Paleo Diet for PCOS: Initial Thoughts

I’m currently on day seven of my new Paleo Diet for PCOS lifestyle—I don’t want to “own it” just yet because it sounds fake (and it has only been seven days—I feel like I’d jinx it. I’m not 100% Paleo yet; I’m still unclear as to how non-foods actually play into this (spices, etc.). I also am not eating enough vegetables. I don’t mind vegetables mixed in with things, but I have never been a fan of having veggies on the side. They just aren’t very palatable to me. Maybe if they are slathered in butter?? At least the Paleo Diet for PCOS promotes butter. 🙂

The biggest thing I’ve found is that Paleo does require planning. I’ve been ok with willpower (my only time I wavered was actually today—bad!—when I had a cookie) but I can see how it would be difficult if your pantry and fridge aren’t stocked. My house is non-Paleo; my husband and son aren’t following the plan. So “their” stuff is still around. If “my” stuff isn’t easy accessible, I’d probably succumb to one on their non-Paleo treats.

Speaking of the cookie I ate about two hours ago, I’m already feeling the effect. At least, I think I am. I’ve been pretty laser-focused this past week, even though I have still been tired. I have poor sleeping habits, so no amount of nutritional change will help that. But, even at work doing tasks I usually hate doing, I’ve been able to focus better. Right now, as I type this, I feel a bit foggy again! And I have the start of a headache. Is it because of the cookie? Could be. I haven’t had hardly any sugar and no grain for seven days, so…maybe? We’ll have to see next time I slip up. As much as I’d like there not to be another time, I’m sure there will be.

Lots of women who do the Paleo Diet for PCOS detail pretty dramatic changes in their skin. While the Spiro helped my acne tremendously (I am now about 80% clear), eating Paleo has me about 95% clear right now. That’s exciting!

I made some awesome banana nut bread a few days ago with some home-grown bananas. See the pic! Looks like “normal” BNB, right? It’s amazing that so many thing can be made Paleo! I never would’ve guessed. If I didn’t have regular banana nut bread to compare it to (which I did, because I made my traditional recipe on New Year’s Eve) you would never know the difference. It’s a tad drier and not as sweet, but it’s still delicious! It uses coconut flour instead of regular all-purpose flour, and get this: NO SUGAR!

I adapted this recipe from Civilized Caveman Cooking and only made a few modifications:

· 3-4 bananas

· 4 eggs

· ½ c. nut butter (I used Almond)

· 4 Tbl. butter (I used regular butter—did not have any grass-fed)

· ½ c. coconut flour

· 1.5 Tbl. cinnamon

· 1 t. baking powder

· 1 t. baking soda

· 2 t. vanilla

· Pinch sea salt

· ½ c. chopped walnuts

All you do is combine the bananas (mashed), eggs and butter in a bowl. Then add in everything else. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and pour the mixture in. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-5 5 minutes (I used a metal pan and it took 50 minutes). That’s it! It’s even more easy if you have a handy dandy KitchenAid Mixer like I do!

Really, really great! Try it out and let me know what you think of it! Usually I keep my BNB at room temperature, but this version I preferred cold. It’s especially great slathered with butter.

Paleo Diet for PCOS Bottom Line (For One Week In)

All in all, my Paleo Diet for PCOS challenge gets a big thumb-up so far. My acne has decreased while my focus has increased. And yes, I’ve lost a few pounds (about three—but, to be fair, the days leading up to this diet were a big pigout-fest!). You bet I’ll be continuing!