One of the most difficult challenges that may face you as a PCOS patient is weight loss, but can you achieve your weight loss goals through a PCOS intermittent fasting plan?
The hormonal imbalance and high insulin resistance make losing fats hard unless you fix your hormone levels, which is possible.
So Another question you may ask is, Is Fasting Effective for PCOS Weight Loss? Let’s answer this question.
Related; The right way to fix your hormones and how to get periods immediately in PCOS.
Is intermittent fasting good for PCOS?
Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight by:
- Increasing your metabolism rate.
- Reducing your calorie intake.
- Increase insulin sensitivity.
When you fast, your body is forced to use stored energy, which means it burns more calories. You can also increase your metabolism by increasing the amount of high-intensity exercise you do each day. One of the best ways to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit through diet and physical activity.
The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for PCOS
Women Intermittent fasting can provide several benefits for women with PCOS, including:
- It can help reduce stress and increase energy, which could help to reduce symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.
- Studies have found that fasting can help to control inflammation and improve the immune system.
- It can lead to better menstrual cycle management, as well as reduced pain during menstruation.
- It can lead to weight loss and improved heart health.
- Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
- Helps balance your hormones and improve fertility.
Can fasting make PCOS worse?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that fasting makes PCOS worse in some cases.
However, it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. If you have PCOS and fast, your body may get used to the lack of food and hormones, which can worsen your symptoms. If you’re already struggling with your weight, fasting can make things worse.
Intermittent fasting diet plan for PCOS
You should always check with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. Some popular intermittent fasting plans for PCOS include:
Alternate between 8 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating. Eat every other day or eat every 2 days.
Eat 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals. Each meal should consist of around 25% to 30% of your recommended calorie intake.
Selecting the right type of food to eat and managing calories can be tricky if you have PCOS. Speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Fasting and intermittent fasting
Fasting is any dieting method where you go without food for a defined period. Intermittent fasting is a Dieting method where you restrict your eating to a specific period.
Intermittent fasting is a highly effective way to lose weight and promote optimal health.
Intermittent fasting works by reducing the size of your meals and increasing their frequency.
Studies have found that alternating between periods of fasting and eating improves your body’s ability to burn fat, regulate hormones, and keep your mind sharp. People who fast regularly experience many benefits, including:
- Weight loss.
- Boost energy.
- Increased focus and productivity.
- Improved mental clarity, and boost your self-esteem.
- Reduced risk of disease.
Studies show that intermittent fasting can be just as effective as daily calorie restriction at promoting weight loss and improving other health markers, such as blood pressure and cholesterol. It may also help with:
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Dementia.
- Cancer.
- Aging.
Fasting types
There are many types of intermittent fasting, including:
- Alternate day fasting (ADF): During this type of fast, you consume no calories for one day and then consume 500 to 600 calories the next day.
- Eat-stop-eat (ESO): This type of fast requires you to consume a single large meal and then fast for 18 hours after that meal.
- The 5:2 diet: This type of fast requires you to consume food just 5 days a week, and then eat normally on the other 2 days. Studies have found that the 5:2 diet can help you lose more weight and keep it off than a more restrictive form of intermittent fasting.
- The Zone diet: This type of fast requires you to consume an amount of carbs, fats, and proteins to maintain a 40% to 50% calorie deficit. The Zone diet may help you lose weight and keep it off by teaching your body to burn more fat for fuel.
Is fasting good for PCOS?
The short answer is yes, intermittent fasting is a great healthy option for you if you have PCOS and struggling with weight loss.
A reduction in energy consumption could lead to weight loss, which could be beneficial for women with PCOS who are overweight in terms of insulin resistance, fertility, and managing symptoms.
Research has found that the BMR for women with PCOS could be more than 1000 calories higher than normal, which suggests that fasting could potentially help with weight loss.
There is currently not enough evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting is beneficial for reducing the risk of cancer.
How I lost weight fast with PCOS?
- Diagnosed with PCOS?
- Overweight or obese and struggling to lose weight?
- Tried every fad diet and exercise program out there, but nothing worked.
- Frustrated and feel like you are never going to be able to lose weight?
If that is your case, then try out these golden tips to help you lose weight and balance your hormones:
- Avoid meals high in carbs, such as pasta, rice, and baked goods produced with white flour, and replace them with foods high in healthy carbohydrates, such as vegetables high in fiber and whole grain baked goods.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, as water has no calories and aids in fat-burning and satiety.
- You should avoid fried foods in favor of boiled or roasted alternatives.
- Avoid fats in your meals, and try to make it low-fat as possible. You may also use olive oil, but without subjecting it to high temperatures, and use one tablespoon throughout the day.
- You should fully avoid consuming sweets or refined sugar and instead use diet sugar that is free of aspartame.
- There’s nothing wrong with drinking ordinary coffee or tea without the addition of cream. Only one or two glasses per day, sweetened with diet sugar.
- Have enough sleep every day.
- Drinking three cups of green tea a day, half an hour after each meal can help you lose weight and regulate your hormones.
- In moderation, fat-free dairy products can benefit your condition.
- Walking for at least half an hour every day is a terrific way to boost blood circulation and the fat-burning process.
- Eat six modest meals throughout the day and prevent late-night snacking.
- There’s nothing wrong with consuming nuts, as long as you limit yourself to a quarter cup each day.