1 out of 3 women are suffering from PCOS. PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common condition which affects the way ovaries work. When your body experiences hormonal imbalances often resulting in irregular periods, bloating, weight gain, hirsutism (excess hair growth). Male pattern baldness or acne.
There are a few ways to regulate your hormones, but it has to do a lot more with eating enough nutrients and eating well which helps your body to heal. Low intensity workouts should also be incorporated to create a balance between your routine and speed up the recovery process.
The most important thing to remember with PCOS is that there is no short-term solution. You either adapt a healthy lifestyle which certainly doesn’t mean eating leaves or starving, however, it means incorporating certain habits that help you maintain and regulate your hormonal activity.
There are 3 essential factors you must keep a check on:
Mindful Snacking
One of the drawbacks with PCOS is that it may enable eating disorders which is why it is essential to be mindful about your snacking habits. Instead of eating processed, sugary and fried snacks, it is better to make smarter choices.
Snacking does not have to be boring, and it takes a little bit of research to ensure you find what you like. Choose foods that are high in protein, be it eggs, nuts or chia seed yoghurt bowls, focus on eating a gluten and dairy free snack/meal. Stick to eating fresh vegetables paired with hummus or an avocado dip, dark chocolate instead of sugary treats and avoid any form of processed foods with high amount of trans fats.
Exercise Regularly 
With PCOS, it is important that an individual keeps their body active. This enables them to build muscle mass, reduce insulin resistance and lead to a fitter and healthier lifestyle while regulating hormones and cutting off excess fat. It helps lower cholesterol levels and testosterone as well which cuts down the symptoms associated with PCOS. Someone with PCOS should not stress out their body with intense workouts but focus on low intensity weighted workouts as well as activities like yoga.
Improve Sleeping Pattern
I cannot emphasise enough on how vital it is to make sure you get 8 hours of sleep so your body has time to heal and repair!
These are a few things you must add to your daily lifestyle to improve the symptoms of your PCOS and enable yourself to lead a better, improved, healthier and happy lifestyle.
Until next time!
