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Yes, You Can Have the Mashed Potatoes: PMOS (Formerly PCOS) and Thanksgiving
What the science says
The 2023 international guideline for PCOS (now PMOS) supports lifestyle care with realistic goals set together with you. It also names weight stigma as a real problem in healthcare and says eating disorders and disordered eating should be considered, regardless of weight.
The limits: no one eating pattern has been shown to work for everyone with PMOS. Your care team can tell you if you need a specific plan.
What intuitive eating and HAES add
Holiday food rules often backfire. Restricting all day to “save up” can leave you ravenous at the table. Eating earlier in the day and then enjoying what you love is often steadier. Mashed potatoes are food, not a test of willpower.
When it is time to get support
You don’t have to wait until food feels out of control. The guideline notes that people with PCOS (now PMOS) have higher risks of anxiety, depression, body image distress, and disordered eating, and it calls for care that avoids weight stigma. Consider reaching out to a dietitian if:
- You feel guilt or fear about foods like potatoes or pie, or you restrict or “make up” for meals.
- You are unsure how to eat for PMOS and keep getting conflicting advice.
- Comments about your weight or plate, from family or providers, stay with you and change how you eat.
- Food or body worries take up a lot of your day, or you dread holiday meals.
This is not a diagnosis, and you don’t need to meet any bar to ask for help. Medical questions, like medication, are for your care team.
Next steps for the table
Eat your regular meals that day, fill your plate with what you want, and keep a line ready: “I’m all set, thanks. How is your new job?”
At Branz Nutrition Counseling, our dietitians support people with PMOS and PCOS in a weight-inclusive way. Reach out to schedule a visit before the holiday.
This post is for general education and is not individual medical or nutrition advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your own needs.
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