Shangri-La Diet for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that causes cysts to form on the surfaces of the ovaries. Women with PCOS suffer from fertility and menstrual problems. They also face increased risk for obesity, heart attack, diabetes and stroke. Management of this disorder includes following a healthy diet and, if necessary, a weight-loss plan. The Shangri-La Diet's "no-hunger" strategy may help women achieve healthier eating habits as well as weight loss.

Shangri-La Diet Basics

• The Shangri-La diet, created by psychology professor Seth Roberts, PhD, promises hunger-free dieting through two main rules. First, you must consume 1 to 3 tbsp. of fructose water and 1 to 2 tbsp. of extra virgin light olive oil twice per day between meals. Second, you can eat any whole food you want, but it must be eaten bland or with unfamiliar seasoning blends. Following these two rules also means you will not be eating processed food or fast food.

  The Shangri-La diet is based on the theory that cravings and hunger result from a learned association between flavor and calories. This association causes us to crave certain foods in expectation of a familiar flavor. Consuming flavorless or unfamiliar foods breaks this association, reducing hunger and cravings.

  Consumption of fruit is encouraged; sweetness is not a flavor on this diet.

  The olive oil and sugar "snack" provides calories and fat without flavor, thus satisfying your appetite in a way that doesn't lead to increased desire for more food.

  You may uses spices on this diet plan, but you should season your food randomly so that each meal tastes different. This will prevent the formation of new flavor associations.

  The diet recommends foods with a low glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low GI result in a more gradual rise and fall of blood sugar. Foods with a high GI cause steep blood sugar spikes and crashes, which leave you feeling hungry again sooner.

PCOS Considerations

• If this diet works for you, you will want to use your freedom from cravings to choose foods that are heart-healthy. Make sure you're eating whole grains, good fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil, salmon), and a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Limit artery-clogging saturated fats (fatty meats, butter, dairy, eggs and chocolate)

  The preference for foods with a low GI is good advice for women with PCOS. This is because women with PCOS usually suffer from insulin resistance, a condition that makes it difficult for the body to transfer glucose (blood sugar) from the blood to the cells. This results in "high blood sugar" or a buildup of sugar in the blood -- a condition that increases risk for diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Foods with a low GI include whole grains, whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, apples, oranges and yogurt. Foods with a high GI index include products made from refined white flour, excessive sugar, white potatoes and white rice.

  A low-sodium diet may also be a good idea if you have PCOS. Consuming too much sodium constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, which means the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. The Shangri-La diet is a low-sodium diet.

Criticism

• Currently, there is limited scientific data to back up Dr. Roberts' theories, according to WebMD.