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I have pcos and have struggled many years with maintaining my weight and ED but since I've learned about the hcc I've been doing great and my relationship with food has gotten immensely better. My diet pretty much consists of all the foods you've named in this video, and it's helped a lot! If anyone has been diagnosed recently, take the advice from this video bc it absolutely does work!!!! Thank u Abbey, ur my fav dietitian ever ❤
This is so helpful !!! I was diagnosed with PCOS some time ago and my doctor told me to lose weight by cutting out carbs and provided no other information. My weight has fluctuated due to the varied messages from "influencer nutritionists" who would say we should be cutting out things like dairy and gluten. This video has explained so much. 😅
I don't understand the war on dairy. All the endometriosis diets also recommended cutting out dairy, but when I looked into it all the science says the exact opposite (that whole dairy is associated with less endo). Like obviously if you're allergic to milk proteins, or are lactose intolerant, then dairy products aren't going to do you any good. But otherwise it's a good source of nutrients, and there's even evidence to show that dairy is anti-inflammatory (likely due to the high calcium levels).
@@kayoss2306 - there are many healers, books, etc, showing dairy is NOT for us humans. We simply don't need it, it is also immoral as there is so much cruelty and exploitation in that industry. We are humans, and so perfectly designed to be frugivores / fruitarians if organic fruit is available
@@kayoss2306 am lactose intolerant and just got myself used to it. Too many benefits to cut dairy unless seriously allergic. I'm also gluten intolerant and refuse to include it at all in my diet as I see NO benefit to eating bread anymore. Too many viable replacements with even more nutrition in GF grains and and starches. My diet is more varied too.
PCOS person here! I've been working with a PCOS specialized dietician for 2 years, and food is one of the best ways to treat PCOS symptoms, for SURE. I've learned how to adapt food and movement to what suits me (ie cutting NOTHING out, just rearranging things), and I have had a huge improvement. Thank you for speaking for this community and validating the struggle! 💗
@@AverageGirlFit I don't remember how I found her, but she has an online program you can participate in. She's also got a ton of free content, too. Her name is Cory Ruth, and she goes by thewomensdietician on IG.
@@clara-ns4so I don't want this to sound like an ad or spam or anything, so just know it's different for everyone. Before starting her method, I would get my period maybe 3 times a year. The same month I started her program, I got my period. That was two years ago. I'm ovulating on a consistent basis and I'm having a regular (for me) period.
Thank you for that clarification though- it's great to treat pcos SYMPTOMS, I'm soooo tired of the "this diet will heal your hormones!" "Food cured my pcos/infertility!!" noise that's spread all over insta and tiktok. There are so many facets to this and knowing how the food helps is so important ❤
Would you consider making an Endometriosis counterpart? I’ve heard so much mixed messaging about how some of it aligns with PCOS protocols but others that say it doesn’t
For endo you will only be symptom repressing for some time before it stops helping with symptoms and unfortunately the endo will still be doing it’s nasty thang inside us even if we can’t feel it until it’s been cut out with excision.
This video was amazing!! I was diagnosed with PCOS in January 2023 at 29yrs old. Now I’m learning to navigate how to eat better and manage my symptoms. More PCOS videos please!! Thanks so much Abbey! ❤
I was so nervous to watch this. It feels like every time I think I have a handle on the info around my insulin resistant, super inflamed (both backed by labs) PCOS someone makes claims that it’s all wrong. This video was informative and safe to watch. Thank you so, so much for that!
improving is not stabilizing or reducing hormones significantly. What helps with PCOS is a high/moderate protein, low carb, ketogenic diet. carbohydrate stimulates insulin which keeps these levels constant high.
Wow this is so helpful. There is little reliable information online about PCOS. So many people have extreme views on how you should live with PCOS and it seems so unrealistic. Thank you Abby for again showing us that hunger crushing combos are the way to feel great and live healthier ! Since I've adapted your mindset surrounding food not only has my relationship with food gotten better but I have so much more energy and now understand how to properly fuel my body for my needs. Your channel is such an amazing education tool!
Type 1 diabetes, NAFLD, PCOS, bipolar disorder all kicking my butt. This will help my research on everything so thank you. I’m considering vsg surgery even because I’m fed up with all the symptoms and not being able to stay healthy.
I have PCOS. Diagnosed about two months ago. Decrease high GI carbs in my diet and already see a difference. I feel so much better with a low carb/lower GI “diet” (not trying to lose weight).
Yeah fiber is one key to healthy eating. a British dietitian wrote a book called the Perimenopause solution. Which talks about keeping your hormones healthy with diet. She mentions that the best way to find a low glycemic diet with whole grains is the take the total fiber listed in the nutrition facts ie oat flour its 3 grams of fiber. Then times the fiber by 10. Oat flour 3g fiber x10 =30g. And if that 30g is higher than the total carbs listed its a good low glycemic whole grain. Since the total carbs in oat flour is 20g which is lower than 30g, that makes oat flour a good wholegrain carb. Whereas some brown rice has same fiber but higher total carbs, 35g which is higher than 30g. So not the best wholegrain.
I love this so much!! I have seen a RD for my PCOS in the past (which was such an amazing experience and would recommend for those who can afford it) but then made the mistake of going onto reddit… oh boy do people love spreading misinformation and praying on vulnerable people who are looking for answers. Thanks for helping to push people to actually engage with evidence backed approaches!!
Abby thank you so much for this video! I have had PCOS for a longgggg time. I was diagnosed in my early 30’s and became diabetic at 42. I have really been wanting to regain my athletic side and lose weight to get back to a weight where I feel better and hopefully improve my insulin resistance. This helped me not feel like I have to go straight to a crazy low carb extreme. Unrelated to my PCOS, my doctor had me do an elimination diet years ago because I had chronic headaches… lo and behold…. Gluten triggers headaches for me and seems to affect my arthritis in my hands as well :( . But man do I struggle to stay away from the gluten permanently… lucky for me, cheese seemed to change nothing. Thank you for giving me a realistic place to start from… I really hope you do and more on this topic.
Thank you for this. My PCOS was diagnosed three years ago (struggled with it for much longer) and most of the information I have found has related specifically to fertility, which... is not a priority for me.
Thank you for talking about PCOS in general and not solely focusing on insulin resistance. I have bloodwork out the wazoo that I do not have IR but I do have inflammatory markers.
Thank you Abbey! I got a little emotional clicking on the vid, I haven’t even watched yet! It’s just so stressful and confusing trying to understand what my body needs with PCOS, especially since most gynos just say take BC and/or lose weight Okay watching now :)
I have this, am now 57, was diagnosed as a teen. I feel like mine has been well-managed with sprionolactone, birth control until I was 40, and in general I think I have a mild case if that’s a thing. I also have a wicked ED of compulsive overeating. Despite being 50+ lbs. overweight since age 30, my blood sugar has always been ok. I am sure my weight is related to my ED and not my PCOS. This is just my personal experience. I know I need to get this weight off though, that I am still playing with fire, and so my diet now very much resembles what you recommend.
Are egg yolks considered 'healthy' fats? Please do a video about animal fats such as yolks, butters, lard etc! Thank you! All your videos have helped me through some difficult times in my recovery.
I had horribly painful periods. Like curled up on the floor crying. Missed school and work. I quit dairy and all of my period pain went away. I don't know why.. but I know I enjoy not being in pain every month.
Could you talk about PCOS that is combined with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis? This video was so helpful, by the way! ❤️❤️ P.S. I am seeing a RD, it would just be great to see some good data and food ideas that you are so passionate about! :)
I have been watching your channel for a long time now, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this video. I have been trying so hard to navigate the do's and don'ts for PCOS for years, and subscribed to the idea that I needed to be gluten and dairy free to manage my symptoms, and always felt defeated when I couldn't stick to that lifestyle. I am so happy to hear that isn't the only way, and with the research to back it up! I think I'll always struggle to free myself from these symptoms, but at least now I have more tools and don't need to feel quite so much like a failure when I can't stick to a ridgid way of eating. ❤
Thank you!! I have PCOS and the advice I see is so conflicted. There doesn't seem to be much high quality evidence, ESPECIALLY for comorbid conditions so really appreciate this video 🙌🏻
Cheese and whey protein seem to irritate my acne the most, but I can have Greek yogurt and butter in small amounts. Milk is like medium irritating. Edit: the dermatologist said it is the casein that causes the acne and apparently butter has very little casein? I once heard an influencer say that hemp had too much omega 6 I guess I'm gonna have to look that 1 up
I haven't even watched the video yet but I didn't wanna forget to thank you for the hunger crushing combo framework. On the weekends, I usually make a shakshuka-like stew with veggies and eggs for me and my partner. They're not home today and so I didn't wanna add my usual two eggs. I added one only with some pieces of cheese. Needless to say, I was full before I finished the plate. Thank you for that "addition" mentality.
i love your videos, they’re always so insightful and informative. thank you for this information especially from someone who may have pcos but has yet to be diagnosed by my doctors but is in the process.
OH MY GOOOODNESSSS. FINALLY! Queen Abbey has spoken. 😂 I've been dying to hear your thoughts because I trust you more than all the influencers, haha. I've had PCOS for over 15 years, endometriosis, hysterectomy in Nov 2021, and now I'm 33 and might be in menopause already. It's so hard to know what is/is not right with mixed advice being given, including from my specialists and doctors. So. THANK YOU. ❤
As someone with PCOS who has gained and lost over 100 pounds three times in my life now I found that the most effective for reducing my A1c and helping with overall inflammation was a low carb diet 40/30/30. It was effective but not long-term for me personally. I am on an intuitive eating journey at this point and hope that I can turn my natural inclination more towards a lower carb diet overall.
My doctor recommended following the American Diabetes Association tips to help me manage my insulin resistance, so i took that in mind and got some helpful tips from my fiance's cousin who has PCOS. I think these are the most helpful things for me: add more fruits and veggies that i enjoy to as many meals as possible and stagger my carbs throughout the days rather than having them in large bursts. I really appreciated this video. When i first got my diagnosis, i started following all kinds of influencers focused on PCOS and then slowly started unfollowing when I noticed how extreme and contradictory a lot of the advice was. It's much harder to have a nutritious and well-balanced diet when you go on social media and accounts are telling you to basically stop eating entire food groups.
improving is not stabilizing or reducing hormones significantly. What helps with PCOS is a high/moderate protein, low carb, ketogenic diet. carbohydrate stimulates insulin which keeps these levels constant high. 
This is a great video! I have really struggled to find a clear direction to help manage my PCOS that has felt attainable. This is advice I can use and it was nice to hear that I have been moving in the right direction.
Would you please do a video about PCOS and Type 1 diabetes? I have a long list of chronic pain conditions that probably all affect everything else. It’s very difficult to find a doctor who’s knowledgeable about all of them or will actually talk with my other doctors!
Please consider using a spatula to scrape batters and other fluid foods out of bowls and your food processor. It's a good habit, both to maximize the value you get from the food you buy and prepare, and to model that to your viewers.
Abbey, your big fan here ✋️. Can you please make a video about spicy food like hot chilies, pepper, etc.. (the good, the bad and everything about it). Thanks again for all you do!
So basically avoid unhealthy fried food, hi GI carb and added sugar. It's pretty simple, also applies to people who don't suffer from pcos but are trying to lose weight.
PCOS is about when to eat what to eat and how much you eat and the combination of slow and fast absorbing carbs. The best if you turn to a dietetitian who is specialised in this, because this video also does not cover all the rules. What is not explained that processed milk and unprocessed milk products behave differently from blood glucose management point of view. Eg. Cheese is fine, with milk you need to be careful and dont have it for breakfast and dinner otherwisely moderately you can drink it.
I was told that for PCOS and weightloss, it's better to avoid cow-dairy because of the amount of growth hormone in it, but that goat dairy was fine. Is there any truth to that?
I lost weight so, so slowly on weight watchers winning points and points plus. It was very difficult with the metabolic syndrome that is characteristic of pcos. At some point, my blood sugar started to become more controlled with weight loss and working out. I went off the hormonal birth control for ten years and maintained my weight loss and everything was normal again. The best "trick" was to try to learn what kinds of foods would cause blood sugar spikes. I learned how to stagger my carbs (like have a half a sandwich now and half later) and combine foods, like Abby said. I weigh and measure and track my food using the weight watchers winning points program and that worked well for me. I eat bread, potatoes, milk and chocolate every day. It's just a matter quantity and timing. There are no magic bullets--just take time to focus on a plan that works for your body.
@@lynncrf no medicine for that at all. Losing weight, staggering my carbs and exercise was all I needed to get my blood sugar in check. Instead of a cup of rice I'll have a half cup. I'll have a 1 oz slice of bread instead of 2 oz. Then I fill up on fiber and water (salads, veggies) and add protein and healthy fats. All of that helps to release the sugars slowly while still providing energy. About half of my carbs are whole grains (whole wheat bread, oats, etc). It's not a fun diet but I feel very good and over time I got used to it.
I honestly dont understand what the hate on whole milk is. Isnt the fat in it good for fat soluble vitamin too? I know its definitely better for cooking in my experience.
I am very surprised reading the comments because my doctors never told me to loose weight or to cut out carbs or to go fat free. They just prescribed me a particular contraceptive pill and some supplements (different omegas fatty acids) and foods to eat more (fatty fishes, nuts and seeds, legumes). I am feeling great doing that, so I hope others are not depriving themselves for nothing…
Im vegan because of the animals. And i think it has helped me alot with my pcos. I have never been over weight but the acne and my hormons have been all over the place before.
I believe in "the dose makes the poison". But I, also, believe it has to do with: - the state of the poison (fresh, corroded, etc.); - how it's taken (orally, skin contact, breathing, etc.); - and, for how long it will take for it to affect you (as short as a few seconds or minutes, or as prolonged as months or years).
I am all about being inclusive with food and having as much freedom as possible HOWEVER I still haven’t met a woman that hasn’t confessed that eliminating gluten and dairy has actually helped even a little bit …
Have to look at the sources of gluten and dairy. Foods with a lot of gluten like kamut or white carbs bother me, but I can eat all the high fiber, nuts and seeds type bread even with wheat. Quantity and quality matter as well. Sucks it’s not easy to know without trying and paying attention
Maybe because not that many women eliminate both gluten and dairy. That’s can be quite challenging, depending on where you live and what foods are available to you.
@@ktglick it’s very pricey to eliminate either. The markup on gluten free is stupid since so many flours are gluten free. Dairy I understand the markup, but I can’t find cheese alternatives at a price I can afford, and have to forage for forager yogurt
Love your channel. This was so helpful as someone with PCOS. I hope it’s ok to give a little feedback. The background music seemed a little loud and maid it hard to focus on what you were saying. Love what you share with us!
I like your view on supplements. I am studying dietetics and often hear “supplements aren’t necessary with a healthy, varied diet” but I think that it is huge if they take some of the anxiety off the individual.
I was looking for videos from you on meats; How much is a safe quantity for those trying to cut down as much as possible, what are the best/safest types of meats to eat. JUst some video ideas! THANK YOU
Love the information and studies linked. Thank you! Would like your input on full fat dairy products and how it could impact already elevated levels and those with PCOS?
Though I have PCOS, all dairy products, milk, yogurt, whey protein powder seem to suit my body completely and I have no issues with them so can I continue to keep dairy in my daily diet?
It's actually funny. I remember in my nutrition class, you know home ec? Well, the teacher was going on about the acceptable milk and saying you want low fat or skim milk. A girl in class basically said that she only drinks whole fat milk, not 2% and definitely not skim. The teacher told her that it was bad, and that whole milk is too fattening to be healthy. Now, I'm seeing it's the other way around.
Thank you so much for this. We aren't trying for a baby rn but i want to start working on my health before that. I want to lose 30 or 40 lbs and feel better.
I have PCOS and I am kind of 🫤 about this content. I grew up in the 90’s you know with “I am not gonna eat today, not gonna eat tomorrow cause I want to be a supermodel”. I was a fat kid and teen. Then puberty had me anorexic and bulimic. I went from an adult size 14 (only time in my life I have ever been plus sized) in 7th grade to a size 0 juniors my freshman year. All of this diet trends stuff has me confused because of life span in it. It went from super harsh to the aughts still being thin to now everybody wants to be fat. The reality… yes, I am supposed to be heavier. I have PCOS, losing weight is harder and it makes it easier for me to get into all or nothing or craving the harsh approach generally. Intermittent fasting spoke to me. Because the soft stuff like you do on this channel does not actually work for me. 2k calories even “healthy” ones makes me gain weight. I am 5’10 and work out 2 hours a day hard and also just have PCOS. What works for normal metabolism person is already not going to work for me. Also… it has nothing to do with carbs. It is in the type of carbs and the amount. For instance… I have lost 20lbs the last couple months on the Subway diet. One footlong with no sauce, double meat, all the veggies and on the flatbread with the whole wheat flour a day. In the 90’s when I had an ED a treat meal would be a baked potato microwaved with salsa on it. No butter, no excessive refining. Just like a potato. But if you add up my current calories. It comes to 600ish a day even with the added protein and maybe 50 calories for my work out electrolyte drink. Dieticians… so not enough. But it is enough to work and I do not feel hungry. That and I wish they would leave Victoria Beckham alone. She has PCOS and is super annoying careful about her diet. Is this bad? No… for her because she has that a diet of nothing but lean protein and veggies is not nutrient deficient, just less food which is what actually maintains her weight. Also no… if you force yourself to fast for a couple days… you do not have the “scarcity mentality” anymore. You just are not hungry. It is a reprogram for me and I do it when I need to. Also… my optimal BMI is 154 lbs at my weight and frame which people seeing it including me in that previous era would consider big. I am broad framed, tall and muscular. I tend to hover around it 145-155 as an adult and I am a US 4-6. Not super skinny, but I do not need super calories either.
Eating gluten/dairy free, incorporating more high fiber carbs, limiting fats, and taking berberine and spearmint tea have really helped my PCOS. Dairy has a lot of both natural and synthetic hormones, so it can make hormone imbalance worse. PCOS often comes with estrogen dominance and high testosterone, and limiting fats can lower that. Sure there's no evidence that cutting out gluten works, but there's no evidence that it doesn't work. And it helps a lot of people. Even fiber rich gluten can make my PCOS worse. Same for a lot of people.
There’s an influencer I since unfollowed (not for this reason I just no longer clicked with their content after a while and found their online persona to just react with whatever was in rn) but she was a fitness influencer who did a lot of what I eat in a day meal prep with me videos that I used to follow along with. Then she went keto HARD. And the reason was to help out her PCOS symptoms. And when I say she went hard she dropped a considerable amount of weight but to her credit was pretty transparent about how miserable she was doing this posting instagram stories about how, with her training regiment and diet, she was eating 4000 calories a day most of which was fat, to hit that she would just eat solid globs of coconut oil and hated it she would just say this is what I have to do and I’m miserable. At this point I couldn’t really jive with her meal preps because it was all very animal product heavy cheesy meaty eggy etc. but she stopped ketosis after about 2 years with the reintroduction of sweet potato. And now she seems happier (as happy as a stranger online you don’t know can look) she looks like a buff Disney princess meets a e girl and hasn’t reported issues with PCOS, so I guess she’s in a good place now. But it did feel like for a while she was saying keto is the cure for PCOS
Low carb is amazingly effective for PCOS especially because it's an insulin resistance based condition and the only real true way to control your elevated insulin levels and keep them level and not Spike them is with lower carbohydrate Foods even Whole Foods and healthy whole grains still give you a long elevated insulin Spike
Could you talk about meal spacing? I’m struggling because I haven insulin-resistant PCOS and was told if I snack my blood sugar level will be constantly elevated and cause inflammation. I have set snack times with my toddler for food modeling and because he can’t sit still too long and prefers more grazing than big meals so I do not want to give up that precious time together. HELP.
Can you please make the part about gluten a short? My mom has decided that gluten free stuff is healthier (she does not have celiac disease) and I need to show her it's not true.
I have type 1 diabetes and PCOS and it is nearly impossible to find info/guidance relating to the two. Everything is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes but I HAVE to take insulin to live. It’s so hard to know what to do. I also don’t fit the stereotypical mold for PCOS but have struggling with acne and slight weight gain. 😭😭
Abbey, great video as always! I’m celiac and lactose intolerant, and I would love to see your take on a healthy diet for people like me. Please and thank you 😊.
When she said GF diets were lower in nutrition, I was like, ‘School me! Please!’ Is it just because processed GF food is basically vitamin less? Is wheat and rye and barley so much more nutritious than quinoa millet and buckwheat? Tell us, Abbey!!
Would love a deep dive into the PCOS supps and their mechanisms/interactions with one another! Also saw palmetto for hirsutism?? Would love to know if myo inositol is okay to take with the other supps
On saw palmetto and Hirsutism: I've got PCOS myself (with hirsutism and acne aka elevated levels of alpha-reductase and borderline elevated testosterone levels from the start) and after experiencing significant hair loss, went to have my hormones checked out again. The doctor said I could try Finasteride as off-label therapy for women but the side-effects put me off. After research, I opted for saw palmetto instead. (Not sure, it was a wiser choice though, as it basically works like Finasteride, just from a plant source.) It's basically an alpha-reductase-inhibitor. I saw improvements in hair growth, no doubt about that. However, hair growth does not discriminate whether it's where you want it. As someone with hirsutism, that's not exactly something to look forward to. Luscious hair and lashes great; increased mustache, male-pattern body hair on chest, stomach, lower arms, legs, and bikini zone not so much. Secondly, saw palmetto has testosterone-like properties. Again, something you might not want with PCOS. I got breakouts from it, especially after starting and after switching to another product. TL;DR I got off saw palmetto again because it also increased unwanted body hair and because my skin got prone to breakouts. I went from systemical therapy to topical application. Saw palmetto probably is not great FOR hirsutism or a treatment option against it but you might be able to use Finasteride topically.
Thank you for this video - very informative and educational. And I get the need to multi-task but can we not talk during scraping and other really loud noises?? It's like nails on a chalkboard to me. 😭😭 Your mic picks up EEEEEEVERYTHING lol - the crinkling of the bag, the spoon scraping the mixing bowl while you mix, etc.
Abbey thank you for this video. I am a 54 year old female that has lived with PCOS all my life. This is such a complicated illness with no symptoms what so ever.
Thanks again to Yahtzee With Buddies for sponsoring today's video! Remember to download Yahtzee With Buddies for free now using my link here: app.adjust.com/11wvm3zx_11r42rmx
I have pcos and have struggled many years with maintaining my weight and ED but since I've learned about the hcc I've been doing great and my relationship with food has gotten immensely better. My diet pretty much consists of all the foods you've named in this video, and it's helped a lot! If anyone has been diagnosed recently, take the advice from this video bc it absolutely does work!!!! Thank u Abbey, ur my fav dietitian ever ❤
See we love this!!!!!! ❤
This is so helpful !!! I was diagnosed with PCOS some time ago and my doctor told me to lose weight by cutting out carbs and provided no other information. My weight has fluctuated due to the varied messages from "influencer nutritionists" who would say we should be cutting out things like dairy and gluten. This video has explained so much. 😅
I'm so glad!!
Why Would you Want to Avoid Vegetables??? - th-cam.com/video/NaPFX2lx2jg/w-d-xo.html
I don't understand the war on dairy. All the endometriosis diets also recommended cutting out dairy, but when I looked into it all the science says the exact opposite (that whole dairy is associated with less endo). Like obviously if you're allergic to milk proteins, or are lactose intolerant, then dairy products aren't going to do you any good. But otherwise it's a good source of nutrients, and there's even evidence to show that dairy is anti-inflammatory (likely due to the high calcium levels).
@@kayoss2306 - there are many healers, books, etc, showing dairy is NOT for us humans. We simply don't need it, it is also immoral as there is so much cruelty and exploitation in that industry. We are humans, and so perfectly designed to be frugivores / fruitarians if organic fruit is available
@@kayoss2306 am lactose intolerant and just got myself used to it. Too many benefits to cut dairy unless seriously allergic. I'm also gluten intolerant and refuse to include it at all in my diet as I see NO benefit to eating bread anymore. Too many viable replacements with even more nutrition in GF grains and and starches. My diet is more varied too.
PCOS person here! I've been working with a PCOS specialized dietician for 2 years, and food is one of the best ways to treat PCOS symptoms, for SURE. I've learned how to adapt food and movement to what suits me (ie cutting NOTHING out, just rearranging things), and I have had a huge improvement. Thank you for speaking for this community and validating the struggle! 💗
How did you find your specialist?!? I need a PCOS dietician in my life.
@@AverageGirlFit I don't remember how I found her, but she has an online program you can participate in. She's also got a ton of free content, too. Her name is Cory Ruth, and she goes by thewomensdietician on IG.
How long did it take you for you to feel an improvement?
@@clara-ns4so I don't want this to sound like an ad or spam or anything, so just know it's different for everyone. Before starting her method, I would get my period maybe 3 times a year. The same month I started her program, I got my period. That was two years ago. I'm ovulating on a consistent basis and I'm having a regular (for me) period.
Thank you for that clarification though- it's great to treat pcos SYMPTOMS, I'm soooo tired of the "this diet will heal your hormones!" "Food cured my pcos/infertility!!" noise that's spread all over insta and tiktok. There are so many facets to this and knowing how the food helps is so important ❤
Would you consider making an Endometriosis counterpart? I’ve heard so much mixed messaging about how some of it aligns with PCOS protocols but others that say it doesn’t
She did do a video called The Truth about the Endometriosis Diet about a year ago. A lot of the diet tips were similar.
For endo you will only be symptom repressing for some time before it stops helping with symptoms and unfortunately the endo will still be doing it’s nasty thang inside us even if we can’t feel it until it’s been cut out with excision.
Even after it’s cut out, it can come back or the scarring can be severe and also cause symptoms. Just felt like that was worth mentioning
This video was amazing!! I was diagnosed with PCOS in January 2023 at 29yrs old. Now I’m learning to navigate how to eat better and manage my symptoms. More PCOS videos please!! Thanks so much Abbey! ❤
I was diagnosed at the exact same time, at age 27. The first time I complained about symptoms, I was 15, so it took a really long time to get answers.
I was so nervous to watch this. It feels like every time I think I have a handle on the info around my insulin resistant, super inflamed (both backed by labs) PCOS someone makes claims that it’s all wrong. This video was informative and safe to watch. Thank you so, so much for that!
improving is not stabilizing or reducing hormones significantly.
What helps with PCOS is a high/moderate protein, low carb, ketogenic diet. carbohydrate stimulates insulin which keeps these levels constant high.
Wow this is so helpful. There is little reliable information online about PCOS. So many people have extreme views on how you should live with PCOS and it seems so unrealistic. Thank you Abby for again showing us that hunger crushing combos are the way to feel great and live healthier ! Since I've adapted your mindset surrounding food not only has my relationship with food gotten better but I have so much more energy and now understand how to properly fuel my body for my needs. Your channel is such an amazing education tool!
Type 1 diabetes, NAFLD, PCOS, bipolar disorder all kicking my butt. This will help my research on everything so thank you. I’m considering vsg surgery even because I’m fed up with all the symptoms and not being able to stay healthy.
Good luck on your journey!
If you are on depakote perhaps talk to your psychiatrist becos I have heard that isn’t ideal for women’s hormonal health
I have PCOS. Diagnosed about two months ago. Decrease high GI carbs in my diet and already see a difference. I feel so much better with a low carb/lower GI “diet” (not trying to lose weight).
So helpful!
Sidenote would you ever consider making a video focused on menopause? I see so many videos on balancing hormones and whatnot.
Another Canadian abby dietician “Abby langer” has some great articles on menopause and diet recommendations for middle aged women
Yeah fiber is one key to healthy eating. a British dietitian wrote a book called the Perimenopause solution. Which talks about keeping your hormones healthy with diet. She mentions that the best way to find a low glycemic diet with whole grains is the take the total fiber listed in the nutrition facts ie oat flour its 3 grams of fiber. Then times the fiber by 10. Oat flour 3g fiber x10 =30g. And if that 30g is higher than the total carbs listed its a good low glycemic whole grain. Since the total carbs in oat flour is 20g which is lower than 30g, that makes oat flour a good wholegrain carb. Whereas some brown rice has same fiber but higher total carbs, 35g which is higher than 30g. So not the best wholegrain.
Thank you for posting this because this is something I've been confused about
I love this so much!! I have seen a RD for my PCOS in the past (which was such an amazing experience and would recommend for those who can afford it) but then made the mistake of going onto reddit… oh boy do people love spreading misinformation and praying on vulnerable people who are looking for answers. Thanks for helping to push people to actually engage with evidence backed approaches!!
I’m 24 and I just received my PCOS diagnosis! I came straight to you!
I've had pcos since i was 12 i still don't know what to do glad you are sharing this
Abby thank you so much for this video! I have had PCOS for a longgggg time. I was diagnosed in my early 30’s and became diabetic at 42. I have really been wanting to regain my athletic side and lose weight to get back to a weight where I feel better and hopefully improve my insulin resistance. This helped me not feel like I have to go straight to a crazy low carb extreme. Unrelated to my PCOS, my doctor had me do an elimination diet years ago because I had chronic headaches… lo and behold…. Gluten triggers headaches for me and seems to affect my arthritis in my hands as well :( . But man do I struggle to stay away from the gluten permanently… lucky for me, cheese seemed to change nothing. Thank you for giving me a realistic place to start from… I really hope you do and more on this topic.
Thank you for this. My PCOS was diagnosed three years ago (struggled with it for much longer) and most of the information I have found has related specifically to fertility, which... is not a priority for me.
Thank you for talking about PCOS in general and not solely focusing on insulin resistance. I have bloodwork out the wazoo that I do not have IR but I do have inflammatory markers.
Thank you Abbey! I got a little emotional clicking on the vid, I haven’t even watched yet! It’s just so stressful and confusing trying to understand what my body needs with PCOS, especially since most gynos just say take BC and/or lose weight
Okay watching now :)
This brought tears to me. Thank you very much Abbey!! ❤
I have this, am now 57, was diagnosed as a teen. I feel like mine has been well-managed with sprionolactone, birth control until I was 40, and in general I think I have a mild case if that’s a thing. I also have a wicked ED of compulsive overeating. Despite being 50+ lbs. overweight since age 30, my blood sugar has always been ok. I am sure my weight is related to my ED and not my PCOS. This is just my personal experience. I know I need to get this weight off though, that I am still playing with fire, and so my diet now very much resembles what you recommend.
Are egg yolks considered 'healthy' fats? Please do a video about animal fats such as yolks, butters, lard etc! Thank you! All your videos have helped me through some difficult times in my recovery.
I had horribly painful periods. Like curled up on the floor crying. Missed school and work. I quit dairy and all of my period pain went away. I don't know why.. but I know I enjoy not being in pain every month.
I’ve been waiting years for this video! Thank you and please keep the PCOS content coming!
i might have pcos or some type of menstrual disorder. 2 years and onwards of horrific cycles!
I hope you find strategies that help❤
@@AbbeysKitchen screaming crying tysm! your videos are always helpful!
Could you talk about PCOS that is combined with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis? This video was so helpful, by the way! ❤️❤️
P.S. I am seeing a RD, it would just be great to see some good data and food ideas that you are so passionate about! :)
Agreed!
I have been watching your channel for a long time now, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this video. I have been trying so hard to navigate the do's and don'ts for PCOS for years, and subscribed to the idea that I needed to be gluten and dairy free to manage my symptoms, and always felt defeated when I couldn't stick to that lifestyle. I am so happy to hear that isn't the only way, and with the research to back it up! I think I'll always struggle to free myself from these symptoms, but at least now I have more tools and don't need to feel quite so much like a failure when I can't stick to a ridgid way of eating. ❤
Thank you!!
I have PCOS and the advice I see is so conflicted. There doesn't seem to be much high quality evidence, ESPECIALLY for comorbid conditions so really appreciate this video 🙌🏻
Hope it helps❤
Cheese and whey protein seem to irritate my acne the most, but I can have Greek yogurt and butter in small amounts. Milk is like medium irritating. Edit: the dermatologist said it is the casein that causes the acne and apparently butter has very little casein? I once heard an influencer say that hemp had too much omega 6 I guess I'm gonna have to look that 1 up
Greek yogurt and butter have the whey stripped from them in the process of making them ☺️
I haven't even watched the video yet but I didn't wanna forget to thank you for the hunger crushing combo framework. On the weekends, I usually make a shakshuka-like stew with veggies and eggs for me and my partner. They're not home today and so I didn't wanna add my usual two eggs. I added one only with some pieces of cheese. Needless to say, I was full before I finished the plate. Thank you for that "addition" mentality.
Thank you so much for all this info! I just got my diagnosis and I feel a little lost and depressed
i love your videos, they’re always so insightful and informative. thank you for this information especially from someone who may have pcos but has yet to be diagnosed by my doctors but is in the process.
Aw I'm so glad
OH MY GOOOODNESSSS. FINALLY! Queen Abbey has spoken. 😂 I've been dying to hear your thoughts because I trust you more than all the influencers, haha. I've had PCOS for over 15 years, endometriosis, hysterectomy in Nov 2021, and now I'm 33 and might be in menopause already. It's so hard to know what is/is not right with mixed advice being given, including from my specialists and doctors. So. THANK YOU. ❤
So glad it’s helped
As someone with PCOS who has gained and lost over 100 pounds three times in my life now I found that the most effective for reducing my A1c and helping with overall inflammation was a low carb diet 40/30/30. It was effective but not long-term for me personally. I am on an intuitive eating journey at this point and hope that I can turn my natural inclination more towards a lower carb diet overall.
I just got diagnosed and ive been spinning about my diet. This video was a god send!
OMG I've been waiting for a PCOS videooooooo. YAY!!!!!!
Just got diagnosed with PCOS and knew I needed to get over here and arm myself with info to navigate the bullshit out there. Did not disappoint.
My doctor recommended following the American Diabetes Association tips to help me manage my insulin resistance, so i took that in mind and got some helpful tips from my fiance's cousin who has PCOS. I think these are the most helpful things for me: add more fruits and veggies that i enjoy to as many meals as possible and stagger my carbs throughout the days rather than having them in large bursts.
I really appreciated this video. When i first got my diagnosis, i started following all kinds of influencers focused on PCOS and then slowly started unfollowing when I noticed how extreme and contradictory a lot of the advice was. It's much harder to have a nutritious and well-balanced diet when you go on social media and accounts are telling you to basically stop eating entire food groups.
improving is not stabilizing or reducing hormones significantly. What helps with PCOS is a high/moderate protein, low carb, ketogenic diet. carbohydrate stimulates insulin which keeps these levels constant high.

This is a great video! I have really struggled to find a clear direction to help manage my PCOS that has felt attainable. This is advice I can use and it was nice to hear that I have been moving in the right direction.
Gonna follow my body's lead, gf/df makes me feel best. Good luck, everyone.
Would you please do a video about PCOS and Type 1 diabetes? I have a long list of chronic pain conditions that probably all affect everything else. It’s very difficult to find a doctor who’s knowledgeable about all of them or will actually talk with my other doctors!
Please consider using a spatula to scrape batters and other fluid foods out of bowls and your food processor. It's a good habit, both to maximize the value you get from the food you buy and prepare, and to model that to your viewers.
Abbey, your big fan here ✋️. Can you please make a video about spicy food like hot chilies, pepper, etc.. (the good, the bad and everything about it).
Thanks again for all you do!
So basically avoid unhealthy fried food, hi GI carb and added sugar. It's pretty simple, also applies to people who don't suffer from pcos but are trying to lose weight.
I think a big part of the video is to debunk the demonization of full food groups, that often plague diet advice on the internet
Thank you! I needed this video. It's always great to know more about PCOS.
Thank you for this. I had to go through multiple videos pushing for gluten and dairy free diets before finding you.
PCOS is about when to eat what to eat and how much you eat and the combination of slow and fast absorbing carbs. The best if you turn to a dietetitian who is specialised in this, because this video also does not cover all the rules. What is not explained that processed milk and unprocessed milk products behave differently from blood glucose management point of view. Eg. Cheese is fine, with milk you need to be careful and dont have it for breakfast and dinner otherwisely moderately you can drink it.
Hey
Suggestion for a future video: vegetables/fruits that you recommend to buy organic
Cheers from San Diego California
I was told that for PCOS and weightloss, it's better to avoid cow-dairy because of the amount of growth hormone in it, but that goat dairy was fine. Is there any truth to that?
I lost weight so, so slowly on weight watchers winning points and points plus. It was very difficult with the metabolic syndrome that is characteristic of pcos. At some point, my blood sugar started to become more controlled with weight loss and working out. I went off the hormonal birth control for ten years and maintained my weight loss and everything was normal again. The best "trick" was to try to learn what kinds of foods would cause blood sugar spikes. I learned how to stagger my carbs (like have a half a sandwich now and half later) and combine foods, like Abby said. I weigh and measure and track my food using the weight watchers winning points program and that worked well for me. I eat bread, potatoes, milk and chocolate every day. It's just a matter quantity and timing. There are no magic bullets--just take time to focus on a plan that works for your body.
Are you on any treatment for the insulin resistance?
@@lynncrf no medicine for that at all. Losing weight, staggering my carbs and exercise was all I needed to get my blood sugar in check. Instead of a cup of rice I'll have a half cup. I'll have a 1 oz slice of bread instead of 2 oz. Then I fill up on fiber and water (salads, veggies) and add protein and healthy fats. All of that helps to release the sugars slowly while still providing energy. About half of my carbs are whole grains (whole wheat bread, oats, etc). It's not a fun diet but I feel very good and over time I got used to it.
Lower my carbs had help me the most, not to low not to high :).
I honestly dont understand what the hate on whole milk is. Isnt the fat in it good for fat soluble vitamin too? I know its definitely better for cooking in my experience.
I am very surprised reading the comments because my doctors never told me to loose weight or to cut out carbs or to go fat free. They just prescribed me a particular contraceptive pill and some supplements (different omegas fatty acids) and foods to eat more (fatty fishes, nuts and seeds, legumes). I am feeling great doing that, so I hope others are not depriving themselves for nothing…
Im vegan because of the animals. And i think it has helped me alot with my pcos. I have never been over weight but the acne and my hormons have been all over the place before.
Could you talk about the new evidence on sweeteners causing cancer? Is it a legit cause for concern?
My dad’s been fear mongering them even more now 😅
I believe in "the dose makes the poison". But I, also, believe it has to do with:
- the state of the poison (fresh, corroded, etc.);
- how it's taken (orally, skin contact, breathing, etc.);
- and, for how long it will take for it to affect you (as short as a few seconds or minutes, or as prolonged as months or years).
Coming soon
I am all about being inclusive with food and having as much freedom as possible HOWEVER I still haven’t met a woman that hasn’t confessed that eliminating gluten and dairy has actually helped even a little bit …
Have to look at the sources of gluten and dairy. Foods with a lot of gluten like kamut or white carbs bother me, but I can eat all the high fiber, nuts and seeds type bread even with wheat. Quantity and quality matter as well. Sucks it’s not easy to know without trying and paying attention
I feel the same when I eat gluten and dairy, maybe only happier.
@@leonore3349 me too! Hahah
Maybe because not that many women eliminate both gluten and dairy. That’s can be quite challenging, depending on where you live and what foods are available to you.
@@ktglick it’s very pricey to eliminate either. The markup on gluten free is stupid since so many flours are gluten free.
Dairy I understand the markup, but I can’t find cheese alternatives at a price I can afford, and have to forage for forager yogurt
The PCOS girlies thank you🖤
Love your channel. This was so helpful as someone with PCOS. I hope it’s ok to give a little feedback. The background music seemed a little loud and maid it hard to focus on what you were saying. Love what you share with us!
I am low carb, high protein, moderate fats, high fiber and mostly DF/ gluten free. I do not deprive myself. 😅
I like your view on supplements. I am studying dietetics and often hear “supplements aren’t necessary with a healthy, varied diet” but I think that it is huge if they take some of the anxiety off the individual.
I was looking for videos from you on meats; How much is a safe quantity for those trying to cut down as much as possible, what are the best/safest types of meats to eat.
JUst some video ideas! THANK YOU
Thank you Abby, for your help 🙏🌻
Love the information and studies linked. Thank you! Would like your input on full fat dairy products and how it could impact already elevated levels and those with PCOS?
Though I have PCOS, all dairy products, milk, yogurt, whey protein powder seem to suit my body completely and I have no issues with them so can I continue to keep dairy in my daily diet?
It's actually funny. I remember in my nutrition class, you know home ec? Well, the teacher was going on about the acceptable milk and saying you want low fat or skim milk. A girl in class basically said that she only drinks whole fat milk, not 2% and definitely not skim. The teacher told her that it was bad, and that whole milk is too fattening to be healthy. Now, I'm seeing it's the other way around.
Thank you so much for this. We aren't trying for a baby rn but i want to start working on my health before that. I want to lose 30 or 40 lbs and feel better.
I have PCOS and I am kind of 🫤 about this content. I grew up in the 90’s you know with “I am not gonna eat today, not gonna eat tomorrow cause I want to be a supermodel”. I was a fat kid and teen. Then puberty had me anorexic and bulimic. I went from an adult size 14 (only time in my life I have ever been plus sized) in 7th grade to a size 0 juniors my freshman year.
All of this diet trends stuff has me confused because of life span in it. It went from super harsh to the aughts still being thin to now everybody wants to be fat.
The reality… yes, I am supposed to be heavier. I have PCOS, losing weight is harder and it makes it easier for me to get into all or nothing or craving the harsh approach generally. Intermittent fasting spoke to me. Because the soft stuff like you do on this channel does not actually work for me. 2k calories even “healthy” ones makes me gain weight. I am 5’10 and work out 2 hours a day hard and also just have PCOS. What works for normal metabolism person is already not going to work for me.
Also… it has nothing to do with carbs. It is in the type of carbs and the amount. For instance… I have lost 20lbs the last couple months on the Subway diet. One footlong with no sauce, double meat, all the veggies and on the flatbread with the whole wheat flour a day. In the 90’s when I had an ED a treat meal would be a baked potato microwaved with salsa on it. No butter, no excessive refining. Just like a potato. But if you add up my current calories. It comes to 600ish a day even with the added protein and maybe 50 calories for my work out electrolyte drink. Dieticians… so not enough. But it is enough to work and I do not feel hungry.
That and I wish they would leave Victoria Beckham alone. She has PCOS and is super annoying careful about her diet. Is this bad? No… for her because she has that a diet of nothing but lean protein and veggies is not nutrient deficient, just less food which is what actually maintains her weight.
Also no… if you force yourself to fast for a couple days… you do not have the “scarcity mentality” anymore. You just are not hungry. It is a reprogram for me and I do it when I need to.
Also… my optimal BMI is 154 lbs at my weight and frame which people seeing it including me in that previous era would consider big. I am broad framed, tall and muscular. I tend to hover around it 145-155 as an adult and I am a US 4-6. Not super skinny, but I do not need super calories either.
Thank you so so SO much for this video.
Stay rooted, my friends! 🥕
Thank you for this video abbey 💗
My body craves higher fat dairy. Never likes lower fat. Interesting, it seems to know what it needs. My body is so smart!
Can you do one for endometriosis?
She already has if you look for it 😊
Great video! I like what you said about the healthy fats and fiber! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
Eating gluten/dairy free, incorporating more high fiber carbs, limiting fats, and taking berberine and spearmint tea have really helped my PCOS. Dairy has a lot of both natural and synthetic hormones, so it can make hormone imbalance worse. PCOS often comes with estrogen dominance and high testosterone, and limiting fats can lower that. Sure there's no evidence that cutting out gluten works, but there's no evidence that it doesn't work. And it helps a lot of people. Even fiber rich gluten can make my PCOS worse. Same for a lot of people.
There’s an influencer I since unfollowed (not for this reason I just no longer clicked with their content after a while and found their online persona to just react with whatever was in rn) but she was a fitness influencer who did a lot of what I eat in a day meal prep with me videos that I used to follow along with. Then she went keto HARD. And the reason was to help out her PCOS symptoms. And when I say she went hard she dropped a considerable amount of weight but to her credit was pretty transparent about how miserable she was doing this posting instagram stories about how, with her training regiment and diet, she was eating 4000 calories a day most of which was fat, to hit that she would just eat solid globs of coconut oil and hated it she would just say this is what I have to do and I’m miserable. At this point I couldn’t really jive with her meal preps because it was all very animal product heavy cheesy meaty eggy etc. but she stopped ketosis after about 2 years with the reintroduction of sweet potato. And now she seems happier (as happy as a stranger online you don’t know can look) she looks like a buff Disney princess meets a e girl and hasn’t reported issues with PCOS, so I guess she’s in a good place now. But it did feel like for a while she was saying keto is the cure for PCOS
Low carb is amazingly effective for PCOS especially because it's an insulin resistance based condition and the only real true way to control your elevated insulin levels and keep them level and not Spike them is with lower carbohydrate Foods even Whole Foods and healthy whole grains still give you a long elevated insulin Spike
Yes!!! Thank you Abbey ❤
Could you talk about meal spacing? I’m struggling because I haven insulin-resistant PCOS and was told if I snack my blood sugar level will be constantly elevated and cause inflammation. I have set snack times with my toddler for food modeling and because he can’t sit still too long and prefers more grazing than big meals so I do not want to give up that precious time together. HELP.
Congrats on 600k Abbeeey!
Thank you!!!
Can you please make the part about gluten a short? My mom has decided that gluten free stuff is healthier (she does not have celiac disease) and I need to show her it's not true.
I want the pancake recipe! Also loved the information
I have type 1 diabetes and PCOS and it is nearly impossible to find info/guidance relating to the two. Everything is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes but I HAVE to take insulin to live. It’s so hard to know what to do. I also don’t fit the stereotypical mold for PCOS but have struggling with acne and slight weight gain. 😭😭
That was actually really helpful. 🖤
Abbey, great video as always! I’m celiac and lactose intolerant, and I would love to see your take on a healthy diet for people like me. Please and thank you 😊.
When she said GF diets were lower in nutrition, I was like, ‘School me! Please!’ Is it just because processed GF food is basically vitamin less? Is wheat and rye and barley so much more nutritious than quinoa millet and buckwheat? Tell us, Abbey!!
@@RenayOpish yes!!!
You are truly a life saver!
Is fat malabsorption linked to PCOS? I think I may have malabsorption because red meat makes me feel icky.
Thank you for this!
Hi Abbey! Would you be interested in reviewing Glucose Goddess’s theories? Interested in knowing what’s true/exaggerated in the info she spreads.
Would love a deep dive into the PCOS supps and their mechanisms/interactions with one another! Also saw palmetto for hirsutism?? Would love to know if myo inositol is okay to take with the other supps
lol supplements are not studied boo. No chance of following any kind of interactions without any data.
On saw palmetto and Hirsutism: I've got PCOS myself (with hirsutism and acne aka elevated levels of alpha-reductase and borderline elevated testosterone levels from the start) and after experiencing significant hair loss, went to have my hormones checked out again. The doctor said I could try Finasteride as off-label therapy for women but the side-effects put me off. After research, I opted for saw palmetto instead. (Not sure, it was a wiser choice though, as it basically works like Finasteride, just from a plant source.) It's basically an alpha-reductase-inhibitor. I saw improvements in hair growth, no doubt about that. However, hair growth does not discriminate whether it's where you want it. As someone with hirsutism, that's not exactly something to look forward to. Luscious hair and lashes great; increased mustache, male-pattern body hair on chest, stomach, lower arms, legs, and bikini zone not so much.
Secondly, saw palmetto has testosterone-like properties. Again, something you might not want with PCOS. I got breakouts from it, especially after starting and after switching to another product.
TL;DR I got off saw palmetto again because it also increased unwanted body hair and because my skin got prone to breakouts. I went from systemical therapy to topical application. Saw palmetto probably is not great FOR hirsutism or a treatment option against it but you might be able to use Finasteride topically.
abbey could you make a video on how to eat intuitively with diabetes?
What are your thoughts on PCOS supplements such inositol?
Abbey can you do a video on ultra processed food please.
sooo helpful wow!!!! ❤
Enjoyed this❤ is the recipe on your website
Thank you for this video - very informative and educational. And I get the need to multi-task but can we not talk during scraping and other really loud noises?? It's like nails on a chalkboard to me. 😭😭 Your mic picks up EEEEEEVERYTHING lol - the crinkling of the bag, the spoon scraping the mixing bowl while you mix, etc.
Abbey!
I looove the colour of your top!🌵Where is it from?
My daughter recently got this diagnosis. She only got hormon pills and no other info or instruction. (We're in SE Europe).
Super informative!
Can you talk about the effectiveness of elimination diets for autoimmune conditions?
Yeah, but are you looking at blood tests and levels?
Abbey thank you for this video. I am a 54 year old female that has lived with PCOS all my life. This is such a complicated illness with no symptoms what so ever.