Tara Spencer - PCOS Diet for the Newly Diagnosed: Your All-In-One Guide to Eliminating PCOS Symptoms with the Insulin Resistance Diet

Copyright 2017 by Rockridge Press, Berkeley, California

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Front cover photography: Nadine Greeff/Stocksy, Mahey/Shutterstock, Borislav Zhuykov/Stocksy, Jelena990/Shutterstock, Kristin Duvall/Stocksy

Interior Photography: J.R. Photography/Stocksy,

ISBN: Print 978-1-62315-912-2

eBook 978-1-62315-913-9

This book is dedicated to every woman who has ever felt scared in her suffering. You are not alone.

I have struggled with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for most of my life and was finally diagnosed by my OB-GYN in 2000, when I was sixteen years old. At the time, I did not understand how serious the condition could be. It was not until 2005, when I was hospitalized due to cysts rupturing, that I finally understood the extent of my symptoms. The pain of the cysts rupturing was unbearable, and when I left the hospital, I decided that there had to be a better way to live.

I began doing research and discovered that I was not alone in this struggle. I decided to make it my mission to raise awareness of PCOS. I started selling handmade teal (the official color for PCOS) bracelets to friends and family, and before I knew it, I had people in England and Australia contacting me to request bracelets. Taking this as a sign of things to come, I took the funds and started the nonprofit organization, PCOS Awareness Association (PCOSAA). That was in 2012, and today we are the worlds second largest nonprofit dedicated to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Over the last two years I have gone on a natural health path and have come off all the medications that used to keep my PCOS symptoms manageable (I do not suggest this without talking to a medical professional first). I eat healthier, exercise, and see a womens health acupuncturist. I have lost 50 lbs on this path, have gained my menstrual cycle back, and am healthier overall. While on this journey, I have noticed things that are missing or needed for women who want to control their PCOS naturally, and the PCOS Diet for the Newly Diagnosed fills the voids.

From weekly meal plans and grocery shopping lists to exercise routines and Daily Gratitude and Habit Tracker worksheets, this book is more than just delicious recipes.

We all have busy schedules, and due to my life situations, I fell off my health journey several months ago. This diet plan gave me my life again; my motivation is back, and I am ready to take control of my health once again. I began using the book soon after receiving it and I already feel refreshed and inspired to continue.

It is important to remember that nothing of worth comes for free or comes easily, but if you are willing to make a positive change and stick with it, results are inevitable. Having a positive support system is also key; I would never have been able to do what I have done (starting PCOSAA and taking control of my health) without the support of my family and friends. Women with PCOS often feel alone, unattractive and uninspired. Please know that you are not aloneyou are beautiful and this book will inspire you.

Thank you, Tara, for taking the time to create a book that all women with PCOS can use as a helpful tool in taking control of their health.

MEGAN-MARIE STEWART

Founder of PCOS Awareness Association

ABOUT THE FOREWORD CONTRIBUTOR

Megan-Marie Stewart is the proud Founder and Executive Director of PCOS Awareness Association (www.pcosaa.org), the second largest nonprofit organization dedicated to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome worldwide. Her vision and the mission of PCOS Awareness Association is to revolutionize PCOS awareness and fight on behalf of those who live with it.

When I was first diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), I felt shocked, scared, and worried about my future. I was in my early twenties and, like many women, fairly ignorant about the condition. After receiving my diagnosis, I assumed I would continue to be overweight, afflicted by acne, and unable to conceive for the rest of my life. I did not know that PCOS could be managed.

My doctor at the time was relatively unhelpful, merely suggesting I, once again, take birth control pills to normalize my hormones artificially. He reassured me that once I was ready to become pregnant I could use in vitro fertilization (IVF)something most people know is not easy, cheap, or guaranteed to be successful.