Toni Wells – Jumpstart Diva

“PCOS Diva’s Jumpstart Program is a great way to begin a change in lifestyle.  In just one week, you begin breaking bad habits and start creating a new, nourishing routine.  Amy is available as well as other participants to provide fresh ideas and suggestions…or simply provide emotional support.  This to me is one of the best benefits of the program!  The Jump Start Program is equipped with tools that accomodate any schedule or personal preference, so you’re able to tailor it to best suit your lifestlye.

In one week, it’s possible to lay the foundation for the rest of your life.  In just one week I felt stronger from making healthy choices for myself, not to mention I had tons of energy.  During difficult times, I resort back to that week and what I learned so I can set myself back on a healthy, positive path.  As Amy says, “small hinges swing big doors”….it’s all about taking that first step!”

For more information about the Spring Discover Your Diva Jumpstart Program that begins May 14th please visit http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart/

Lynn Irwin – Jumpstart Diva

I was (finally) diagnosed with PCOS 18 months ago at age 45, post infertility treatments, post hysterectomy… My reasons for wanting to control my PCOS are different then most Diva’s.  I am not trying to conceive or regulate my periods.  I have never in my life been able to loose weight easily.  I’ve been in the obese BMI range for almost 20 years. For years I was able to maintain what I thought was a “Healthy Fat” if that’s really possible, but 18 months ago my insulin resistance became Type II Diabetes.  My borderline hypertension became hypertension. My Cholesterol was under 200 but my HDL’s and LDL’s were off.  If your insulin levels and weight are not controlled eventually it will catch up to you. When you are diabetic, you are prone to more illness and infection.  I learned this the hard way.

After an entire month of illness, doctor’s visits, antibiotics and feeling completely out of control of my PCOS and my health, I sat down and began an Internet search.  During my research I stumbled on Amy Medling’s web-site PCOSDiva.com.  It was so cute I couldn’t help but feel invited in.  As I surfed through the site I found it to be so much more than cute. It was very informative and inspiring.  When I read the first line on the home page calling  PCOS, the “Thief of Womanhood”, I teared up and I knew I had found the beginning of my next journey in my life…

Being so overweight for most of my 21 year marriage, I believe my wedding day was the last time I truly felt beautiful, and even then, I was about 10 lbs overweight.  I completely related to the thought that my womanhood had been stolen, with incredible difficulty getting pregnant, horrible PMS, IBS, obesity, cyclical acne,dark hair on my upper lip, skin tags, thinning hair… kind of hard to feel like a beautiful woman. I had resigned myself to living life as an overweight woman, focusing on my inner beauty, buying big long cardigan sweaters to cocoon myself in and shield my body from the world.

Finding PCOS Diva when I did was perfect timing, Jumpstart registration was the following week. Jumpstart completely transformed my life. Getting the materials ahead of time, I did all my shopping and loosely began the program a week early, so when the Jumpstart began I was off and running!

The supplements, food combinations and incredible support from Amy and others in the forum helped me to lose 11 lbs in the first two weeks!!  I LOVED the recipes and all the Self Care suggestions every day!  I learned to stop hating my body and began to take loving care of it, taking time out for ME!  I was finally eating in a way my body could function correctly!  I became a fat ‘burning’ machine instead of a fat ‘making’ machine!

Today after 12 weeks I have lost 31 pounds!! I am feeling great and still going strong! I have continued to stay on the program.  I LOVE eating this way.

I truly believe, stumbling across that cute web-site was meant to be.  Amy, and PCOS Diva Jumpstart saved my life. Literally.  I’m losing weight, my blood sugar has stabilized, my blood pressure is normal. I am on my way out of my cocoon of big wooly cardigans preparing my beautiful body to emerge in clothes I can feel pretty in.  Wow… imagine that?  Feeling pretty?  I can!  Can you?

The support in the forum and meeting other Diva’s was invaluable.  No one can truly understand what you are going through unless they are in the same situation.  Here I made connections with other women and am still in contact with them today.  I love having Diva friends! Support is key to a successful journey.  I can’t wait to do it again! See you all in May!! XOXO”

For more information about the Spring Discover Your Diva Jumpstart Program that begins May 14th please visit http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart/

Linda & Sarah Kochiu – Jumpstart Divas

“The stars were aligned when I found The 7-Day Jump Start Program and the PCOS Diva Website. My 15 year old daughter found out she had PCOS a couple of years ago and as parent I felt helpless. I found my daughter’s self esteem going down as she was gaining weight and following a low carb – high protein diet. Our doctor put her on the birth control pill and that was all the support or advice we were given. I can’t even begin to tell you how the Jump Start Program has changed our lives. The Program provided live changing tools, support, recipes, advice, motivation, and a whole network of PCOS Diva’s. Our whole family has been able to follow the life changing tips/tools that were provided in those 7 days and my daughter is fitting back into her clothes and gaining her confidence back. Amy, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and life altering tools with us.”

For more information on the Discover Your Diva 7-Day Jumpstart Program beginning May 14th please visit http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart/

Many Divas have already signed up for the Spring Discover Your Diva 7-Day Jumpstart Program that kicks off on May 14th.  I’m wondering if you’re thinking about joining us?

I know how it feels to be on the fence – there’s a part of you that really wants to give this a try, and then there’s another part of you wondering if it’s the right thing for you. 

If you’ve been debating whether you should join the Jumpstart Program, I want to help you make the decision by sharing my answers to some of the most common questions that I receive about the Program. And, I also want you to know that if you have other questions, I’d be happy to answer them. Just email me amy@pcosdiva.com and let me know your questions and I’ll get back to you right away.

Here are a few questions and my answers to help you make the decision:

1. I’ve never done an Online Program like this before – is this the right program for me?

My answer: This Jumpstart Program is perfect for women who are ready to make a change, but don’t know where or how to begin. You’ll focus on crowding out processed foods and adding in tons of fresh seasonal vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fat. I’ve laid everything out for you in the Preparation Guide, Program Guide, Menu Plan, Recipe Kit, and Daily Protocol. I’ve even written the shopping list for you. And, there’s a ton of support – you’ll be able to check in with me and with other Jumpstart Divas via the Private Online Forum. Actually many February Jumpstart Divas are rejoining this program for the Forum alone! You’ll never feel like you are in this by yourself.

This Program is so supportive and well laid out that I even had a Diva who had hardly ever cooked before say she had a great experience! If you’re curious about learning to live a lifestyle that will allow you to thrive with PCOS, the Spring Discover Your Diva Jumpstart Program is really a great place to start.

2. I would love to do this program but I’m not sure I can afford it right now.

My answer: I understand that it is sometimes difficult to spend money on yourself in this tight economy. But have you ever considered that spending $97 to learn how to make positive lifestyle change to help manage your PCOS, may actually save you thousands of dollars in medical bills, medication, fertility treatments, etc in the long run? Think about how much money you spend on coffee, eating out and convenience foods during a month. 

The cost of this life-changing week is only a fraction of the cost that my 1:1 clients pay to work with my privately. I put this program together because, I am not able to work with everyone who wants to work with me 1:1, and I was looking to make a program more affordable. In fact my colleagues who aren’t experts in PCOS, charge much more for similar online health coaching programs. The other thing to think about is that this is a program that the other people in your life will benefit from as well , especially if you have more energy, know how to plan healthy meals and have more time and more patience at the end of the day. Depriving ourselves of our best life is also depriving our families. They end up suffering as well. They end up getting the drained version of us. Often, I find the greatest breakthrough one of my clients can have is to realize that they are worth it. Think about what you are willing to do to put you and your health first?

3. I’m a busy mom, how realistic is it for me to be able to do the Jumpstart and still have energy to chase after my kids?

My answer: I’m a busy mom too! My recipes are kid-friendly and easy to pull together – there aren’t a lot of weird ingredients or flavors that make it tough to get the family to eat together. In fact, many moms have shared with me that their kids love the recipes and use them over and over after the Jumpstart even better, I’ve received emails from moms at the end of the Jumpstart telling me they have more energy than they’ve had in years and are enjoying extra time with their family.

4. I live in another country, can I still participate in the Jumpstart?

My answer: Absolutely! During the February Jumpstart we had Divas from all over the world – Canada, India and Australia – just to name a few. The training calls will be recorded and posted on the Private Jumpstart Website. I also send the protocol for the day, a day ahead, so those Divas in different time zones can plan ahead too.

5. What if I don’t like the Menus and Recipes?

My answer: I thought about that too! So, I have included a Food Guide and I will teach you how to plan your own PCOS friendly meals and menus, step- by-step. You will be able to participate in the Jumpstart eating healthy food that you enjoy- you don’t have to use my done-for-you Menu Plan.

6. I have a lot scheduled during the week of May 14th – can I still fit the Jumpstart into my busy schedule?

My answer: Yes! Actually, if you are super busy at work, I definitely encourage you to sign up for the Jumpstart right away. I know you probably feel like you don’t have time to squeeze in this Program at this point, but here’s the thing – when you’re this busy and overscheduled, it’s NEVER going to feel like the right time. You will be able to download and print out all of the materials and I will be keeping the Private Jumpstart Website open until June 20th, so you can run through the program whenever it is right for you this spring. 

The amazing thing about my Jumpstart Program is the amount of change that can happen in just 7 days is nearly unbelievable – once you nourish your body with high-quality foods, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’re sleeping, how much more energy you have, and how much more productive and focused you’ll be at work.

Now, imagine yourself a month from now. You’ve jumped out of bed full of energy, you’ve eaten a really yummy and nourishing breakfast, and you feel totally ready to tackle the day. When was the last time you felt like that? I’m here to tell you it IS possible, and it takes just 7 days. 

Now is the time for you to jump off the fence and come join me for the Spring Discover your Diva Jumpstart. 

To get started, click here http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart I can’t wait for us to get started!

If you are still worried that this program won’t work for you? I stand behind my work …always. So I’m offering a No-Risk Guarantee that will let you try out the program, while putting all the risk on me. Enroll in the Discover Your Diva 7-Day Jumpstart, and listen to the Preview Call. If you feel that this program isn’t right for you, then simply send me a one-line email within 24 hours of the live preview call telling me what didn’t work and ask for your money back. I’ll give you a FULL refund. 

What will you do with this opportunity? 

Register now. http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart

To hear what  Divas are saying about the Jumpstart visit http://pcosdiva.com/2012/03/what-divas-are-saying-about-the-jumpstart-program/

The early bird pricing is only available through April 27th. If you’re ready to take control of your PCOS symptoms, make sure to register soon in order to get the reduced price! Here’s the link again:  http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart

Jess Muir – Jumpstart Diva

“Before I started the Discover Your Diva 7-day Jumpstart Program, I was lost.  Now I feel like I’ve found a new way of living. I feel empowered to continue to treat my body like my temple. I feel like I can do this!”

For more information on the Discover Your Diva 7-Day Jumpstart Program beginning May 14th please visit http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart/

Christina Hayward – Jumpstart Diva

“Before the Jumpstart Program, I had no clue what to eat to help my PCOS.  I was tired all the time, moody, felt guilty about what I was eating and spent my day talking down to myself in my head. During the Jumpstart Program, I learned to love and forgive myself and respect the temple that is my body.  I want to be a DIVA and that means being picky about what I put in my temple.  I feel like I have more energy and that my thoughts are clearer than before the program.  Thanks for this wonderful week of change!”

For more information about the Spring Discover Your Diva Jumpstart Program that begins May 14th please visit http://www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart/

Audrey Jo Foster Malone – Jumpstart Diva

“My experience with the JumpStart program was simply fantastic.  I had been a client for several months before the JumpStart program but it was JumpStart where I saw my dietary habits really change and stay consistent. For me, it was putting the whole program together in a week and actually living being a Diva.  And it stuck!  I now have a better grasp of how to plan my food for the week, start my morning off right so I stay on track all day and incorporate exercise into my routine.  I would go as far as saying JumpStart is neccessary to fully understand what you need to do to get your PCOS under control.”

For more information on how you can Jumpstart and start thriving instead of just surviving with  PCOS – please visit: www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart

Jenny’s website, has lots of information to help you realize that living a healthy life can be fun, pleasurable, and delicious. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipes with us Jenny!

Gluten Free Jam Dots

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1 cup gluten-free oats
• 1 cup toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup jam of choice (use a jam without refined sugar)

Pre-heat oven to 350.

Combine flour, oats, salt, cinnamon and toasted almonds in food processor or blender. Blend until well combined, but still a little chunky.

Stir together brown rice syrup, maple syrup and coconut oil in a separate bowl. Add to dry mixture and mix well to form a batter.

Spoon batter onto cookie sheet and put a thumbprint in each. Spoon jam into the thumbprint.

Bake for 10-15 minutes (keep a close eye on them and remove them when they start to turn golden). Let cool and enjoy!!

Here are a few more of Jenny’s delicious Gluten Free recipes…

Raw Brownies

Cinnamon Spice Crispy Treats

Herbed Quinoa

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Mushroom Gravy

Crazy-Sexy Nori Rolls

Audrey Jo Foster Malone

“My experience with the JumpStart program was simply fantastic.  I had been a client for several months before the JumpStart program but it was JumpStart where I saw my dietary habits really change and stay consistent. For me, it was putting the whole program together in a week and actually living being a Diva.  And it stuck!  I now have a better grasp of how to plan my food for the week, start my morning off right so I stay on track all day and incorporate exercise into my routine.  I would go as far as saying JumpStart is neccessary to fully understand what you need to do to get your PCOS under control.”

“Before the Jumpstart Program, I had no clue what to eat to help my PCOS.

Christina Hayward

I was tired all the time, moody, felt guilty about what I was eating and spent my day talking down to myself in my head. During the Jumpstart Program, I learned to love and forgive myself and respect the temple that is my body.  I want to be a DIVA and that means being picky about what I put in my temple.  I feel like I have more energy and that my thoughts are clearer than before the program.  Thanks for this wonderful week of change!”

Jess Muir

“Before I started the Discover Your Diva 7-day Jumpstart Program, I was lost.  Now I feel like I’ve found a new way of living. I feel empowered to continue to treat my body like my temple. I feel like I can do this!”

“The stars were aligned when I found The 7-Day Jump Start Program and

Linda and Sarah Kochiu

the PCOS Diva Website. My 15 year old daughter found out she had PCOS a couple of years ago and as parent I felt helpless. I found my daughter’s self esteem going down as she was gaining weight and following a low carb – high protein diet. Our doctor put her on the birth control pill and that was all the support or advice we were given. I can’t even begin to tell you how the Jump Start Program has changed our lives. The Program provided live changing tools, support, recipes, advice, motivation, and a whole network of PCOS Diva’s. Our whole family has been able to follow the life changing tips/tools that were provided in those 7 days and my daughter is fitting back into her clothes and gaining her confidence back. Amy, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and life altering tools with us.”

Lynn Irwin

“Finding PCOS Diva when I did was perfect timing. Jumpstart completely transformed my life. Getting the materials ahead of time, I did all my shopping and loosely began the program a week early, so when the Jumpstart began I was off and running!

The supplements, food combinations and incredible support from Amy and others in the forum helped me to lose 11 lbs in the first two weeks!!  I LOVED the recipes and all the Self Care suggestions every day!  I learned to stop hating my body and began to take loving care of it, taking time out for ME!  I was finally eating in a way my body could function correctly!  I became a fat ‘burning’ machine instead of a fat ‘making’ machine! Today after 12 weeks I have lost 31 pounds!! I am feeling great and still going strong! I have continued to stay on the program.  I LOVE eating this way.”

Toni Wells

“PCOS Diva’s Jumpstart Program is a great way to begin a change in lifestyle.  In just one week, you begin breaking bad habits and start creating a new, nourishing routine.  Amy is available as well as other participants to provide fresh ideas and suggestions…or simply provide emotional support.  This to me is one of the best benefits of the program!  The Jump Start Program is equipped with tools that accomodate any schedule or personal preference, so you’re able to tailor it to best suit your lifestlye.

In one week, it’s possible to lay the foundation for the rest of your life.  In just one week I felt stronger from making healthy choices for myself, not to mention I had tons of energy.  During difficult times, I resort back to that week and what I learned so I can set myself back on a healthy, positive path.  As Amy says, “small hinges swing big doors”….it’s all about taking that first step!”

Here are a few comments from Divas who participated in this transformative week!

“I loved the changes I have experienced during the Discover Your Diva 7-day Jumpstart Program.  I have noticed IBS symptoms subside, I have less brain fog, more energy and I lost 11lbs.”

“I was very concerned that with 4 other people to feed who were used to my cooking, it would be overwhelming. It has been surprising how much they have been accepting of the new menu and foods in the house.  The meal plans and recipes have been a terrific help.”

“I’m so glad I did it the Jumpstart Program! I am hooked! I never knew how great I could feel!  Thank you Amy!”

“All the materials were so helpful and the food suggestions were great. The website was also nice people shared their personal stories and helped to know that we are not alone. Amy – you are a true coach and inspiration.”

“I think that  the greatest gift so far for me is the ability to not feel guilty for eating and enjoying my food and to know that balance is achievable.”

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Jumpstart Program visit http://pcosdiva.com/?p=2060

Won’t you join me May 14th and learn how to thrive with PCOS? For more information and to  sign up visit  www.pcosdiva.com/jumpstart

Unfortunately, you won’t find any major study or conclusion linking gluten intolerance or celiac disease with PCOS. But, Dr. Jeffrey Aron who has been practicing gastroenterology for 35 years and is Head of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine at California Pacific Medical Center, is quoted as saying that, “PCOS and celiac are related.”

Melissa Diane Smith who’s a nutritionist, health educator and author of Going Against the Grain says that “…85% of her PCOS clients test positive for a sensitivity to gluten. When these women remove gluten from their diets they often see a marked improvement in their PCOS symptoms.”

So there is no research studies linked to PCOS, but nevertheless, let’s explore what gluten and wheat may be doing to our PCOS bodies.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is that sticky protein in wheat that holds bread together and makes it rise. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt, kamut, and triticale.

Gluten May be an Underlying Cause of  Some PCOS Symptoms

A review paper in The New England Journal of Medicine listed 55 “diseases” that can be caused by eating gluten. Here are some health issues that may be caused or aggravated by gluten – diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, constipation, inability to lose weight, chronic sinus problems, snoring, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, cancer, depression, skin disorders, osteoporosis, diabetes or hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, infertility, tingling numbness in the legs, sores inside the mouth, hives, joint/muscle pains and aches.(1)

Eliminating Gluten May Help with Cravings

Your cravings for bread, cookies, cake, pasta and other foods may be caused by gluten intolerance. When you are gluten intolerant you often have food cravings for gluten containing foods and it has frequently been observed that people crave that which they are allergic to.

Gluten can cause a morphine like response in your body. When gluten proteins are not broken down completely in the body they are called peptides. This peptide is called glutomorphine. The National Institutes of Health researchers showed that these gluten-derived peptides can cross into the brain and bind to the brain’s opiate receptors. (2,3) So you can get a mild euphoria after eating a product that contains gluten. Interestingly, it has been shown that you can block that effect [in lab animals] by administering the drug naloxone. This is the same drug that you’re given if you’re a heroin addict; it’s an opiate blocker. So if gluten can cause an opiate like reaction, you can see how it can become quite addictive. Opiates can cause any or all of the following side effects: clouded mental functioning, insomnia, diarrhea, impaired social connection, blocking of pain messages, dilated pupils, inflammation on the stomach lining and depression. I also find it interesting that some doctors are using low-dose Naltrexone another opioid  to help women with PCOS.

If you would like to try eliminating gluten, join me for the Discover  Your Diva 7-Day Jumpstart Program beginning May 14th.  Discover how good you can feel without gluten and other foods that aggregate PCOS.

Gluten Can Cause Systemic Inflammation

Ever heard of leaky gut syndrome?  Perhaps you have even been diagnosed with leaky gut. Well, gluten can damage the gut lining and cause leaky gut. A protein in your gut, called “zonulin”,  is increased by exposure to gluten. The zonulin protein causes cracks or fissures in your gut which allows bacteria and food particles to leak across the intestinal barrier. Think of how a crack in your window screen causes bugs from the outside get into your house, the same goes for a crack in your gut barrier. Undigested protein and bacteria can leak across your gut barrier and are exposed to your immune system.  Your immune system sees these proteins and bugs as an invader and sets you up for an inflammatory response. This leads to systemic inflammation. (4)

According to Mark Hyman, MD,  “Gluten sensitivity is actually an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation throughout the body, with wide-ranging effects across all organ systems including your brain, heart, joints, digestive tract, and more. It can be the single cause behind many different “diseases.” To correct these diseases, you need to treat the cause–which is often gluten sensitivity–not just the symptoms.”

Connection between Gluten Intolerance and Hypothyroid

Many women with PCOS have autoimmune hypothyroid otherwise known as Hashimotos.  The results of a recent Dutch study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology have confirmed a connection between Hashimotos Thyroiditis and Celiac (a severe form of gluten intolerance) disease. The study concludes that there is a clear association between Hashimotos Thyroiditis and Celiac Disease. Accordingly, it is recommended that patients with Hashimotos Thyroiditis be screened for celiac disease and that patients with known Celiac be screened for Hashimotos Thyroiditis. (5)

Another study of 172 patients with Hashimotos found that undiagnosed Celiac Disease may actually be part of the process that triggers an underlying autoimmune disease. In their findings researchers wrote: “We believe that undiagnosed Celiac Disease can cause other disorders by switching on some as yet unknown immunological mechanism. Untreated Celiac patients produce organ-specific (thyroid) autoantibodies.”

The researchers found that the various antibodies that indicate celiac disease – organ-specific autoantibodies (i.e., thyroid antibodies) — will disappear after 3 to 6 months of a gluten-free diet.

Go to Part 2