The essence of clean eating is to consume food in its most natural state. It is truly a lifestyle approach to eating and is very beneficial to women with PCOS. Processed and refined foods wreak havoc with hormone levels. So clean eating will actually help you begin to balance your hormones. As insulin, cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and thyroid become more in balance PCOS symptoms will be alleviated.
1. Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, breads & pasta. Instead eat whole grains like oatmeal and quinoa.
2. Drink two liters of purified water per day
3. Avoid sugar, high-fructose corn-syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial sweeteners and colors, MSG, trans-fats and high saturated fat.
4. Eat packaged foods with 5 or less all- natural ingredients. Any product with a long ingredient list is generally man-made and not “clean”
5. Make alcohol a rare indulgence. A glass of red wine is fine once and a while. But after a glass the benefits are reversed.
6. Eat every 3-4 hours.
7. Always combine a lean protein and complex carb at every meal/snack.
8. Take your food with you. Make sure you have snacks packed with you so you have clean eats wherever you go.
THE PCOS DIVA 
Hi, I really enjoy your blogs. I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS for about a year. Unfortunately, I lost my job and was without healthcare during the duration. I recently started seeing a doctor again. Anyway, I run every morning and lost 30lbs incorporating exercise into my daily schedule. But I realized that I’ve recently gained 7 lbs and feel quite swollen again. I’m wondering what the cause is. I have started taking pre-natal vitamins daily for about 2 weeks now, and eating oatmeal (1 cup) for bkfst. I read your post about oatmeal today, so I’ll scratch that off the list. Because I’ve noticed my cravings for crackers and bread. Now for lunch, I’ve been having turkey and swiss wraps. ARe tortilla wraps okay? But what foods should I eat. I’m down to meat and vegetables. What can I add or delete to get the final 25lbs off?
By: T. Nelson on September 24, 2009
at 2:17 pm
Thanks for reading! Great job with your weight loss. Have you tried strength training in addition to cardio? It is really important for women with PCOS to build some muscle to help with insulin resistance. and I will post a blog soon on the topic.
I try to stay away from wheat and dairy except for organic plain yogurt and Ezekial Bread. Did you read my post about Ezekial Bread? They make a tortilla that I use for sandwiches. However, sometimes I just use lettuce leaves for wraps. Last night I made hamburgers for my family and I ate the hamburger sandwiched between two big leaves of romaine lettuce. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water. I have a liter bottle that I fill a few times a day with filtered water, ice and 1tsp apple cider vinegar. Read my post about acv. It will help you lose weight too because it balances your PH and blood sugar. It will help with cravings for carbs too. Keep up the good work!
By: Amy Medling on September 24, 2009
at 4:43 pm
I’m so glad I found your blog. Thank you for doing this, I’m learning more about the right types of food. Thank you!!
By: Amy B on April 17, 2010
at 1:04 am
after reading the blog i thought it said oatmeal was fine. Is oatmeal good for pcos? Thanks
By: cp on November 10, 2010
at 10:32 pm
Steel cut Oatmeal and rolled oats are actually a great choice for PCOS because they are full of fiber. However the instant type oatmeal or quick cooking oats are not a great choice. Sweeten your oatmeal with stevia and cinnamon and some berries and you have a great PCOS breakfast.
By: Amy on November 11, 2010
at 7:04 am
Hi. I’ve been diagnosed with PCOS. I have been put on metformin for past 14 months. In the initial few months I got my regular periods but from last 5 months am not getting my periods regularly. I and my partner are planning for the baby. We will see our Doctor this weekend. I hope for the best. Your blog is of real help. I was really depressed about it but now I am feeling lot better. I hope I will be able to mother a child.
By: SP on April 5, 2011
at 6:10 am