PCOS Diet: A Beginner's Guide

2 min read

Introduction to PCOS

Symptoms & Treatments

PCOS Diet Plan for Weight Loss

Verified by Oscar Tong, Dietitian (APD 056821)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It occurs when the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens), disrupting your menstrual cycle, fertility, and overall health.

PCOS Symptoms

Why Is Weight Loss Harder with PCOS?

  • Insulin Resistance

    Many women with PCOS struggle to process sugar effectively, leading to higher fat storage and cravings.

  • Hormonal Imbalances

    Elevated androgens (male hormones) can lead to weight gain, particularly around the belly.

  • Inflammation

    Chronic inflammation worsens hormonal issues, making it harder to lose weight.

1 of 3

The keto diet directly targets these root causes, making it a powerful tool for women with PCOS.

Benefits of the PCOS Diet Plan

Weight loss

Targets visceral fat (especially around the belly), helping with sustainable weight loss and reducing inflammation.

Balances Hormones

Helps reduce excess androgen (male hormone) levels, improving symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth.

Lower Inflammation

Cuts out inflammatory plant compounds and processed foods.

Regulates Menstrual Cycles

Offers an easy, straightforward meal plan with minimal food choices.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity

Reduces insulin resistance, a key driver of PCOS symptoms, by stabilising blood sugar and lowering insulin levels.

Suppresses Cravings

The high-fat, moderate-protein keto diet keeps you full longer, reducing sugar cravings and binge-eating episodes.

Stable Energy

Stabilises blood sugar for consistent energy throughout the day, eliminating energy crashes and brain fog.

Clearer Skin

Reduces acne or eczema by removing common dietary triggers.

How does it work?

1. Eliminate Carbs

Cut carbs to 20-50g per day, focus on healthy fats, moderate protein, and whole foods. Avoid sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.

2. Ketosis Begins

Your body enters ketosis, burning fat for energy instead of sugar. Insulin levels drop, inflammation decreases, and hormones rebalance.

3. PCOS Belly Gone!

Experience weight loss, clear skin, and balanced hormones with regular periods. Improved energy and reduced insulin resistance support long-term health.

PCOS diet visual food guide

👉 Scroll right to see full list


Example 1500 Calorie PCOS Meal Plan

📊 Total for the Day:
🥩 85g protein, 🥓 70g fat, 🍞 25g carbs

  • Berry Nut Bowl

    Breakfast: 10AM

    🍓 Strawberries, chopped (1/2 cup)
    🍇 Blackberries, halved (1/2 cup)
    🌰 Walnuts, chopped (2 tbsp)
    🥜 Almonds, chopped (2 tbsp)
    🌴 Brazil nuts, chopped (2 tbsp)
    🎃 Pumpkin seeds (1 tbsp)
    🌿 Hemp seeds (1 tbsp)
    ✨ Chia seeds (1 tbsp)
    🥛 Almond milk (1/2 cup)

    Instructions: Add strawberries and blackberries to a bowl, top with walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, then pour almond milk over and enjoy!

    Nutrition (per serving):
    Calories: 536 kcal | Protein: 17.2 g | Fat: 43.5 g | Carbs: 27.7 g | Fibre: 15.5 g | Net Carbs: 12.2 g

  • Mexican Beef & Cauli Rice

    Lunch: 12PM

    2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 small yellow onion, finely diced
    500g extra lean ground beef
    1 tsp each: salt, cumin, coriander, oregano
    1 lime, juiced
    2 cups cauliflower rice
    1 avocado, diced

    Instructions: Cook garlic, onion, and ground beef in olive oil; season with cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and lime juice, then sauté cauliflower rice, and serve topped with beef and avocado.

    Nutrition (per serving):
    Calories: 481 kcal | Protein: 33g | Fat: 19g | Fibre: 11g | Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 997mg

  • Creamy Chicken

    Dinner: 6PM

    2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    500g chicken thighs
    4 cups baby spinach, chopped
    1 cup canned, full-fat coconut milk
    1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    1 tsp dried rosemary
    Sea salt and black pepper to taste

    Instructions: Cook chicken thighs in olive oil until golden, remove, then simmer spinach, coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper before returning chicken to cook through.

    Nutrition (per serving):
    Calories: 441 kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 7g | Fibre: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 182mg

1 of 3

PCOS FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "PCOS belly"?

The "PCOS belly" refers to stubborn fat around the midsection caused by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, common in women with PCOS.

How to reduce PCOS belly fat?

Follow a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet: A keto or low-carb diet reduces insulin resistance, a key factor in PCOS belly fat. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like leafy greens, lean protein, healthy fats, and low-GI fruits.

Exercise Regularly: Combine strength training to build muscle and low-impact cardio (like walking or swimming) to burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity.

Manage Stress: High cortisol levels from stress can promote belly fat storage. Use techniques like yoga, mindfulness, or meditation to lower stress levels.

Prioritise Sleep: Poor sleep increases hunger hormones and worsens insulin resistance. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Consider Supplements: Inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can support insulin sensitivity and hormone balance, helping reduce abdominal fat.

Stay Consistent: Changes in diet, exercise, and stress management can take time, but consistency leads to lasting results.

How can the keto diet help with PCOS?

The keto diet reduces insulin spikes, lowers androgen levels, decreases inflammation, and promotes fat loss, especially from the belly, making it highly effective for managing PCOS.

Are there supplements for PCOS?

Supplements like inositol, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, chromium, vitamin D, and NAC can improve insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and reduce inflammation.

How long does it take to reduce PCOS symptoms with keto?

Most women notice reduced symptoms like weight gain, acne, and cravings within 4-6 weeks of consistently following a keto diet.

What exercises are best for PCOS?

Strength training combined with low-impact cardio, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, is ideal for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing stress.

Does stress impact PCOS weight loss?

Yes, stress increases cortisol, which worsens insulin resistance and can trigger weight gain. Managing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can help.

Can keto reverse PCOS symptoms?

The keto diet cannot cure PCOS, but it can significantly reduce and manage symptoms. PCOS is a chronic condition, but adopting a ketogenic lifestyle helps address the underlying issues like insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances.

  • Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Reduces insulin levels, which lowers androgen production and helps restore hormonal balance.
  • Supports Weight Loss: Reducing visceral fat alleviates symptoms like irregular periods and infertility.
  • Decreases Inflammation: A keto diet's anti-inflammatory effects can improve fatigue, acne, and mood.
  • Regulates Menstrual Cycles: Many women report more regular periods and ovulation after following keto.

While keto won’t eliminate PCOS, it’s a powerful tool to reverse symptoms and improve quality of life. For best results, combine keto with exercise, stress management, and consistent sleep. Always consult your doctor before starting a new diet.

Best Exercises to Reduce PCOS Belly

  1. Strength Training
  2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  3. Walking or Low-Impact Cardio
  4. Core Workouts
  5. Yoga & Pilates

Tips for Success

  • Combine strength and cardio for the best results.
  • Exercise 4-5 times a week, but avoid overtraining, as it can increase stress hormones.
  • Pair with a healthy diet (like keto) to amplify fat loss and manage PCOS symptoms.

Consistency is key to reducing PCOS belly fat and improving overall health!

Can You Drink Alcohol with PCOS?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with PCOS, but moderation and smart choices are key. Excessive alcohol can worsen PCOS symptoms by increasing inflammation, disrupting hormones, and affecting insulin sensitivity. Here’s what to consider:

  1. Choose Wisely:
  2. Limit Intake:
  3. Pair with Food:
  4. Stay Hydrated:

While alcohol in moderation is acceptable, it’s best to limit it when focusing on managing PCOS symptoms or losing weight. Listen to your body and prioritise your health goals.

No time to cook, count or clean?

Our dietitian-formulated meals & supplements have helped over 30,000 customers achieve results. Don’t just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say!

Save 50% Now

Excellent 4.8 | 30,000+ Customers

Try Our 7 Day Carnivore Keto Meal Plan

Enjoy a dietitian-approved meal plan, trusted and loved by over 30,000 members. Tried, tested, and ready to help you succeed!