Two weeks ago, I spoke at an event where, in passing, I mentioned that I have PCOS. Mainly, I was lamenting that pizza is just a memory in my life. Whah whah.
To most people, the acronym PCOS doesn’t even stick in their minds. But for girls who have struggled – with infertility, weight issues, hair loss, etc – it brings tears to their eyes. Or so they told me, after I came off the stage.
And immediately I told them about PCOS Diva. Here’s the thing about Amy- she doesn’t have all the answers about this particular disease, but she curates tons of the answers, and knows A LOT. At this point, I have done extensive research and reading and she really is the best PCOS website with the most information.
And as you’ll recall, I did the PCOS Jumpstart Program a few weeks ago. You pay $99 and get a full menu and shopping list, a schedule for the week, and access to daily classes – with tips, reflections, and the ability to chat with and encourage the other women in the same program.
Now that I’ve completed the Jumpstart Program, I promised you my thoughts, so here they are:
— I was surprised how much the week focused on self-care. I was unaware how much self-care matters when it comes to PCOS symptoms. But it’s true and I have seen it in my life- my symptoms rage when I’m stressed and tired, but when I’m well-rested and handling my stress well, I’m much healthier.
— If I have healthy snacks and foods in my house, I will eat them. If those are the options, I eat at home more and I eat better.
— Menu planning for a week is worth the work and effort- to make the grocery list and look at the week as a whole. BUT…
— Following a menu that makes 4+ servings per recipe gets tough for a singlet. So I ended up freezing some portions of food that I made- whether it was soups or granola bars- my freezer is packed.
— Because of PCOS, my body needs salad greens every day. Gross. I don’t like them. But if I can make myself eat a serving of salad a day, it’s good for my bod. And that’s the goal– to do whatever it takes to make my body do right and feel right, even if I don’t like the taste.
— I’ll be better at a PCOS lifestyle when Cadbury Creme Eggs aren’t in season. đŸ™‚
— The supplements that Amy tells you to take have had a really positive effect on me.
— The week was challenging- there is a lot of focus that Amy asks of you. If it would have been a week when I was traveling for speaking, I would not have been able to do it. Even so, I was gone for the last 36 hours of the week and I was unable to keep up with the “class” portion of the program.
So what now?
Here’s the reality: taking care of PCOS isn’t a diet. It’s not. Not even a little. It’s a way we get to live- something I will have to (get to?) think about every day of my life.
So this week was a great reminder of what matters, how much my health deserves attention regularly, and Amy offers great recipes, but it wasn’t a short term “diet” or quick fix. It was exactly what it is called- a jumpstart.
If you have PCOS, or know someone who does, I really recommend the Jumpstart Program. Also, feel free to share these PCOS blog posts with anyone you know who may have PCOS. I’m happy to share my journey with others! Â
(By the way, Amy from PCOS Diva hasn’t paid me or asked me to blog about this. I just kinda feel like there are enough of you out there reading and wondering what to do with this disease that I’m happy to write about what I have found helpful.)