7 PCOS Life Hacks I Wish I Knew Sooner

When I first started managing my PCOS, only a couple years ago, I had no idea how much food would play a role in my journey. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things I wish someone had told me early on—because let’s face it, figuring this all out on your own can feel overwhelming. So, here are some of the PCOS life hacks I’ve discovered that I think could make your life a little easier.

PCOS Life Hack #1:

Blood Sugar Management is Everything

If there’s one thing I could shout from the rooftops, it’s that managing your blood sugar can make a world of difference with PCOS. At first, I thought cutting carbs was the only answer (spoiler: it’s not). It’s more about balancing your meals—getting enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This helped me avoid those spikes and crashes that leave me exhausted and craving everything in sight. I’m not perfect at it and I may have just had a bowl of chips last night, but when I do stick to whole grains, veggies, and foods that don’t send my blood sugar on a rollercoaster, I feel so much better.

PCOS Life Hack #2:

Inflammation is Sneakier Than You Think

PCOS comes with inflammation, and I didn’t even realize how much it was impacting me. Certain foods (like processed junk or sugary stuff) made me feel bloated, puffy, and just plain off. While I'm not letting go of any of my favorite snacks or desserts I am leaning more into anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and even turmeric and ginger. I'm not eating them 24/7, but adding them in where I can has definitely helped. And avoiding things like refined sugar has made a noticeable difference, especially with my energy and skin.

PCOS Life Hack #3:

Gut Health Deserves More Attention

Here’s one thing I didn’t realize for way too long: gut health matters. I used to think the bloating and stomach issues I had were separate from my PCOS, but it turns out they’re connected. I’ve started paying attention to foods that support my gut, like fermented stuff (still getting used to kimchi!) and fiber-rich veggies. Since doing that, I’ve noticed less discomfort and more balance overall.

PCOS Life Hack #4:

Sleep Isn’t Just About Feeling Rested

I used to think sleep was all about waking up refreshed, but it turns out it’s so much more than that. If you’re not sleeping well, your cortisol goes nuts, which messes with everything—especially insulin. It took me a while to really prioritize sleep, but once I did (and started tracking it with my Oura ring), I saw a huge difference. Better sleep = fewer cravings, more energy, and overall better moods. Plus, my PCOS symptoms feel more manageable when I’m well-rested. If you're looking to start somewhere, this is the place I'd recommend.

PCOS Life Hack #5:

Protein is Your Best Friend

Getting enough protein (I aim for around 40 grams per meal) helps keep my blood sugar stable and keeps me full. During my luteal phase (which I'm currently entering into), this has been a lifesaver for managing those hangry moments and bloating. It’s not always easy to hit that target, but when I do, my energy levels stay steady, and I’m way less tempted by junk food. Remember that if you have a craving, listen to your body give it what it wants and then find a way back to the things that make you feel balanced. It's about consistency, not perfection.

PCOS Life Hack #6:

Your Cycle Affects What You Need

One thing I didn’t know until recently is that your nutritional needs actually change throughout your cycle. I’m not kidding—during the luteal phase (those days leading up to your period), I crave carbs more, and it’s not just because I lack willpower. Your body actually needs more magnesium and B vitamins (this helps your body cope with the physical and emotional demands of the luteal phase), making them crucial for keeping PMS in check and helping you feel more balanced.. I'm still learning how to practice this better as someone who is highly regimented, once I get into a routine it's hard for me to change it and I love making the same things over and over which makes it bit more of a challenge to cycle-sync my nutrition but when I do I really notice it.

PCOS Life Hack #7:

It’s Not Just About Weight

For the longest time, I thought that losing weight was the magic solution to fixing my PCOS. Growing up, it felt like everywhere I turned, the message was the same: skinny equals healthy. So, of course, I believed that if I could just get smaller, everything would fall into place. But PCOS doesn’t work that way. Sure, maintaining a healthy weight can help manage some symptoms, but it's far from the whole picture.

What really makes a difference is focusing on overall wellness—managing stress, getting quality sleep, and eating foods that nourish my body through the ups and downs of my cycle. The hardest part? Unlearning years of conditioning that told me it’s all about being skinny. I’m actively working on building muscle, improving my strength, and balancing my hormones while fighting against insulin resistance. But it’s tough to let go of that ingrained belief that the number on the scale defines my health.

It’s a constant reminder that for those of us with PCOS, the goal is to feel strong, balanced, and healthy, not just smaller.

This PCOS journey is different for all of us, but I hope some of these things help you the way they’ve helped me. If you’re also navigating this and trying to figure out what works for you, let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s been working for you too!

This week's photos brought to you by my weekend trip to Chudleigh's Entertainment Farm! It's a fabulous spot for apple picking and walking around, especially if you have a young family. Happy Fall Y'all! 🍂🍁