Wonderful Book, for First Time, I Felt I Wasn't Alone

by Tina

I would like to start off by thanking you for this wonderful book. I felt for the first time that I wasn't alone. I always had difficulty putting words to what I was feeling but your book did that perfectly.

My question is about tofu. I recently discovered tofu filaments and I LOVE them. They're a great replacement for pasta or noodles. Since this way of eating is so restrictive, I'm wondering if it's ok to indulge in the tofu or if I need to watch that too. I've heard of some debate due to estrogen (I think). What's your advice about this?

I sincerely appreciate your help

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Ed. Note:

Thanks for your kind comments!

Our PCOS diet book is intended as a guideline. There is no such thing as a "one size fits all diet". In general, I don't see any harm in occasional tofu.

Compounds in soy compete for estrogen binding sites, which may be good for some women and not so good for others. Our concern in the book is that it may impair thyroid function. That said, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Note I said "occasional" tofu. Please note that many women with PCOS have appetite dysregulation. If you "crave" carbohydrates, you may be in this group. If so, you will need to be especially vigilant as to your actual consumption of refined carbs such as tofu.

It can take quite a few months for your appetite regulatory mechanism to get into a better balance. If you go on a carb binge, you're back at Square One. I might suggest you keep a food journal, just to maintain awareness of what you're actually eating, if you are strongly attracted to refined carbs.

Also, here's an article from one of our newsletters that you might find helpful:

Some women with PCOS have an unbalanced hunger mechanism that causes them to eat too much food. Part of this problem appears to be due to a hunger-regulated hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK).

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a hormone secreted in the gastrointestinal tract when you eat a meal. It slows down the digestive process and functions as a short-term satiety signal to inhibit food intake and thus decrease meal size. "Satiety" means a feeling of fullness or satisfaction.

However, recent evidence indicates some women with PCOS have reduced CCK secretion after a meal and have deranged appetite regulation. Impaired CCK secretion may play a role in the greater frequency of binge eating and overweight in women with PCOS.

A new product, Slentiva, is a chocolate-flavored soft chew that helps to manage feelings of hunger. It is formulated to enhance satiety (feeling full or satisfied) and help you feel full for a longer period of time.

Slentiva contains a natural potato skin extract that improves the release of cholecystokinin (CCK), thus helping you minimize the urge to eat more.