PCOS Nutritionist Blog

Intermittent fasting is often promoted online as a solution for: weight loss insulin resistance inflammation and hormone balance So it is understandable that many women with PCOS wonder whether they should try it too. Some women do report benefits from fasting approaches. But for many others, especially those already struggling with: cravings fatigue stress emotional eating or inconsistent eating patterns fasting can sometimes make symptoms feel worse rather than better. This

If you have PCOS and often feel: hungry soon after eating exhausted by the afternoon constantly craving sugar or stuck in cycles of “being good” all day then overeating at night blood sugar instability may be playing a bigger role than you realise. Many women with PCOS are told they have “insulin resistance”, but are never properly shown: what this actually feels like in everyday life. Instead, they are often given: confusing diet advice lists of foods to avoid strict meal pl

If you have PCOS and feel like you’ve tried every “quick fix” under the sun, only to end up back at square one, you are in the right place. Many women describe the same pattern: starting a strict plan on Monday cutting back food, carbs or calories feeling in control for a few days then experiencing intense cravings feeling tired, irritable or overwhelmed overeating in the evenings or at weekends feeling like they’ve “failed” and starting over again Over time, this can feel ex

If you have PCOS and often feel: hungry again by mid-morning exhausted by 3pm craving sugar or snacks in the evening constantly relying on caffeine to function your breakfast could be playing a bigger role than you realise. Many women with PCOS either: skip breakfast completely grab something quick and carb-heavy rely on coffee alone eat breakfasts that simply do not keep them full for long Then later in the day: energy crashes cravings increase hunger feels harder to control

Many women with PCOS notice that symptoms often feel worse during periods of stress. You may recognise patterns like: stronger cravings during busy weeks more fatigue when overwhelmed disrupted sleep during stressful periods worsening skin symptoms before deadlines feeling more emotionally reactive around food irregular cycles after stressful life events This is not “all in your head”. Stress can affect multiple systems involved in PCOS, including: blood sugar regulation appe

If you feel constantly tired, rely on caffeine to get through the day, or find yourself craving sugar by mid-afternoon, you’re in the right place. Many women with PCOS symptoms feel like their energy is unpredictable, and frustratingly low, despite trying to eat well and “do the right things”. This isn’t just about being busy or stressed. In PCOS, fatigue is often linked to how your body produces and uses energy, and that process relies heavily on having the right nutrients a

Why sugar cravings with PCOS feel so hard to control Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I just need more willpower around sugar…” This is one of the most common things women say when they’re struggling with PCOS. Cravings can feel intense, persistent, and frustrating, especially when they seem to undo a full day of “eating well”. But in most cases, cravings are not about a lack of discipline. They’re a biological response. And once you understand what’s driving them, the

“I’m eating well… so why do I still feel stuck?” This is something I hear often. You’re trying to make better choices. You’re being more mindful with food. You might even be following what you’ve been told is a “healthy diet”. But you’re still dealing with symptoms like: Ongoing sugar cravings Energy dips throughout the day Stubborn weight gain that isn’t shifting Feeling like your body isn’t responding the way it should It can feel frustrating and confusing. Especially when

Many women with PCOS reach a point where they feel like they have tried everything. Often this includes cycles of: cutting out food groups reducing carbohydrates avoiding dairy tracking calories or macros intermittent fasting or constantly restarting “healthy eating” plans. While these approaches may feel productive in the short term, over time they can unintentionally lead to a different issue: not eating enough of the nutrients your body needs consistently This doesn’t mean

Why this broccoli salad works for PCOS When you’re managing PCOS symptoms, it’s not just what you eat but how your body responds to food that matters. This broccoli salad is designed to be: High in fibre — supports steadier blood sugar Rich in healthy fats — reduces spikes and crashes Packed with plant nutrients — supports overall hormone balance Satisfying and easy to meal prep — perfect for busy days Loaded with cruciferous vegetables — helps the body metabolise excess oest

If you’ve been avoiding fat to manage your weight, this could be holding you back Many women with PCOS have been told some version of: “Eat low fat” “Cut calories” “Avoid high-fat foods” So it’s no surprise that fats are often the first thing to go. But here’s what I see in practice, and what research supports: When fat intake is too low (or poor quality), it can actually make symptoms like: Cravings Energy dips Hormonal imbalance Weight struggles harder to manage. Healthy fa

Fibre has always been important for good health, but recently a new trend called “fibremaxxing” has taken over social media. Instead of cutting foods out, fibremaxxing is all about adding more high-fibre foods into your day to support digestion, energy, and weight management. But if you have PCOS, does fibremaxxing really help? And could there be downsides if you go too far? Let’s look at what fibremaxxing means, the benefits for PCOS, and how to use this trend in a safe and

Why Eating Out Feels So Complicated with PCOS If you’ve ever felt anxious or stuck trying to make the “right” food choice at a restaurant, you’re in the right place. Eating out with PCOS can feel like a minefield - especially when you’re trying to manage blood sugar, cravings, weight or inflammation . Many of the women I work with want to eat out occasionally without undoing progress, feeling bloated for days, or spiralling into guilt. The good news is, you don’t need to sti

If you have PCOS and irregular periods, it can feel impossible to know if (or when) you're ovulating. But ovulation can and often does still happen , just not always on a textbook schedule. Wondering why your periods haven’t returned after coming off the pill? This blog explores the common reasons and next steps. Whether you're trying to conceive or just want to understand your cycle better, learning to spot ovulation signs is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Wh

If you’ve been told your PCOS is something you’ll “just have to live with,” it can feel frustrating, overwhelming, and at times,...

Why I Recommend Increasing Protein for Women with PCOS When it comes to nutrition for PCOS, protein is one of the most talked-about...

Why Waist-to-Hip Ratio Matters More Than the Scales for PCOS When you’re dealing with PCOS, weight loss can feel frustrating, especially...

How DNA Testing Can Support PCOS Nutrition When you’re dealing with PCOS, you’ve likely already tried various diets, supplements, or exercise plans that promised results, but didn’t deliver. That’s because PCOS isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a complex, multifactorial condition that affects women in different ways. DNA testing offers a more personalised approach. Rather than guessing what might work, it helps you understand your genetic blueprint, so your nutrition and lifestyl

How to Improve Metabolism and Support Weight Loss with PCOS Weight gain with PCOS can feel confusing and unfair. You may be eating well,...