This post is sponsored by Glucerna but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
For the past year and a half, I have been on a journey to live a healthier, more vibrant life. My main reason for this path of health-mindedness? I am currently living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders for women in this country.
Living with PCOS essentially means that the hormones produced in the ovaries aren’t functioning as normal. With this syndrome hormones, our bodies chemical messaging service, regulate all physical responses needed to properly process growth and energy production.
Women are at higher risk for PCOS if they:
- Have a mother or sister with PCOS.
- Are obese.
- Have a family history of heart disease.
- Have a family history of Type-2 Diabetes.
- PCOS can be passed down from either your mother’s or father’s side.
Over the past year, I have found a lot of affirming research that proves that PCOS symptoms can be managed by simple, fun, affordable methods at home. Here are my nine favorite personal tips for how I manage the symptoms caused by PCOS.
Researchers have found that one key to living with PCOS is managing insulin levels. Especially when you are also living as a diabetic. A 34-year-old diabetic as I am. As I am. Which means that several times a day I have to test my blood sugar levels, say a little prayer, and hope that all of my dietary, snacking, and lifestyle choices have helped me to stay within a healthy blood sugar range. This is my life several times each day. Because staying on top of my blood glucose levels at home is beyond vital for me.
To keep on top of my blood sugar levels, I test my blood sugar levels with a blood glucose system daily.
I do this by monitoring the foods I consume weekly as past experience has shown me that when I dine on carb-heavy fare my blood sugar levels experience insulin spikes. These spikes lead to changes in hormonal balance, and can greatly affect my PCOS.
To prevent these spikes, I make the conscious effort to limit carbohydrates and refined sugar-based products, such as diet sodas, candy, dried fruits, refined grains, juices, and coffeehouse drinks to between 10-12 grams per day. For me, it’s all about choices.
I also intentionally make time for myself. I make relaxing my mind and body a personal priority. I like to indulge in budget-savvy ways of rejuvenation such as a bubble bath, watching an old movie, devouring a new book, or a great afternoon snack.
(Please note that while these tips work with me, it’s important to discuss your meal plan with your healthcare provider if you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes.)
Some of my favorite on-the-go snack options are 1/4 cup hummus with raw cucumber, a sliced apple with 2 tablespoons almond butter, or a chilled Glucerna® shake.
Glucerna® shakes help me manage my hunger with CARBSTEADY®, a delicious way to safely include digestible carbohydrates designed to minimize my nighttime blood sugar spikes.
I like having choices and variety in my evening snacks. Just making sure to choose better, smarter meal or snacks each evening. Which is why I opt for Glucerna® Shakes, in both yummy chocolate and vanilla, gives me great, daily snacking options. Because each shake is a total protein powerhouse as each shake contains 15 grams of protein, only 6 grams of sugars, and 1 carb choice per bottle.
Another bonus? Glucerna® Shakes are specially designed for people with diabetes. With these awesome shakes, I know that I can indulge my nighttime sweet-tooth while opting for healthier snacking options that will in no way undermining my daily blood sugar monitoring success.
What’s even better? Not only do these shakes have 50% more protein than leading weight loss shakes, but they contain 66% less sugar, making them a very smart choice to easily manage food cravings. They are also conveniently located in the diabetic section at my local neighborhood Walmart Supercenter store.
Now when I really want to indulge in a really luxurious treat I have other options as well. I use the Glucerna® Shakes to make a cool, creamy Strawberry, Peanut Butter & Chocolate smoothie treat!
To make this smoothie I simply blend up the following, per serving:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 Glucerna® Chocolate Shake
2 squares of good dark chocolate
1 dollop of dairy-free, sugar-free whipped cream
As you can see, these Glucerna® Shake smoothies are scrumptious and are one of my favorite treats!
No matter how you serve Glucerna® shakes they are out of this world! But what I really love about these shakes, are that they help enrich my diet with a good source of digestive supporting fiber and 25 additional vitamins and minerals. Because in the end, its all about everyday progress when it comes to managing pre-diabetic and PCOS symptoms at home!
This season, you’ve got to check out these awesome snack options the next time you are in-store at Walmart Super Centers, right in the Diabetic supplies aisle. And check out iBotta this month for new money-saving rebate offers on Glucerna as well!
So, friends, do you have PCOS or diabetic symptoms that you daily manage? Have you ever tried Glucerna® shakes? Do you have any tips for living with PCOS symptoms? I’d love to hear about it!
