It's that time of year again, and are you tired of every holiday meal feeling like a minefield of food guilt and old diet rules? Have you ever wondered why your PCOS symptoms, like the "itis," brain fog, and intense cravings, spiral the moment you step into a family gathering? Today, I reveal how surviving the season isn't about more restriction, but finally giving your body the blood sugar support it needs to thrive.

In this episode, I break the silence on why skipping meals to "save up" for dinner is actually sabotaging your hormones and keeping you stuck in survival mode. I share the raw truth about insulin resistance, why your nervous system remembers those judgmental comments about your plate, and how to use the "Holiday Plate Mindset" to honor your body without missing out on tradition.

Stop the cycle of punishment and January resets; your journey to becoming her requires consistency, compassion, and the permission to enjoy your life.

If this episode spoke to you, I'd love for you to share it with another woman who needs to hear this message this holiday season. And, if you're ready to learn about how to support your PCOS without burnout, restriction, or starting over every Monday, make sure to give us a follow on Instagram, @pcosuncensored and hit follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss the next episode. In the new year, I'll also be sharing resources and tools to support your PCOS healing. So, stay tuned and Happy Holidays!

• What's really happening with the common cycle of holiday-induced food guilt and the damaging "I'll just start over in January" mindset that many women with PCOS experience [0:45]

• Why the holidays feel so emotionally charged, and where food guilt really comes from [1:40]

• How blood sugar support isn't just a "holiday thing" but rather a foundational tool that will allow you to enjoy the season without guilt [3:28]

• An easy-to-understand explanation of insulin resistance and what happens when "insulin is knocking, but the cells aren't answering" [4:37]

• A look at "the itis" and how it serves as feedback that your plate was likely missing necessary protein, fiber, or fat [5:57]

• The "Holiday Plate Mindset," a foundational PCOS strategy focusing on eating protein and fiber first to enjoy favorite foods without the subsequent spiral [7:53]

• Actionable recovery steps after a heavy meal that doesn't include restrictive detoxes or fasts [8:54]