Joyful Eating for PCOS and Gut Health

If you’re starting to think about pregnancy - there’s a good chance you’ve been told: start a prenatal, stop birth control, and wait for a positive test. But what actually happens in your body before that positive test matters far more than most people realize. In this episode, we go beyond the standard advice and break down the five most important preconception foundations that shape fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health. These are the exact areas we focus on clinically at Nest & Nurture Health with patients preparing for pregnancy.We cover:Folate: how to choose the right form and dose to support early fetal developmentBlood sugar balance: how stabilizing sugars supports regular ovulation and a healthier pregnancyThyroid + energy availability: how properly fuelling supports ovulation and how to move past the perfectionist-driven mindsetCycle awareness: how to identify your fertile window instead of relying on guessworkStress physiology: the importance of stress resilience and coping tools This isn’t about doing more - it’s about focusing on what actually moves the needle before you start trying. If you’d like personalized support with preconception nutrition and beyond, you can book 1:1 work with our dietitian team through our Nest & Nurture Health programs. And if you found this episode helpful, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who’s in that “maybe soon” season.

Originally posted as Episode 1. We’re celebrating a milestone with a replay of our very first and most-loved episode: How to Build Balanced Meals for PCOS and HormonesIn today's episode, we dive deep into: Exactly what hormones do and the 3 hormones you need to pay attention to with PCOS Three macronutrients and the foods they're found in, and their impact on PCOS and hormone balanceAn inclusive 3-step framework to build balanced meals for balanced hormones Links: Download your free PCOS Labs Checklist + Hormone health toolkitFollow Trista and her team of Registered Dietitians on Instagram

In this episode, we're diving into a condition that affects so many people - gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).I'm Trista Chan, a dietitian passionate about helping people navigate their health with a compassionate, personalized approach. Today, I’m joined by fellow dietitian, Cathy Chu, who has firsthand experience managing GERD and understands the challenges it brings.Together, we’ll explore why GERD symptoms can be so persistent and what really helps when it comes to diet and lifestyle management. We’ll cover: Dietary changes that can significantly alleviate GERD symptoms Why identifying personal food triggers is essential for management How incorporating a balanced plate model can aid in symptom relief Meal planning benefits for busy individualsEpisode links: Meet Cathy 1-on-1 nutrition coaching

In this episode, Trista Chan provides a comprehensive overview of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), discussing its prevalence, causes, symptoms, and the importance of understanding this complex condition. She emphasizes the role of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in PCOS and explores various treatment options, including medications and lifestyle changes. The episode highlights the significance of nutrition and lifestyle factors in managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall health. Trista also shares insights on the upcoming PCOS recovery program, aimed at empowering individuals to take charge of their health. In this episode, you'll learn: How insulin resistance and inflammation are key features of PCOS Treatment options for PCOS to address metabolic, reproductive, and psychological health Lifestyle changes, meal timing, and tips for adopting a nutrient-dense diet to help alleviate PCOS symptoms Episode Links: PCOS Recovery - Join for February 2025 Reference: Aboeldalyl S, James C, Seyam E, Ibrahim EM, Shawki HE, Amer S. The Role of Chronic Inflammation in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 8;22(5):2734. doi: 10.3390/ijms22052734. PMID: 33800490; PMCID: PMC7962967. Helena Teede et al. International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 2023. Monash University. Juhász, A.E., Stubnya, M.P., Teutsch, B. et al. Ranking the dietary interventions by their effectiveness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reprod Health 21, 28 (2024). Lee I, Cooney LG, Saini S, Sammel MD, Allison KC, Dokras A. Increased odds of disordered eating in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eat Weight Disord. 2019 Oct;24(5):787-797. doi: 10.1007/s40519-018-0533-y. Epub 2018 Jun 26. PMID: 29947018; PMCID: PMC7918293. Pirotta S, Barillaro M, Brennan L, Grassi A, Jeanes YM, Joham AE, Kulkarni J, Couch LM, Lim SS, Moran LJ. Disordered Eating Behaviours and Eating Disorders in Women in Australia with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2019 Oct 14;8(10):1682. doi: 10.3390/jcm8101682. PMID: 31615157; PMCID: PMC6832459.

The holidays can be filled with rest and excitement, but the pressure of “diet culture” often rears its head this time of year - especially for those with PCOS. The pressure to stick to restrictive food rules can be intense, but I'm here to tell you: it's time to ditch the "PCOS diet" mentality and stay grounded this season. In this episode, I dive into the challenges people with PCOS face around the holidays, and share practical tips to reduce guilt and shame around eating. Finally, I offer gentle nutrition strategies to navigate holiday meals with a balanced mindset. In this episode, you'll learn: How to shift away from dieting mindset and find your own brand of a "healthy food mindset" Practical tips to reduce guilt and shame around eating Four gentle nutrition strategies to support your wellbeing and stabilize blood sugars this holiday season Episode links: PCOS Recovery Program - join waitlist for February 2025

In this episode, Trista explores the complexities of managing pregnancy with PCOS, focusing on dietary considerations, the safety of medications and supplements, and the importance of mental health during the postpartum period. She emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, the role of insulin and metformin, and the significance of support systems for new parents. You'll learn: Why managing glycemic load is crucial for pregnant individuals with PCOS Safe and effective treatments for gestational diabetes How postpartum mental health is a significant concern for new parents Navigating potential chest feeding challenges for those with PCOS Episode Links: How to Manage Gestational Diabetes with Diet and Lifestyle 1-on-1 Nutrition Coaching References: Choudhury, A. A., & Rajeswari, V. D. (2022). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) increases the risk of subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): A novel therapeutic perspective. Life Sciences (1973), 310, 121069–121069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121069 Diabetes Canada. (2024). Gestational diabetes. https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/gestational Facchinetti, F., Cavalli, P., Copp, A. J., D’Anna, R., Kandaraki, E., Greene, N. D. E., & Unfer, V. (2020). An update on the use of inositols in preventing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and neural tube defects (NTDs). Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 16(12), 1187–1198. https://doi.org/10.1080/17425255.2020.1828344 Ibrahim, I., Bashir, M., Singh, P., Al Khodor, S., & Abdullahi, H. (2022). The Impact of Nutritional Supplementation During Pregnancy on the Incidence of Gestational Diabetes and Glycaemia Control. Frontiers in Nutrition (Lausanne), 9, 867099–867099. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.867099 Jorquera, G., Echiburú, B., Crisosto, N., Sotomayor-Zárate, R., Maliqueo, M., & Cruz, G. (2020). Metformin during Pregnancy: Effects on Offspring Development and Metabolic Function. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 653–653. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00653 Koric, A., Singh, B., VanDerslice, J. A., Stanford, J. B., Rogers, C. R., Egan, D. T., Agyemang, D. O., & Schliep, K. (2021). Polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression symptoms: a population-based cohort study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 224(6), 591.e1-591.e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.1215 Ryssdal, M., Vanky, E., Stokkeland, L. M. T., Jarmund, A. H., Steinkjer, B., Løvvik, T. S., Madssen, T. S., Iversen, A.-C., & Giskeødegård, G. F. (2023). Immunomodulatory Effects of Metformin Treatment in Pregnant Women With PCOS. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 108(9), e743–e753. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad145 Slouha, E., Alvarez, V. C., Gates, K. M., Ankrah, N. M. N., Clunes, L. A., & Kollias, T. F. (2023). Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Setting of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), 15(12), e50725–e50725. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.50725 Vanky, E., Isaksen, H., Haase Moen, M., & Carlsen, S. M. (2008). Breastfeeding in polycystic ovary syndrome. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 87(5), 531–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016340802007676

Struggling to balance a busy life and healthy eating? You don’t have to choose between the two. Meal prepping is often suggested, but let’s be honest — it can feel stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes leaves you with food that’s more of a chore than a comfort. If you're stuck in this frustrating cycle, it's time to switch things up. You don’t need a complete meal overhaul to see health benefits. Let's dive into easy, realistic meal prep tips that make healthy eating simple and time-saving. Discover practical solutions for creating balanced, nourishing meals without the hassle. We cover practical, doable solutions so you can whip up balanced meals in a hurry. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover time-saving meal prep tips for a hectic schedule Uncover the power of managing PCOS and health through diet and nutrition Master easy batch cooking strategies for a stress-free week Explore healthy grab-and-go snack ideas to fuel your day Learn how to add nutrition to takeout meals for a balanced diet Episode Links www.thegoodlifedietitian.com Hormone and gut health meal plans