Nadja M.

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 2009. For years I’ve had weight gain, menstruation problems, high blood sugar levels, and low self-esteem.

The recommendation to treat PCOS is to lose weight. It is not very easy to do, and I struggled to make people understand this. I’ve counted calories and tried low carb diets. The little weight I would lose, I would gain back.

The frustration accumulated. By the summer of 2017 I was sad all of the time. I’d gained weight again and my doctor recommended I start counting carbohydrates.

That made it even worse. I started to lose hope. I didn’t have a healthy relationship with the scale and food. I demonized food and I didn’t realize this until I read The Whole30.

I did my first Whole30 because I wanted a chance to reset my body and mind. A clean slate. It was never about weight loss.

I used the Reintroduction period to learn how certain foods affect me. I realized I wasn’t missing certain foods, like milk and sugar in my coffee.

I learned how to properly read a label and created new habits. I found my passion with cooking again and trying new ingredients. I gained confidence and most importantly, started to love myself again.

I recently finished my second Whole30. What a difference a year makes. Last year I was miserable counting carbs and this year I was excited to do my second Whole30. I let go of the diet mindset.

My PCOS symptoms have improved. I’ve lost weight, my skin is clearer and I don’t have to take medicine to get my period anymore. No sugar and carb cravings. I learned the difference between hunger vs. cravings.

Whole30 changed my relationship with food. I no longer let the number on the scale define me. I have more self-confidence and self-esteem. I’ve kept my new habits and mostly Whole30 meals in my every day cooking. I am so grateful that I discovered Whole30. It is truly life changing.⠀

This is Nadja’s story, in her own words. The Whole30 is not a medical diagnostic tool, nor a replacement for working with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Speak with your doctor before beginning any new dietary or lifestyle program. Your results may vary.