Navigating the holidays with PCOS

Disclaimer: Information on this site is intended only for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with a  healthcare provider before implementing changes. Read additional disclaimer info here.

Yes, it's that time of year! The holidays have crept upon us again, and though it is a time that celebrates joy, and peace, and love, it can also be exhausting and stressful for many.

With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), it can trigger anxiety around family and food specifically which can take away from the experience.

But PCOS doesn't have to hold you back from making the most out of the holidays.

Today I want to give you some of my top tips on navigating the holidays so you can feel your best and enjoy these special moments with your loved ones!
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🎄 Own your decision
Are you dying to try Aunt Marta’s chocolate cake? Do you know it will be worth it? Then decide you are going to enjoy that cake and own your choice.

Choose the majority of foods around your diet but if you want something you normally don’t, allow yourself to have it!

You will feel far better if you support yourself for most of the meal and give yourself permission to have what you really want versus throwing in the towel because you “cheated”.

🎄 Communicate

Let people know if you have any dietary restrictions ahead of time if you are a guest. That being said you don’t have to tell everybody about it, be selective with whom you share as not everyone will be supportive. But sharing why you are making changes to your health can help people to understand and respect your decision, though really it’s only your business - no one else’s!



🎄 Participate
Make your own healthy dish and bring it with you so you can make it easier on the host, have something you can eat, and perhaps inspire other people!

Do you know the household won’t make any veggies? Bring a delicious salad or roasted veggies!

Do you know there will be items like pasta and such that you can’t have? Bring your own alternative dish such as GF/DF macaroni and cheese!

Bring foods that you know you can eat and will enjoy. I recommend making a main meal dish so you will feel more satiated and don’t have to worry about what you will be able to eat if you do have restrictions.

This will also get others to become curious and actually discover that eating healthy can be delicious too… let’s break the stigma! 

🎄 Support your body
Get some movement in (get others to join in!), drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and bring supporting aids with you if needed such as digestive enzymes or peppermint tea to help your body better process the indulgements and the change in your routine!

🎄 Accept that you won’t be perfect

What is perfect anyway? 🧐 Take the pressure off yourself and remember it’s what you do most of the time not some of the time that will make the biggest difference to your health. If you follow a healthy diet on a daily basis then a treat here and there isn’t going to ruin all of your efforts. Enjoy the important things like your loved ones because these are the moments you will remember, not hitting your macros or « being good ».

Head over to listen to my latest podcast episode or YouTube video to hear from @dr.dylancutler and myself with our top tips and recommendations to navigate PCOS during the holiday season! 🎄🎁 💝

This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.