Vitaline - PCOS hints and tips

First thing each morning, drink a mug of hot water poured over a very thin slice of lemon and left to cool

Eat small and often: eating six small meals a day is much better than three larger ones, so split your meals into two parts with an hour in between each part

As an alternative to ordinary bread try yeast-free bread e.g. soda bread or yeast-free crispbreads, for example Ryvita

Cut right down on processed foods, or those containing artificial colourings and preservatives

Eat organic wherever possible – or at least wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly, ideally in a weak vinegar solution and rinse

Avoid food in plastic containers and never microwave in plastic dishes

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially vitamin B)

Avoid exercise which involves the use of weights or restrictions. Try "fat burning" and cardio-vascular exercises.. Walking, swimming, dancing is all good exercise. A chart is provided when you enrol.

If going anywhere by bus, why not get off the bus one stop earlier, and walk briskly.

When walking, stand tall, avoid slouching. When carrying anything, balance the weight in each hand, i.e., shopping.

Walk upstairs instead of using lifts. Try to get out for a walk at lunchtime, especially if you have a 'sitting down' job.

Gentle exercise is better after a meal; you will burn up the fat cells and speed up your metabolic rate. Exercise will NOT LOSE WEIGHT, but it will tone-up, you will also speed up your metabolic rate, and you will not go flabby.

Alcohol - if you have a weight problem, try drinking a glass of red wine. Red wine contains bioflavonoids that are good for the heart.

When eating meals, eat a small amount of protein food first. For example a small amount of your chicken before the vegetables will help your diet. The protein foods can fire up the metabolism.

Eat cucumber each day. It is a natural diuretic and stops fluid building up in the body. This is important if your work involves a lot of sitting.

If eating out, really study the menu and you will find there is always a less fattening option.