PCOS: Best diet for weight loss

[bohemianmama]

I've been trying to lose weight for a while to help with TTC. BMI currently 26 but advised by doctor to be on the "leaner side" of normal BMI I've been calorie counting for a little while but seem to be losing incredibly slowly. Are there any diets that work better for PCOS?

[Pattyandbump]

I have PCOS too and I’ve found that the only thing that keeps the weight off is Keto. For years I’ve struggled calorie counting with no results, I lost 2 stone within 2 months on Keto.

There’s a low carb board on here which is a good place to start. I’d definitely recommend it!

[MyVisionsComeFromSoup]

low carb can be really helpful for weight loss in PCOS (or low GI), but the medical consensus seems to be "whichever way of eating you can stick to", which is a bit depressing (as obviously a magic bullet would be nice ).

IME, not letting the weight creep up in the first place is the advice I'm giving my DDs (one diagnosed, one almost diagnosed, one pretty likely).

Losses of as little of half a stone can be enough to trigger ovulation apparently, DD3 was the result of about a 10 pound loss. Good luck though, it's tough.

[bohemianmama]

@Pattyandbump thank you I'll check out the keto board, however I am a total carb addict and have no idea how I would get through the day without any! But I'll definitely have a little read
@MyVisionsComeFromSoup that really is very sensible advice. Unfortunately I think it's calling for a lifestyle change rather than a diet. I've heard really good things about slimming world from ladies I work with and think I could do with a weekly kick up the bum! I'm on clomid and metformin atm -1st month clomid and 1st month ovulating but still haven't got pregnant so hoping shedding a few pounds will put me in a better place for trying next month. Aaaand..it's summer and losing a little weight might help me feel a little better about things

Thank you both for your advice

[PizzaAndChips]

If you're interested in reading up on it, try "Natural Solutions to PCOS: How to Eliminate Your Symptoms and Boost Your Fertility" by Marilyn Glenville. I found this book extremely helpful in that it not only told you what was best, but also why it worked in a non-baffling way!

It gives plenty advice on diet but also recommends certain supplements.

[NT53NJT]

As you probably know pcos means you have a problem with high insulin, high insulin means your body is more receptive to absorbing the foods you eat and tends to store it more as it's the same as after excercise but you're not burning the same calories that's why higher carb foods are particularly bad for pcos sufferers. Brown bread, brown pasta, brown rice are better than the normal alternative. My wife suffers with pcos and it's a constant struggle for her food wise.

[Ellisandra]

PCOS here too.
I previously lost some weight with a very low calorie diet, that I suspect was inadvertently verging on Keto because of the sheer reduction in calories.

I have since done Keto and it really really works. I think it especially makes sense for PCOS because of the insulin situation a PP describes.

You say you’re a carb addict... that’s exactly why a low carb diet could be really good for you! It is amazing how going low carb reduces carb craving, and in my experience pretty quickly too.

Good luck TTC!

[Gammeldragz]

Keto/low carb. Will address the insulin resistance issue and massively improve symptoms.
It isn't hard once you're into it, I've been low carb for 18 months and I used to be a dreadful carb fiend.