Hi! I'm new here and have been diagnosed with "chemical PCOS". Physically, I am ok other than the weight and IR. I have been on Metformin for just over 6 weeks, and have lost 23 pounds . I am beginning to start adding exercise into my routine, and want to know what has been the most effective for those of you who have been on Metformin and/or have seen similar results to mine thus far. I am also becoming incredibly bored with the veggies lately and am looking for ways to spruce up the menu!

Thanks in advance

The only thing that really changes with metformin is that you shouldn't go too crazy with the sugar- too light or too heavy. Any exercise that you will do is a good exercise! I personally like the elliptical, and enjoyed running when I was smaller. As far as sprucing up the menu, why don't you check the recipes portion of the forum? There's lots of good stuff hidden in here.

I love swimming, because gravity doesn't work against me so much. Also, when I exercise on land, I can't do much without overheating and feeling like my head is going to explode (and it often looks like it's about to, because my face will actually turn purple or hot pink and sometimes even swell - like an allergic reaction, it's scary to feel and to see).

In the water, I don't get that reaction, I'm guessing because the water wicks away the sweat, keeping me from overheating.

I do spinning and pilates because it's the cardio combined with the strength training. Pilates it great because it really strengths your core and it helps with so much... posture, flattening your tummy, becoming stronger, using all your muscles even when you think you're not, I love it! Spinning is good for me because I had knee surgery and running or high impact aerobics are horrendous for my knee. My physical therapists have always recommended cycling for strengthening my knee/leg muscles.

But fundamentally, find something you like to do so you'll stick to it.

I was also doing dance classes because I love dance, but I got sick and tired of the teacher. I was dreading going to class every week because I would have to deal with her.... yeah, not a good situation, so I quit that.

As for food? Give us an idea of how you're preparing your veggies currently so we can help you with alternatives.

I've had a lot of success with my PCOS following a insulin resistant diet - basically limiting (NOT ELIMINATING) carbs and always linking them with protein. I love my dance fitness classes - zumba, hip hop hustle. I also do turbokick classes, and I add in strength classes. For me, I need the energy and pacing of a group exercise class to keep me going, but I know a lot of people do great on ellipticals or exercising on their own.

Good luck! I was where you were - its not EASY, but its not that hard either!

I'm finding that the less carbs I eat, the less I want. I've started eating my hamburgers without the bun, just because I like them that way. I'm still bad about desserts, especially chocolate, but overall I'm eating way less carbs now than I was four months ago.

As far as exercise, do whatever is fun! I started by playing on my Wii Fit and walking my dogs. I've since moved to the elliptical and running on the treadmill, as my focus has shifted to training for a 5k. What's scary is I have never liked running, and I'd pretty much given up the idea that I would ever be able to run. Maybe that's why I'm enjoying it; I'm proving to myself that I can do something I never thought possible!

Start by doing what's FUN. I also enjoy going to the mall and walking around; you can burn a lot of calories by shopping and not even realize it! If you're enjoying the exercise, you'll do it more often and be more successful with it.

Congrats on your loss so far!!!