The Pataudi granddaughter arrived in Bollywood and charmed us all. Sara Ali Khan is a fresh breath of air because of her wits, Nawabi grace, forever folded hands in namaste, and lively personality. She debuted in Kedarnath alongside Sushant Singh Rajput and matched Ranveer Singh’s energy on-screen in Simmba. But what made her relatable and the girl who could be you was her weight loss journey and fight with PCOS. She was easily one of the first Bollywood actresses to come out and talk about PCOS on national TV at the Koffee with Karan show.
Today, on her birthday, we would be remiss to not use this moment as an opportunity to talk about this problem that affects 1 in 5 Indian women (20%). As Sara pointed out, PCOS can cause accelerated weight gain that is very difficult to shake off. She still posts her pre and post-weight loss pictures in humour, often titled Sara ka Sara and Sara ka Aadha. Addressing the issue with confidence and normalising it has inspired many women to discuss their PCOS/PCOD struggles openly.
What Exactly Is PCOS/PCOD?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Since this is a chronic condition which affects a woman’s hormone levels, it causes you to skip periods or not get any periods at all. This condition further makes it difficult for women to get pregnant.
What Are Some Common Symptoms Of PCOS?
- Hormonal acne
- Excess weight gain or loss
- Irregular or no menstruation
- Infertility
- Excessive facial hair
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Pelvic pain
- Mood swings
How Sara Ali Khan Manages PCOS & Brought Her Weight Down From 96kgs
Shedding 30 kilos with PCOS is a difficult task and she did it with determination. “I had PCOS. I still do. And because of that, I think I put on the amount of weight that I did.”, said Sara Ali Khan. She also said that even though her eating habits weren’t the best (lots of Pizzas), PCOS made it even harder to lose weight.
Sara follows a high-protein diet focused on good carbs and high fibre. Her breakfast usually includes egg whites and toast, or idlis. For lunch and dinner, she sticks to the basics with chapatis, dal, a vegetable and lots of salad greens. Lunch and workout snacks often include upma, muesli, oats, fruits, grilled tofu, lentils, and more salad greens.
Also, with PCOS, it is very important to improve your insulin resistance and metabolism. Sara works out every day diligently and does a mix of routines so that she’s never bored. From Pilates and running on the treadmill to boot camp training and strength and body conditioning movements, the actress is often posting her workout routines on social media. If you’re looking to be inspired, just check out this video.
How Can You Manage PCOS?
It usually manifests in women between the ages of 12-45 and lasts their entire life. But that certainly doesn’t mean you have to give up and do nothing. You too, like Sara Ali Khan, can take control and manage the symptoms with the right tips and advice. PCOS management is largely about the right diet and a tailored workout plan. You can also incorporate yoga asanas into your daily workout routine and see the results for yourself! Watch this video to learn 3 yoga asanas to practice if you have PCOS.
Food & PCOS: The Age-Old Story
With PCOS, the body becomes insulin-resistant. Since insulin helps the body to use up glucose for energy, its lack triggers more demand. The pancreas has to work overtime to produce more insulin. As a side-effect of higher insulin, the ovaries produce more androgens, worsening the symptoms of PCOS.
The PCOS diet mainly aims at the consumption of foods that prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
Foods Good For PCOS
Lighter, healthier foods are a rule of thumb in a PCOS diet. They should have a low-sugar content and should be rich in fibre. These include:
1. Fibrous Food
High fibre content in food slows down digestion and the harmful effects of higher insulin in the blood. It can be obtained through:
- Green vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce)
- Peppers (green, red)
- Beans, lentils (dal)
- Fleshy vegetables (pumpkin, squash, sweet potato)
- Dry fruits
2. Protein
As long the protein is lean, it can be consumed on a PCOS diet. They are very filling and provide a healthy source of protein.
- Chicken
- Fish
- Tofu
3. Foods That Reduce Inflammation
They will help you feel less bloated, lighter and more energised.
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Strawberries, blueberries
4. Nutritious Seeds
They help to keep your hormones under control and their consumption should be limited to 20 mg a day.
- Flax seeds
- Sesame seeds
Food To Avoid In PCOS
Processed, fried, high-carb, high-sugar foods are a big no for women with PCOS.
1. Refined High-Carbohydrate Food
They cause inflammation and increase insulin resistance, which can worsen PCOS symptoms.
- White bread
- Muffin
- Pasta made with wheat flour
2. High-Sugar Food
With already high insulin levels in the body, sugar intake should be severely limited. So, the following foods should be avoided
- Carbonated drinks
- Desserts
3. Processed Red Meat
Studies suggest that red meat consumption can contribute to infertility. Since it is already a risk with PCOS, it is best to avoid:
- Sausages
- Hamburgers
- Steak
- Pork
4. Full-Fat Dairy Products
It has saturated fats which can raise cholesterol and calorie intake, contributing to weight gain. So, dairy should definitely make it to the list of foods to avoid in PCOS.
5. Deep-Fried Foods
Preservatives and high-carb, sugar content in fried food is the worst combination for someone dealing with PCOS.
A Complete Diet Plan For PCOS
| Wake-Up Drink | In 250 ml water, grate some gooseberries (amla), add mint (pudina) leaves & a pinch of cinnamon (dalchini). Drink this first thing in the morning as a detoxifying drink that helps to balance hormone levels. |
| Early Snack | Have a handful of soaked almonds or some toasted seeds. |
| Breakfast | Start with a bowl of fresh, fibrous fruits that will energise you. Then opt for a multigrain vegetable sandwich or multigrain rotis, with veggies cooked in olive oil. Cereals like oats, muesli, barley, quinoa & whole-wheat porridge can also be had with nut milk (almond milk, soy milk). Eggs with a side of veggies are another healthy breakfast option. Avoid chai or coffee with milk. Have green tea instead. |
| Lunch This meal of the day should be filling yet light, so you don’t feel bloated & power through your day at home, work or school. | Multigrain rotis with curd & sliced cucumbers. Chicken or fish, cooked in olive oil with a small salad. Leafy, fresh salad with veggies, fruits, nuts & seeds. Remember to avoid street food, like pav bhaji or chole bhature for lunch. They are deep-fried, high in carbs and sugar & have very little nutritional value. |
| Evening Snack | Choose popcorn or puffed rice (mura/laiya) over chips as they are healthier & lighter. Have another green tea, or a back coffee or tea. Roasted peanuts or seeds, spiced with chaat masala & a pinch of chilli powder make for a great snack, Make sure you don’t use lots of salt here. |
| Dinner Sound sleep is necessary for the overall health of the body, including weight & mood management. So make sure you have your dinner between 7-8 pm & make it healthy. | Minding your protein intake for the day, you can have fish, chicken or tofu. You can cook a light Indian curry or have a continental meal with a side salad. Go for brown rice, if you must have it. Multigrain or bran rotis should be preferred over whole-wheat ones. For dessert, you can have dairy-free ice cream, which is low in sugar or a few pieces of dark chocolate. |
Though daunting, PCOS can be managed with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Just like Sara, you too can shed those extra kilos and stay happy and healthy. Let us know in the comment below what’s your PCOS regime like.