DEEP DIVE

Why I Cut Sugar for 30 Days — and What It Taught Me About PCOS

Let’s be honest — I love sugar.

Not just desserts. I’m talking croissants, fruit, maple sirup in my chai and that 3 p.m. snack that’s basically sugar in disguise.

So when I decided to cut sugar for 30 days, let’s be real, it felt like a punishment, but deep down I knew I was doing it because my body felt… off.

I was tired all the time.
My skin was breaking out.
I was craving carbs like my life depended on it.
And my belly felt bloated no matter what I ate.

But what truly scared me was that I was started to get joint pain in my fingers. It hurt to type on a keyboard and to fold mail to put into envelopes at the office.

I didn’t realize it, but what I was experiencing was insulin resistance — the sneaky, behind-the-scenes driver of so many PCOS symptoms. And it was getting worse.

What’s really going on when you crave sugar

Here’s the truth: sugar isn’t just about willpower — it’s about chemistry.

When you eat sugar (or refined carbs like white bread, pasta, pastries, or even too much fruit), your blood sugar spikes.

Your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that acts like a key — unlocking your cells so that glucose can enter and fuel your body.

But over time, when you’re constantly spiking blood sugar, your cells start tuning insulin out.

Like when someone keeps calling your name and you pretend not to hear.

That’s insulin resistance — your cells stop listening, so your body produces even more insulin to compensate.

And that extra insulin?
It doesn’t just affect your blood sugar.
It triggers everything from:

• Weight gain (especially around your belly)

• Fatigue and brain fog

• Constant hunger and cravings

• Acne and oily skin

• Irregular or missing periods

Basically, insulin becomes the messy roommate who leaves chaos everywhere it goes.

What happened when I took sugar out for 30 days

The first week was brutal.

I was moody, craving everything sweet, and almost snapped at someone for eating cookies near me.

But by week two, something shifted.

My energy stopped crashing mid-afternoon.

I wasn’t constantly hungry.

And my skin? Less back-ny and breakouts on my face.

By week four, I realized something huge:

It wasn’t just that I had less sugar — my body had finally stopped begging for it.

And remember the joint pain I was having? It was about 85% better!

A significant improvement which personally reinforced that what I eat has a direct impact on my health.

When your blood sugar stabilizes, your body no longer panics between meals.

You feel calm. Clear-headed. Grounded.

Why insulin resistance is the hidden root of PCOS symptoms

Most people think PCOS is only about reproductive hormones — but at its core, it’s often metabolic.

When insulin stays high:

• It signals your ovaries to make more testosterone (hello, acne + hair issues).

• It blocks ovulation, which messes with your cycle.

• It stores more fat, especially around your midsection.

It’s a hormonal domino effect.

And until you steady your blood sugar, you’re constantly chasing symptoms instead of healing them.

What helped me the most

Here’s what I focused on during my 30-day reset — and still do now:

1. Protein first.
I started every meal with at least 25g of protein (think eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, or a protein shake). It stopped the cravings cold.

2. Pair your carbs.
No naked carbs! I always add healthy fats or fiber — like apple + almond butter or brown rice + salmon + avocado.

3. Post-meal walks.
Just 10 minutes after eating helped my blood sugar drop naturally (and boosted digestion).

4. Stress management.
Stress spikes cortisol, which makes insulin resistance worse. I started doing short yoga and stretching sessions before bed — total game changer.

5. Supplements that actually help.
I added inositol, magnesium, and omega-3s — all proven to improve insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

What I learned

Cutting sugar wasn’t about punishment — it was about regulation.

I learned how powerful food can be when you give your body a break from the rollercoaster.

I learned that blood sugar balance isn’t just about your diet — it’s about your hormones, energy, skin, and mood.

And most importantly, I learned that my cravings weren’t a lack of discipline — they were a signal.

Your body isn’t fighting you.
It’s talking to you.

And when you start listening — when you calm insulin, stabilize blood sugar, and nourish yourself — your body goes through a reset.

So if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of fatigue, cravings, and frustration, maybe it’s not “you.”

Maybe it’s your insulin speaking up and telling you what it needs.

You don’t have to cut sugar forever — just long enough to remind your body who’s in charge.

Here’s to calmer cravings, steady energy, and the sweet kind of balance that doesn’t come in a wrapper.

^{Why PCOS Queens? I want to save you the energy and time in researching and instead give you the shortcut to managing PCOS. I want to help you avoid feeling self-conscious and thinking you have to accept how things are. I want to help you overcome the worst of your symptoms, feel empowered and discover your inner strength. I want to hand you the keys to take back control of your life.}

*Disclaimer: Every women is unique, and this information is provided for educational purposes only. I share summarized research data and personal experience, but this should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific health needs.