Low Calorie Diet for Women With PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a metabolic disorder affecting 7 percent of adult women. It is caused by a change in normal hormone levels in women, which occurs for reasons that are unknown. According to Dr. Martha McKittrick at Obgyn.net, new discoveries have led to the knowledge that insulin resistance plays a large role in the syndrome. Many experts now agree that diet is an important part of the treatment plan.

Insulin

• Insulin is a hormone that is released from the pancreas after eating. The hormone is especially sensitive to carbohydrates. In PCOS, a woman's body cannot properly process that insulin, causing insulin resistance, which can lead to a host of medical conditions. One of the key factors in regulating insulin in the body is diet. According to the Lovetoknow.com, losing just 5-10 percent of your body weight can produce a significant positive effect on insulin function and help with PCOS symptoms. Engaging in a low calorie diet, together with increased physical activity, may induce weight loss. Keeping your weight within the normal range is a key factor in managing PCOS.

Calorie Restriction

• When beginning a low calorie diet, you will need to pay attention to the type of food you are eating as well as the calorie content and your portion size. To help track these factors, you may find it helpful to begin a food journal.

  Limit your carbohydrate intake and opt for complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals instead of refined carbs. When eating carbohydrates, combine them with protein and fat rather than eating them alone. By selecting foods with a low glycemic index, you will prevent a rapid spike in blood sugar. By spreading carbohydrate consumption out during the day you can maintain insulin levels better than if you consume your daily carbohydrates during one meal.

Low Calorie

• When beginning a low calorie diet, it is important to remember that all calories are not created equal. By staying way from empty calories and filling up on nutritious foods, you can make your calories count. Some healthy low calorie foods are vegetables, cottage cheese, poached fish, beans and lentils, tofu, fat-free yogurt, apricots, melon and grapefruit. According to the Mayo Clinic, making healthy eating choices is the first step you can take to getting your PCOS symptoms under control.