Thriving with PCOS: Your Guide to Sustainable Diet and Exercise

The Power of a Whole Food Diet

Adopting a whole food diet is one of the most impactful changes you can make for managing PCOS. This diet focuses on consuming foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, providing essential nutrients to help regulate hormones and support overall health. Here’s how you can start:

• Shop the Perimeter: When grocery shopping, focus on the outer edges of the store. This is where you’ll find fresh produce, lean meats, and dairy products. The inner aisles often contain processed foods loaded with unhealthy additives.
• Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial ingredients that can worsen PCOS symptoms. Strive to reduce or eliminate these from your diet.
• Choose Organic and High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for organic produce and high-quality meats whenever possible. Organic foods are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals, and quality meats are free from antibiotics and hormones that can disrupt your endocrine system.
• Avoid Artificial Additives: Steer clear of foods with artificial colors and sweeteners, which can negatively impact your hormone balance. Use natural alternatives like honey or stevia to sweeten your foods.

Enjoyable Exercise for Long-Term Success

Exercise is another key component of managing PCOS, but it’s crucial to find activities you genuinely enjoy. Exercise should be a source of pleasure, not a chore. Here’s how to make physical activity a fun and sustainable part of your routine:

• Choose Activities You Love: If jogging feels like a burden, opt for walking instead. Walking is a great low-impact exercise that can be just as effective for weight management and overall health.
• Try Unconventional Workouts: Traditional gym workouts are not the only option. Consider activities like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), surfing, mountain biking, dancing or even joining a pickleball team with your friends! These activities can provide social interaction and mental stimulation, making them more enjoyable.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different exercises make you feel. If an activity causes pain or discomfort, switch to something else. The goal is to find exercises that energize you and make you feel good.
• Prioritize Consistency: It’s more beneficial to engage in moderate exercise regularly than to push yourself too hard and risk burnout. Find a routine that you can stick with, even on your busiest days.

Building Lasting Habits

Managing PCOS through diet and exercise is a personal journey. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find what feels right for you and make it a part of your daily life. Here are some tips to help you build sustainable habits:

• Start Small: Small changes can lead to significant results over time. Begin with one or two changes, such as adding more vegetables to your meals or going for a daily walk.
• Stay Informed: Educate yourself about nutrition and fitness. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make healthy choices.
• Seek Support: Join a community of women with PCOS. Sharing experiences and tips can provide motivation and make the journey feel less lonely.
• Be Patient: Changes take time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Take on the Smoo45 Challenge

Have you tried the Smoo45 yet?! Join us and other S’moo babes as we take on our goals and elevate our physical and mental health. Smoo45 is a 45-day challenge designed to help you set and accomplish your goals using the Smoo45 checklist. We’ve even created a planner to keep you on track! The Smoo45 Planner includes an hour-by-hour schedule, daily gratitude journal entries, important task lists, and the Smoo45 checklist, which involves the following:

• Follow a Diet (We recommend Whole Food diet)
• Complete two 20-minute workouts or one 45-minute workout
• Drink 1/2 of your body weight in water (oz)
• Read 10 pages of a book
• Take your S’moo

By participating in the Smoo45 challenge, you can build new sustainable habits that support your health and well-being while connecting with a community of like-minded women.

In summary, managing PCOS through diet and exercise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing whole foods, finding physical activities you enjoy, and engaging in challenges like Smoo45, you can create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your health and well-being. Remember, the journey is about finding what works best for you and making it a lasting part of your life.