Sure, Heather. But promise me you'll go to the DR. and get tested for PCOS. Noodles (Angel) has stickies on this on the PCOS sub-forum.

Also, I must warn you I'm no nutritionist. I've just pieced this together from different sources, including Covert Bailey, a book called "The New Glycemic Revolution" and "Syndrome X." Anyway, here's a typical day:

BREAKFAST
coffee with skim milk, no sugar
1 cup Uncle Sam's cereal, Special K, or All-Bran (low G.I.)
1 cup strawberries, blueberries, nectarines, banana, or other fruit on cereal.

MIDMORNING SNACK (if hungry)

1 piece low-fat string cheese
1 apple

LUNCH

2 cups mixed dark lettuces and herbs
Sliced green pepper, red pepper, onion, cukes, tomato, etc.
3 - 6 oz. protein, generally chicken, tuna, beans, or hard-boiled eggs(remove 3 of every 4 yolks)
Dressing with 1 tablespoon olive oil, no added sugars

ALTERNATIVE LUNCH

2 pieces low G.I. bread
2 pieces fat-free cheese
2 - 3 pieces low-fat deli meat, such as turkey, beef, or ham
1 tablespoon low-fat mayo, + 1 tablespoon mustard + horseradish
1/2 cup lettuces
1 tomato
1 cup mixed sour pickles, no added sugar
1 cup V-8

AFTERNOON SNACK (if hungry)
1/4 cup hummus
1/2 cup cucumber, carrots, or other veggies for dipping

DINNER

4 - 10 oz. lean chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb, organ meat
1/2 - 1 cup pasta, or brown rice, or beans, or small potato
1 - 3 cups steamed, boiled, or grilled vegetables, or salad
fruit

I also use cider vinegar a lot, not that I think it's magic, just to add zing and slow down the digestive process. I also watch out for added sugars in condiments of all kinds, like mayo, catsup, salsa, etc. I may have to learn to make my own.

Lately I've gotten the idea that synthetic hormones and steroids can't be good for someone with PCOS, which is largely an endocrine disorder. Specifically I think the testosterone-like substances in beef and milk might raise testosterone levels in the human body. I can't prove this, but there's no downside to going organic. And if it helps the body hair, or helps me get off my meds, I'm down with that. Good Luck!

Heather - you should really see a doctor about this if you think you have PCOS - it may be that or something else and you should really check with a professional before doing anything- and don't let them brush you off! There have been studies done that revealed that some doctors rush their female and/or elderly patients through their appointments, don't pay attention to what they say and prescribe drugs when they are not really needed. Make sure your doctor listens and does something for you.

Some doctors are now recommending dietary changes to help manage health problems and allergies so I would ask your doctor about this as well.

Changing topics now....

Would any of you like to start a new challenge on Monday?

What date would all of you like? 1 month, 2 months - a particular day? I think we are a bit late starting a July 4th but is there a date in August or September.

I think I need a little motivational boost too.

Seek, ( and Mauvais) yes i know i need to see a dr. and i will.
but seek thanks for posting, i have a hard time actually figuring out menus for certain diets, i need menus. and really was just curious what kind of foods someone who was trying to use diet to help would eat. so thanks, ( and yes i realize your not a nutritionist <sp?> but it was helpful. i h ave been peeking my head in the PCOS but don't feel right posting until i get to the dr.

Mauvais, what about going for one month mini goals? i always seem to have a hard time with the longer challenges. guess i lose my way somewhere in all that time to do bad.

Yes I think a one month mini challenge would be a good idea...

Re- PCOS- your doctor can probably refer you to a nutritionist to help make a plan that is suitable. In the meantime it can't hurt to read up on PCOS and seek's menu looks pretty good even if you are just trying to reduce your sugar intake or do lower-carb. I am currently doing a lower carb version of Weight Watchers and it is amazing how many "hidden sugars" you find in food products

I have found that by watching my sugar intake and eating wholegrain bread products such as bread, high fibre cereal, whole wheat pastas and brown rice that I am losing weight and feeling a lot healthier. I find that white flour products and processed food (dougnuts, packaged cookies etc.) give me headaches or make me feel sleepy and unfocused at work. Suprisingly once you stop eating these things for a while I find I don't miss them and don't crave them anymore.

There are several different plans out there like Sugar Busters, plans for diabetics, South Beach Diet and I have also seen books on the glycemic index. Check out your local library and do some research to see what is a good fit for you.

Also here is a page from one of my menus - it runs along the same line as seeks except I have one daily coffee with real cream and real sugar - must have it!

Week 1 - Day 3-Wednesday *based on 22 pts/day

Breakfast:
6 oz vegetable cocktail 1 pt
1/2 egg 1 pt
2 slices Canadian bacon 2 pts
1 cup coffee with 2 tbs cream and 1 tsp sugar 1 pt

Snack:
1 stalk of celery 0 pts
1 wedge Laughing Cow light cheese 1 pt

Lunch:
Chef’s salad- mixed greens with 1 oz each 4 pts
Ham or turkey and low fat cheese, tomato wedges
2 tbsps low- sugar dressing 2 pts
sugar free jello 0 pts

Snack:
2 turkey rollups 2 pts

Dinner:
Broiled steak (4 oz) 4 pts
broccoli
tossed salad (greens, peppers, tomatoes) 0 pts
2 tbsp balsamic vinagraitte dressing 2 pts

Dessert or snack:
14 cashews 2 pts
1- 8oz glass of Crystal light, diet soda or water 0 pts

TOTAL POINTS FOR THE DAY 22 pts

–––––– water (8 oz glasses) – exercise at least ½ hour

Hope seek and my suggestions help you.

Closing this thread to start the new challenge.

Heather- if you have any other questions or need menu ideas just let us know!