PCOS and Cravings: It’s Not Just About Willpower

If you’re living with PCOS and find yourself constantly battling cravings — especially for sugar or carbs — you’re not alone. And no, this isn’t about a lack of willpower.

Many women I work with tell me they feel out of control around food, then beat themselves up for it. If that sounds familiar, please know this:

Cravings can be a direct symptom of PCOS — not a sign that you’re doing something wrong.

In fact, understanding why these cravings happen is the first step toward feeling more at ease in your body and your relationship with food.

💬 If you're nodding along already, this is exactly the kind of thing we explore in 1:1 sessions. You can book in with me [here].

Why Are Cravings So Common in PCOS?

One of the biggest drivers behind cravings in PCOS is insulin resistance — something that affects up to 70% of women with the condition.

When your body becomes resistant to insulin, it struggles to move sugar (glucose) into your cells efficiently. This causes:

• Blood sugar highs and lows

• Intense hunger (even after eating)

• Cravings for quick fixes like sugar, white carbs, or processed snacks

Your body isn’t betraying you — it’s trying to help you get energy, fast. The problem is, this often leads to a rollercoaster of energy dips, guilt, and feeling like you're “failing.”

🚨 Here’s the thing — you don’t need to be stuck in this cycle. I help women with PCOS take back control of their energy, hunger, and cravings. You can book a personalised nutrition session [here].

The Problem with “Just Cut Sugar” Advice

So many women are told to “just stop eating sugar” — but when the underlying hormonal drivers are ignored, this advice can actually make cravings worse.

When you overly restrict foods you love, you end up feeling deprived — and more likely to binge or crave them intensely later.

The goal isn’t rigid restriction. It’s gentle, supportive nutrition that works with your body instead of against it.

✨ Want help creating a realistic, non-restrictive food plan that actually works with PCOS? Book a session with me and let’s build it together. ✨

How to Gently Support Cravings and Blood Sugar with PCOS

Here are some simple, evidence-based ways to reduce cravings — without guilt or extreme dieting:

✅ Build Balanced Meals

Aim for meals with protein + fibre + healthy fats + complex carbs. This slows digestion and reduces blood sugar spikes.

Examples:

• Greek yogurt + berries + chia seeds

• Salmon + quinoa + leafy greens + olive oil

• Chickpea curry with brown rice and veggies

✅ Don’t Skip Meals

Eating regularly (every 3–4 hours) helps keep your energy and hormones stable, which reduces blood sugar dips and cravings.

✅ Honour Your Hunger

Hunger is a normal body signal. Responding to it with balanced meals and snacks builds trust with your body — and reduces those late-night sugar raids.

✅ Add Before You Restrict

Try adding more colour, fibre, and protein to meals before thinking about what to cut out. It’s a much gentler, more sustainable approach.

💡 This is exactly what we cover inside my client consultations — not rigid meal plans, but tailored, real-life strategies that help reduce cravings and improve energy. Ready to try something that actually works long-term? Book in [here].

Sleep, Stress, and Self-Compassion Matter Too

Cravings aren’t just about food. Poor sleep and high stress levels can both increase cortisol, which affects blood sugar and appetite.

That’s why PCOS care isn’t just about diet — it’s about your whole lifestyle and how you feel day to day.

💞 If you’re tired of Googling your symptoms and trying to “fix” everything yourself, it’s okay to ask for help. I’d love to support you. Book a clarity call [here].

You Are Not Failing — Your Body Is Communicating

Let’s rewrite the story:

• You’re not weak.

• You’re not broken.

• You’re not doing PCOS “wrong.”

Cravings are your body asking for support. And with the right knowledge, nourishment, and guidance, you can feel better in your body.

🌿 Ready to work with your body, not against it?

I support women with PCOS to:

✅ Reduce intense cravings✅ Eat without guilt or obsession✅ Improve energy and mood✅ Build habits that stick (even when life is full-on)

📅 Book your first session [here] or message me on Instagram @clairemace_nutrition to chat through what support might look like for you.