young women with PCOS need to take medication, even with good nutrition and exercise.
If you have more questions about PCOS and nutrition, ask about talking to a nutritionist who has experience in working with teens with PCOS.
“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” ~ Ashley Smith
