I love sharing women’s stories and their PCOS success. Hearing the experiences of others can inspire and educate, de-stigmatise and empower. And Criss is a beautiful human being, whose honesty and openness bring such joy. Here is her story…
“Just over a year ago, I accidentally stumbled across Rebecca Harwin, and her life-saving book, a PCOS BIBLE, called Conquer Your PCOS – Naturally. As I was at my wits’ end at the time, with GPs and their not very helpful advice of “just don’t eat as much”, I just knew there had to be more to explain what the hell was wrong with me!
I was getting fatter and fatter, despite eating well and low-fat. I was once a size 10; I weighed only 50 kilos on my wedding day. My weight was now out of control; I’d hit 3 digits. My moods were up, down, sideways, you name it. The hair on my chin was starting its own colony, aka the island of Cape Criss! I was just so over it, fed up, and so depressed, fat, ugly, and it was affecting EVERYONE!
So I reached out, and Rebecca threw me a lifeline. Through her, I learnt so much. I began to understand what was happening to me. Why, and how I was actually making things worse.
The biggest revelation was understanding sugar. LOW FAT is not actually good for me! I was the low-fat queen. The rice cracker snacker, the wholemeal salad sandwich freak, the pasta, rice express… it was all good food, but totally wrong for someone with PCOS!
I discovered things about sleep, food, stress, drinks, water, packaged food, gluten, self-talk, and my mind was on overdrive.
I threw out A LOT, and I mean A LOT of stuff.
I started using the meals suggested and started making up my own, more to my liking. Soups, I discovered that…
1) I can actually make it
2) It’s so much more yummy than the canned stuff (which I can no longer eat without getting sick in the tummy)
3) The kids love it too
4) I feel full afterwards without bread!
The weight started to shift. I got so excited. I went from a size 22 to an 18. Then it stopped. But I was still feeling good. Other changes were happening. I was feeling stronger. My joints and back hurt less. I didn’t need to take my medication as much, to stopping it for weeks at a time. Now, only when I have put my back out.
I did slip out off the wagon, and life carried on around me, with it’s ups and downs… so my weight has been a yo-yo. The difference is I know what I am doing. I can stop and turn it back.
I am happy to report that since following Rebecca’s advice, I have restored my menstrual cycle to that of a normal woman. I have become monthly and regular, and have maintained it like this for 12 months now. The weight is still not ideal. I have gone up 5 kilos, then lost it again, and gained it, and lost it, but never broken past it… This is my keen focus for this year. I haven’t always been good, and I think that is the issue. I still like to treat myself with chocolate, and sometimes a bit too much. Also, not getting enough sleep. So this year is adding exercise, good sleep habits, as well as less sweets.
It is the first time in my life I have had a natural monthly cycle, and I am 45 years old, and I started my periods when I was 13, so this is really amazing.
I told my husband last night that my periods are now regular, and he said, “So, what does that mean?” I answered “if we were wanting to have a baby, now I could get pregnant or at least plan it… “We both screamed out, “No!” LOL
My baby days are long over. What I really want now is to drop another dress size. That is the plan! The main thing is not to beat myself up about it.
I am so grateful to Rebecca for sharing her knowledge, and it is always helpful when someone actually understands the condition.”
Guest story shared by Criss
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