Interview with a Cyster: Andrea Lewis from Degrassi!

Hey Cysters. And welcome to the show. This episode is brought to you by pure spectrum CBD. Sirak and I have been taking CBD and we are loving it. I’m holding the tincture right now. Tallene, can you open your mouth please? Yeah, I’m going to give you a dosage now. Keep it there for 60 seconds while she does that.

Let me tell you the great benefits of CBD for PCO is studies show. It reduces cortisol, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation. You can go to pure spectrum cbd.com now to order and use the code. The Cysterhood one word at checkout for 20% of CBD and hold it for 30 seconds longer. While the sisters enjoy the show. Welcome to a Cyster and her Mister A podcast, where we show you the real behind the scenes of how we balance the PCRs lifestyle in our marriage, gluten and dairy free. I’m tallene your fellow Cyster and registered dietitian And I’m Sirak husband, engineer, and PCOS personal trainer. We’re going to make PCOS a little less overwhelming and a lot more fun. Welcome Cyster to a new episode of a Cyster and Her Mister.

MI Tallinn. And we’ve got another fellow sister here, Andrea Lewis. She is an actress and filmmaker, maybe most of you know her from the grassy, but she is a prominent filmmaker actress currently. Um, she had a press release for her documentary film called social social beauty, which will be coming out in the fall. Thank you, Andrea, for joining us.

Thank you guys. I’m big fan. We’re so excited to have you. And it’s really just amazing to see, you know, any woman can have PCO S and sometimes sisters get shocked when they hear that their favorite celebrity even has PCs. It makes us feel a little less alone in the journey. So thank you so much for opening up and sharing your journey with everyone.

No, no problem. I mean, I’m, I’m very transparent about it because they think it’s like the symptoms for it, um, can feel very isolating. So I’ve always kind of just made it a thing that I I’m cool to talk about. Yeah. I mean, we were just saying before we started recording, how, like, anytime you bring up,

TCOs all the women in the room, like turn around and like at least one in five or 10 of them say, yeah, I have it too. You know, I have a regular periods, this and that. It’s like so normal, you know, it’s almost shocking and can sometimes be sad because they don’t really know what this thing is necessarily.

And you, and when you like describe it, or if you talk about it, they’re like, Oh, that’s me too. And you can tell that they genuinely feel like no one else has this thing. That’s always what I try to talk about it because others need to know there are others for you. Like, you can be like, join the club.

You can find your tribe. Totally. You’re not alone in this. And like all of these symptoms that people struggle with, you know, there are ways to resolve them instead of just like pushing down and ignoring them and just like silently suffering for years, you know? So for you, how did you, uh, like how long ago was it when you discover UIP show us and what,

like, kind of triggered you to like look into it and like find out what’s going on. Well, okay. So my journey, I guess, or the discovery of it was a kind of law I can, my earliest memory is maybe when I was like 20, 21. I remember not getting my period for the year, but I wasn’t sexually active at that time.

So I was like, whatever, like, I didn’t just didn’t think anything, like, you’re not, you know, cause in your head when you missed a period, it’s like, Oh, I’m pregnant. And has, I just was like, not doing that. I was like, not pregnant, so I’m fine. Didn’t tell anybody really didn’t even bring it up.

Um, and then maybe five or six years later, it wasn’t until I was in a relationship and I was living in New York and, um, I wasn’t really getting my period and I was just kind of uncomfortable, like just genuinely uncomfortable. And I remember, um, my boyfriend at the time was kinda like, well, maybe tell your doctor. I went told my doctor and he was just kinda like,

well, the next time you get your period, take this birth control. And I just like, didn’t get my period. So I was like, well, how’s this supposed to work because I’m not getting my birth control. Um, and so from there is where I started to look into what was happening. Um, and it was just really looking online and that like has a gift and a curse to it because it can feel very scary,

um, right away. And so my doctor eventually like maybe three or four months later, I kind of went back to him and was like, I didn’t get my period. So what should I do? And he sent me to a couple of like specialists, I guess you could say. And, um, and they just were like, yeah, you have PCLs and um,

you probably will have a hard time having a kid and you should probably lose weight. And that was really it. And I went to two different doctors and that was basically their advice, both of them. And so from there, um, from there, I felt like my experience has been kind of extreme. Sometimes I have times when I feel like I’m in control and I’m finding a method.

And then I have other times when I feel like I’ve like gone down a slide and like took a wrong turn where I’m like, I don’t know what has happened to me, but I like completely lost track of myself. Um, and so it’s been a lot of ups and downs. I’ve also struggled very much with like the anxiety and the depression part of it.

And just trying to navigate the space as much as possible. Cause I think when you tell people what PCs is like, especially the symptoms, I mean, people think it’s fake or they just don’t know how do you explain inflammation? Like, Hey, I’m really uncomfortable in my body. And I feel like I’m exploding out of my skin. I honestly find that they just don’t get it.

So I also get, unfortunately why some of the doctors, white people just like, Oh, lose weight because that’s what it sounds like. It just sounds like I’m uncomfortable with myself. And so can, can you help me? And then just like, Oh, stop eating that candy. And you’re like, this is not, it’s more than that.

Like, there’s something bigger and yeah, it’s hard to describe it. I’ve also had like a lot of gut issues too with it. And I find the gut issues that I, that I think help or I think they’re coming about because of stress. But when I’ve gone to doctors, even for that, it’s like as if I have like a mystery diagnosis,

it’s like, you’re kind of like, something is wrong. And they’re like, ah, well maybe stop eating garlic or maybe stop eating onions. It’s not like connecting if that makes any sense. Yeah. They’re not like they don’t connect the dots that like a lot of times awaking could be a result of some other issues happening with the PCs. And instead of looking at the root issue,

they’re just saying lose weight by going on a restrictive diet or something. And then you’re making the actual root cause of it worse. So Have you looked into underlying issues? Like have you figured out if you’re insulin resistant or maybe your adrenals are off? Well, yeah. I think I’m insulin resistant. I like did the quiz that you had on your site?

That was what kind of like made me think, Oh, maybe it’s more with the insulin resistance, but I have had moments of extreme fatigue. And, and so I don’t know if there’s ever like a molding together of some of the symptoms, but I feel like sometimes I’ve had bits of this and that, and you can have a mixture. I think the other thing too,

that I hate about VCU, I said, it’s like, it’s like, you can’t have any sweets, but you’re constantly craving sweets. I’m always craving. Like I always, I could have a donut every single day. You have to get on that opacity. It’s a thing it’s, it’s like the basketball has helped me, um, tremendously, but I can also say I’m like,

it’s this weird. It’s like, I think you want comfort food more than anything. That’s what I think your body is asking for versus like that it’s just sweets. But I think your stress is like singing, like thinking then you need something to make you feel better. And unfortunately the things that are going to make me feel better, like don’t, that’s so that’s how I,

that’s how I’ve treated it. Totally. I understand that feeling. What are some of the things that you’ve done that have helped? Cause I know it’s hard to like keep a lifestyle change going. It took me like a year to get used to everything I know like you maybe are just starting to like start this healing journey. So yeah, I’m starting to,

so like I said, I’ve had pockets in the last few years where I felt like, Oh, I have something here. I have some and then, but it wouldn’t last. So I’d say that within this year, which is the strangest year ever, but this is the year that I’ve started to kind of find, um, lifestyle changes. So I’ve been doing the gluten free night,

but that is where it’s like, I always tell this to people I’m like that like a, an experimentation journey. Like you have to, it’s not just this easy peasy. Like I’m going to go gluten free. It’s kind of like time, you have to find the things that work. Um, because it’s like, you know, I was trying some of the gluten free passes at trader Joe’s and I just didn’t like any,

and so I was feeling really sad cause it was like, Oh, I can’t eat pasta. Like this sucks. Like, and so, but I really liked their bread. And, but then I’ve been like in this constant search for the right pancake mix and it’s, but it’s, it’s like you have to kind of do those things basically in order to kind of make your lifestyle and your life feel more normal.

Um, it’s not like you’re going crazy and you’re just eating all of that stuff all the time, but you’re just being aware that you’re like, if say I do want to have a sandwich or if I do want to have pasta or something, I just have to find the one that works for me. Um, and so this has been the year that I’ve been doing more of that,

um, experimentation instead of just going cold Turkey and yes, and you’ll feel bad. So I can say this in the last little while. I feel like I have a terrible relationship with food because I’ll feel bad eating, like things that, you know, like instead of being able to just enjoy something, everything is this stress and this worry of what am I doing?

That’s going to make me feel upset or that I’m not going to feel great having that. But I’m here with my friends. How do I socialize? You know, it’s this like thing. And luckily living in LA you have more options and it’s not as strange of a lifestyle to say that you’re doing, but I mean, you still, you still have people like it’s like tomorrow is my birthday and I ordered a gluten free cake and I’m like,

I was, I’m like prepared for somebody to be like gluten free. And I’m going to be like, no, but it’s going to be good. I swear. I promise. It’s going to be, yeah, they won’t even know that Happy early birthday too. But that’s what I mean. Like I’m like going out of my way to do things that I’m like,

I know they’re going to help me, but I also recognize that people are not used to making these kinds of adjustments. Yeah. There’s a lot of things going on. Once you change your diet, like you said, like you’re trying to find brands. You like the people around you accepting it or not accepting it. Like all of these factors affect how consistent you are and it takes like a whole year or so to really get in the groove of it and find the brands you like and everyone to just get used to you have a different diet.

It kind of makes it more fun. Like, Oh, everything is like, okay, like you have to try to find different stuff. It’s not going to be the same old bread every single time. And then I don’t know. I like the drama of explaining to people what’s up, you know? Like it just like changes up my day a little bit,

educate some people. Yeah. I don’t mind the experimenting now, but I could say in the years prior, I, I felt more like a burden. And so that’s why I’m like, it does take you a while to adapt and to start to, especially when you’re Exhausted from trying all these new other things before you’ve started gluten and dairy free, I’m sure you did a bunch of other things.

And then like, by the time you reached the point where you’re gluten and dairy free, you’re just over it. Yeah. Just like, I don’t want to do this. I just don’t want to be this person. And I, and, and you just, I honestly, I miss the days when I would just eat pizza, I was like,

where, where did that girl go? But, um, I realize it’s like, it’s, it’s not a bad thing. And it, and it is just kind of this slow adjustment. What I’m still adjusting to as well is, um, understanding the workouts or like the workouts, whatever they could possibly be for PCOS. Because when I first started,

you know, everybody encouraged you to do, um, weight training. That was like the big thing. And there’s like, I think her name is Jillian Michaels, the purse she has PCOS. Yeah. So people will be like, well, she has PCLs and look at her, she’s ripped. And you’re like, I mean, I don’t know if that’s my lifestyle,

but less it’s like, that’s what people will kind of encourage, maybe do weights, maybe this, maybe that. Um, and I was, I love to run. So running was more of the thing that I was really enjoying. But in the last year when I was doing my running, I would like to blow up to nowhere. And so I had stopped running cause I was like,

uh, actually getting worse. Like this is not happening the way I think it should be happening. Um, and so now it’s been kind of finding a balance of working out like what you guys have been encouraging with the slow workouts. But I do think the idea around, um, taking your time, working out is something you have to adjust to because so used to the fast,

going really hard or, you know, and, and I think that’s a lot of the stuff with PCRs that has been my journey is your mental state, like not feeling bad for food or not feeling bad for just wanting to sit down or not having the energy and then also not feeling bad for working out slowly. Yeah. That’s a thing too. You’re like at the gym and the weight section going slowly and everyone’s like pumping iron and running on the treadmill.

You’re like, I’m good. Yeah. And you’re like, I think I’m good now. I think I’m okay. And so I, all of that though, especially, um, especially when you’re just talking to somebody who’s normal essentially. Right? Like they don’t have any of these hormonal hormonal issues or insulin issues. Um, to kind of explain some of yours just sounds crazy.

They like, don’t even believe you when you’re talking Mind. Like everyone has something. Maybe they don’t have PCOS. Maybe they’re not sharing whatever their issue is. And you’re the only one sharing about your PCs. So you feel isolated in that moment. Like you have to like think of the big picture. Like you’re not the only one going through something,

even though in that moment, it totally seems like it because the other person’s like, what the heck, gluten free. Like you would never respond to that person that way. So you expect them to at least understand, But it’s like with PCs, it’s not always there. No, it is. It is very much like this, um, thing that people don’t understand,

they are, they’ve never heard of it. And it affects so many women. So it’s so shocking that people are so unaware as to what it is. But I have seen just the such strange responses to it, especially when, yeah, when you are trying, like, if you really are trying to lose weight and you really are trying to just keep your anxiety at check or your depression at Jack and people are like,

I don’t get it. Like you, why, why isn’t anything happening? I like, look at people completely different now, you know, like if somebody’s super skinny, they think they’re sick now. I’m like, no, they’re like overweight. I’m like, they might be something happening. You don’t know. Like just like assume that they’re just, I don’t know.

Like they, um, because I know for me that’s been just such a, I think being comfortable in my body has been my biggest challenge. The whole time is just, um, being okay and not letting it affect like my relationships, my friends, my family, just anybody’s in my life because if you’re uncomfortable, naturally, you’re not really comfortable around others.

And I’ve had those moments where I’ve been very, like, I don’t really want to see anybody, or I just don’t know what to wear or I don’t know how to be right now. I even have friends where I’ve, I’ve been fortunate. I haven’t had many issues with my hair, but I’ve had a lot of, I have a few friends that have had real issues with their hair and that has really just affected their confidence.

And I think the thing with PCOS that I’ve seen, that’s kind of the commonality. It really affects the confidence of the women. Like it doesn’t matter what level they have it at, whether they are just remaining really petite or if they don’t, but you’re just overall, you don’t feel right at all. Yeah. That is true. It’s like the hair loss and sometimes the hair growth.

It’s just like, what’s your confidence. And then you don’t get help from a doctor. Cause it’s just like some doctor, if it’s a guy, especially, they think it’s very like tone deaf and you don’t understand what you’re going through. But like the tough part is like, when, when it comes to those situations, you want to fix it right away.

Because it’s like, so there, but like, unfortunately it’s like time. It’s like, time-based Like six to 12 months of actual consistency to even see like the hairs grow back and stuff like that. And meanwhile, you’re like upset, depressed over the whole situation. So hard to like get on the wagon. Yeah. I think that’s the challenge is it’s like,

um, you know, you’re in it. So you have to also be motivated to want to it’s like any it’s like depression. Like one of those things with depression is like, you have to actually get up and go outside, but you’re depressed. So you’re like, I can’t get up. So I think the same with DCOS, it’s like, you’re physically not comfortable,

but you also have to be like, well, you just have to dedicate this time. Um, to fixing it. I thought what you said recently about like looking at the scale was this real thing. And it was shocking to see the, the poll, like how many people really do look at the scale, like every single day, but kind of like negative,

right? Yeah. No that you’re not feeling right. And just keep looking at it all of the time. Um, whenever I have a trainer, they always recommend like, don’t look at yourself the whole time you’re training. Like don’t look at your body basically. Like when you’re changing, if you could just change it, that looking in the mirror,

um, because you won’t notice the changes. If you keep looking at your body every single day, you’re just going to be like really hard on yourself versus you kind of take a few weeks off and then look at yourself. You’re going to notice. Um, and I think the same whenever I feel really good. And then I look on the scale,

I’m always disappointed and I’ll always be like, Oh, okay. So maybe I don’t feel as good as I think, and it will change my entire mood. And I realized I’m like, I shouldn’t look on the scale. I should just go more based on like a successful day is just feeling good in my body. Totally. That’s exactly. I don’t even weigh myself at this point.

And I’m PCO as weight loss over here. But like, I literally don’t weigh myself because what is the point? Like if I feel okay, that’s all that matters. If I feel bloated, if I feel like I’m retaining, what are I gained five, 10 pounds? Like, I’ll feel it. Like, I don’t need the scale to tell me and I’ll do something about it because I don’t feel good.

I want to feel good. You know, they don’t need to scale to like look back at me and judge me. You know what I mean? Yeah, totally. And yeah. So for anyone listening, we did a sticker poll, what’s it called? The quiz poll on Instagram story. And we asked like, you know, how many of you weigh yourself every day,

once a week. And so on. And like as many people who said once a week, which was like 2000, 2000 people said every day. And I was like, Oh no. Yeah. Cause it’s not like a straight shot down or even thing. Like, it’s like, like a little graph and it gradually goes down. It sounds like if you check it every day,

you’re going to see, go up down, up, down. You can be like, what’s going on. But he feels like I did like over a month to month period, then you can see it’s gradually going down. If they’re doing the right things, The scale isn’t going to help you lose weight. The kitchen is what I mean. Like it’s nothing to do with like whether the number is going up or down every single day.

It’s like what you’re doing every single day. So, so much more to it too. So like, if you’re doing like a little bit of way to training, you’re going to get more muscle, lose some of the fat, but muscle weighs more than fat. So it looks like you gained a pound or two, but you actually didn’t because you lost that fat and you’re getting leaner,

Not just that, but around your period, you gain around like five, sometimes 10 pounds of water weight. I’ve seen five, mainly like five pounds with patients. And it’s so depressing. Cause like the lose one or two pounds finally for like the first time ever. And then their period will come and they gained five pounds and I’m like, girl,

it’s fine. It’s just your period. Like forget scale. Yeah. It didn’t know that at all. That makes more sense. That makes sense. Doesn’t that make you feel better? It’s like totally normal that and working out. So all of these are like affecting the scale. So what’s the point of weighing yourself, you know, committee of side effects.

Yeah. Yeah. It will make you sad and then you’ll feel like you haven’t done anything. And then it’s like why you have, what are some of the ways that you’ve kind of pushed yourself through these difficult moments? Do you have advice for sisters who are listening? Mmm, Well, you know, whenever I heard or read a story of somebody reversing their symptoms,

that always helps because I’ll always think, Oh, this doesn’t have to be this like endless thing. Um, because I think especially when you first are diagnosed with this feels really daunting and it just feels like, like a doomsday. It’s just like, that’s not sorry. You’re just like going to be fat. Won’t be able to have kids and like the house.

Yeah. Like seeing people who kind of have managed it, um, and felt better about themselves will make me be like, okay, I just have to try more at them. Honestly, I really will think like, have I actually put the effort in like, am I really trying, or am I just kind of more so complaining and moping? Um,

versus saying, okay, I really did at least a year of gluten and dairy free. I really did like this, uh, serious cut back on sugars and things like that. Like, am I actively doing that even? Um, I had saw something you had said about fruits and I was eating more fruit before and now I haven’t been. And it’s just like,

I still take some in, but just not as much because I’m a little bit more conscious. I’m trying to kind of understand the amount of sugar I have in the day. Basically take note of it. Um, because then you can think that you’re doing all this really great work and then you take a look at your day and you’re like, Oh wait,

I had soda. And then I had some food and then later on I had coffee and I put some sugar in it. And it’s like, all of these things that are affecting you and your, but you’re thinking you’re living a really normal life because what my friend’s doing it, why can’t I do it? And you’re like, well, your life is just not like there.

So everyone around you is doing good. And then it makes you feel like, you know, I should be doing it too. Yeah, you’re right. Like, we’re not like other people are so white, you know, we’re like, we are like one in 10 women who have PCs and that’s a lot of people. So technically we’re not like,

you know, weird. It’s like a lot of people in the world, UK it’s one in five in the U S it’s one in 10 is what I’ve read. Yeah. But still, maybe. And then it said, I read like, it might be one in five, but it’s like not convert their diagnosis. So underdiagnosed, probably one in five.

So we’re not that strange. I do think what you guys said it is underdiagnosed because I always think that there’s, um, there’s not enough understanding around period health and that, like, I just think periods are taught to you. Like when you’re a little girl is in school, it’s just like, you’re going to get this thing and now you can get pregnant and that’s,

and you’re going to be like in pain. And so when you become an adult and it’s like, there’s, PCLs, there’s fibroids. There’s like all these other things that can happen. Um, you really don’t know where to go or how this could have happened to you. So it’s true. I do meet people that I know have some form of PCOS or some kind of irregular period,

and they’re not going with doctor at all. They’re not thinking anything of it. They’re not this thing. Um, and so I think it’s like, there needs to be a new education system overall for women and just what our bodies can do. People don’t even know that you can fix it, that like you can get irregular periods again, naturally without medication with some supplements,

Obasi tall is crazy. Like it’s gotten so many women to have regular periods along with changing their diet. And like, no one even knew about it until I was, we started screaming about it from the rooftops. We’re like, everyone take this. Like, what the hell are we doing? And it is easy. And the thing is, it’s like I started taking a class on now on month four of taking it.

And it’s like, once you kind of just adapt it into your lifestyle, it’s very easy to just, and you have to just be looking at it as like I’m taking care of myself. I’m like even, um, I decided to do this was like my experiment. I just wanted to see, because I think you guys have had a guest that was talking about,

um, gluten and dairy free. That for her dairy is still okay. And that’s the thing. I do see some, I guess, other pieces of advice, some people do say dairy is okay. Other people don’t, it’s like this very bad before they’d even seen people say no eggs, no, like none. And I’m like, and so it’s like,

you really do have to do an element of your own experimenting, I think though across the board. But I do see as like, no gluten. Oh yeah. And dairy. I see that across the board too. I definitely seen affect a lot of people, um, in, in different ways with like skin and, and just like the variety of it.

But only recently did I even start to do true experimentation on like finding dairy free cheeses that I like only now, but it’s like, that takes a while I think, to even want to adjust so that because cheeses on everything and people love cheese or they love dairy in general. Um, but I think that there’s so many, like there’s so many coconut or almonds alternatives to stuff that you don’t have to do very so much.

Um, but the gluten one, I think has I’ve the biggest, uh, I guess just help in, in my actual lifestyle because I could, like, I used to feel really tired after I would eat like extreme, tired, and now I don’t feel that way after I have a meal. Um, and so I just feel like I’m like,

I think it’s just my overall adjustment on gluten-free in general. So I’m, I’m very much like, just go gluten free, if you more than anything, or start there and then work your way up. Like if going, if doing both at the same time, whenever I’ve had conversations, I’m like scares people. Cause it does, then we’ll try one and then see if you can then add the other.

Cause you’d like achieved the one more than anything. Um, but, or, um, in the past that den detoxes that kind of will help you kick start that like it takes out everything essentially. Um, even though it’s kind of like short, it’s not a realistic lifestyle, but it will at least help you to kind of get used to seeing the effects of things on your body.

Like a kickstart. Yeah. That’s how I see them. Cause I’m like, I think what happens to people’s you get so used to what’s happening when you eat certain things and when you drink certain things that you’re not thinking anything, it’s only when you take it away that you start to realize, Oh wait, that actually was making me feel really sleepy or making me feel really anxious.

Um, but if they never take it away, then they just won’t get to see it. So you’re like, you gotta write something, you gotta like do a weekend off or something before you can make. Yeah. I mean, so many times we get used to that same feeling of like feeling bloated or like, you know, you eat a lot of gluten,

then you feel like tired, which like even the coffee, right? Like you you’re like craving coffee, but like naturally a human body shouldn’t require coffee to get through the day. It’s most likely because you’re not getting enough sleep or like having adrenal fatigue issues, just like everything we take these days are like supplements and they shouldn’t be like PR like they shouldn’t be considered part of your daily regimen,

unless it’s something you enjoy, you know, if it’s helping you, No, I can pull and sleep. I’m like really strict on sleep. I’m like, I’m like, you have to have sleep. Like if you’re really not, the least I get is seven hours, but I’m like, I’m so strict on like seven to eight hours where the same way I feel You have to be like,

if you listen to this, dr. Matthew Walker who likes to scare the crap out of you. Cause he just talks about like, if you don’t get enough sleep, at least seven hours, like all these side effects over 30 years, like with mental health and all this crazy stuff. And I was like, well, you know what? We’re stopping any metric.

Yeah. That’s a great, I’ve seen it. I honestly see people that I’m like that struggle with sleep. And there was once a time when I, my sleep schedule was way off and crazy. And I was a mess. Like I think I was productive. I was not productive at all. I was just like a mess of a person. And so after that time I had to like,

I felt like a baby. I had to like retrain myself and now I’m like so, so strict, but it doesn’t matter what time I go to bed. I always tell people this I’m like, I’m getting accepted hours. So don’t wake me up. We’re the same way ever since he, that quiz other job, I’m like, we’re sleeping eight hours.

Don’t wake me up early to work early. Like we will work a little later. I’m sleeping eight hours difference on it. Like it is health, right? Like if you take your sleep series, so you’re going to see the difference. And I, I definitely, especially for, for women with PCRs, I’m like, you have to sleep. Like that is a big,

big part of it because our bodies are so fragile. And so it’s kinda like, you have to listen to it. Like you, if it’s, if you can sleep, you go to sleep. Don’t just be up and try to push through by. Oh yeah. Yeah. Sometimes melatonin helps. Yeah. Yeah. One of the topics I wanted to ask was like,

if you don’t mind me asking, like in your like dating life, how has it been like explaining piece us or like, has it, has it, has it come up or like when you, when you’re on a date, like on a restaurant, do any thoughts or anything like that? No, whenever I, like, I always eventually talk about it.

It’s always like something I eventually talk about or bring up because I do think it affects me a lot. And um, and the ups and downs of it, like I said, I’ve had a lot of moments where I was super uncomfortable in my body. And so naturally it’s going to affect your dating life because you have to say something I’ve never dated a guy that actually knew what I was talking about,

like for them to hear about. Um, and then they then have the same journey I think is the women at first they’re like, Oh, wow, okay. This sounds like this just sounds like a nightmare. Um, and I may adjust with you, which is great. Like at least in my experience, like if they are a good partner,

I think that’s like sort of like all the people that are like dating right now. It’s like, you can tell they’re a good partner. Like you don’t take your PCOS seriously. So they understand that you need certain things or you don’t, or you can’t have them where you can. And they’ll also take seriously your mental health symptoms, because that’s a big part of PCAs for me that I think people don’t always link is it’s like you,

there’s a mood thing with you. Like you’re definitely going to have an element of sadness or anxiety. Um, and it could just be because you feel out of control of your life and you feel out of control of your body. And so I think dating will be such a challenge if you don’t explain to someone that this is like, I think that this is what,

what you’re dealing with and Yeah, it’s sorry. It’s also like a great way to see how the person is like going to be towards you. You know? Like if they can understand PSUs and learn with you, then that’s a good sign that they’re going to do a lot of things with you, like learn and adjust along the way. Yeah. And patients,

because at the same time, it’s like, if you have a partner, like you could save, you’re complaining about your weight gain or your body. And if they’re just like, well lose weight and that’s all they say, then you’re like, Oh, this ain’t the one for me. They don’t get it. They don’t want to get it out for us because it’s way different.

It’s not like this. And so, um, yeah, I try my best to, like I said, I, I definitely make it something that I openly feel comfortable to talk about because I think, um, I’ve had, I feel like the symptoms where I, like I said, I’ve had fatigue where I all of a sudden like need to take a nap in the middle of the day.

And like, just like shut down, complete had where I felt like my body was just my enemy. And I’ve also had times where I felt super depressed. And so I always just think whoever’s around me, has to understand that this is something that I deal with because, and then I’m navigating not a death sentence, but that I’m trying my best to figure it out.

But it is like, yeah. And the supportive partner would help you navigate. Not like you wouldn’t sit there and complain and he wouldn’t sit there and judge, you would try to navigate and he would try to assist. And then like eventually you’ll figure it out. If you continue navigating and assisting that’s the concept. Yeah, exactly. And honestly, I’ll say this it’s like,

my mom always thinks that maybe because I’m an entertainment, she’s like the adjustments that you have to make. She’s like, that’s a blessing. You can’t eat gluten and dairy. That’s a good thing. You should go on long walks every single day. These are positives. It’s really, once you come out on the other side and you’re used to the lifestyle changes,

you’re like, I feel so good. This is a blessing to even have had PCO S look at all of these great lifestyle and diet changes. I’ve made that other people can’t get themselves to do. Cause they don’t have a sense of urgency. Like I do. And now I have this really healthy life and I’m avoiding a lot of longterm illnesses. You know what I mean?

Like the other people might be, might get eventually because they weren’t as diligent as you have to be with PCO. S yeah. Yeah. It forces you to take a look at your life and take a look at and take your body very serious in a way that, um, that I don’t think I was paying attention to truthfully and that I haven’t seen my friends have to pay attention to.

And so I think that those are like the silver lining, like that you can look at like negatives as a positive when it comes to the diagnosis of it that it’s like, it’s gonna force you to do these adjustments that are a good thing. Yeah, exactly. It’s a good perspective. Yeah. I mean, speaking of your industry too, like,

did you feel like you saw a lot of like more negativity, like, cause of like the diet culture and stuff like that that made you think otherwise, You know, it’s like it’s popular to do diets obviously as an entertainer, like entertainment overall, people are constantly wanting to do something like that. But I think what is made me feel insecure was that you feel really out of control with your weight gain.

And this is a business where people are like losing weight whenever they feel like it. Like, I you’d go to a party and just get caught up talking about losing weight, like, you know, and so to be kind of in a place where you don’t necessarily feel in control of that part of yourself, um, can feel a little daunting. I’m trying my best.

Like this year has been more so the year where I’m like, just to feel grateful for my body versus sad about it or negative about it. Because I think that also affects how it functions truthfully. It affects yeah. The way you talked about, talk about it, talk to it. Um, and so I think that you can have a lot of times,

um, cause I tell actors this all the time that I’m like, you can’t get into acting, hoping that it will give you confidence. You actually have to have confidence already because you get rejected so often that if you think you’re going to go to an audition and now they’re going to like boost your spirits, it’s like, you just are in the wrong business.

So I’m like, it’s kind of the same. I have found in terms of auditioning in general, when you’re kind of going through an uncomfortable body stage is you unfortunately have to kind of like fake it as much as possible. Cause if you try and go in and think that you’re, you know, okay, I’m just kind of handling this as much as I could or I’m covering up,

you look uncomfortable, you don’t look like somebody who is like happy with themselves. So that’s why I’m like this year has been my year of just being like, let’s just be grateful for our body. It’s not so much pressure onto it to be this thing when I I’m never really giving it a chance to just be what it wants to be. Just like,

let my body live in the world. Take care of it as much as possible and not worry so much that it’s, I’m not as size zero. And it’s not there since, not that, but rather, like you said, where it’s like, you’re not even looking at the scale. It’s like, you just want to be in a place where you’re like,

I’m just living every single day and I’m glad to be here. You would be surprised how much easier it is to lose weight with that mindset rather than obsessing over the scale. And Oh, I’m not size zero. I mean, I think it shows because like, honestly it started telling you look great. You’re like glowing, you look beautiful. Like honesty.

I think it’s true that you don’t have to, you don’t have to put that pressure. Turns to music. Sorry, tell you, one of my friends did a video and I, I swear, I should ask her. I have no idea if she has or not, but she did a video and her whole video was like how I lost weight on from having a positive mindset.

And the video is just like, I just stopped overthinking. And then I said, great. And I was like, that’s the truth though? Like the more pressure you put on your body. And as I said, I’ve had like gut issues. And even that, um, one of the doctors that I’ve spoken with, he was kinda like, I’m sure you’re very stressed out when you are thinking about food.

And I was like, I am. And he’s like in that in itself is playing a role in how your gut is reacting. And like, you have to, as crazy as that sounds like as much as you can have the most relaxed lifestyle, ultimately with DCOS, because stress affects us greater than somebody else. And this affects every person very badly might do.

So to have the kind of body where it’s really like shooting up, then you have to just be like, okay, I have to find ways to be happy. I have to find ways to be grateful. I have to find ways to be comfortable. And so that means like being as relaxed as I possibly can, I’m here, but I’m like showing all my nightly rituals.

I’m like, let’s relax. No one bothering me. I’m like, I light an incense in the morning. I like one of the nights I’m like I write down, I have like a gratitude journal. Like I’m constantly finding ways to just be like, you just have to be calm. Right. You just have to be calm. That cortisol, that belly fat that comes from high court is not worth the stress.

Oh, you had me doing the gratitude journal for like three days. I think that’s all. That’s how long it lasted. I don’t know. Just like right before going to bed, I’m going to write like a whole two pages. I’m like, no, after just three days I couldn’t do it. I have it in my phone and I try to make it this easy.

Like I just try to make my gratitude like notes rather. Like just, it could be just one thing and it could be at any time of the day. Um, I try my best though to make it the first thing I did. Cause you know, you naturally will look at your phone when you first wake up or a really bad habit for me.

I try that. If I’m going to, then the first thing I have to do is actually write something that I’m grateful for versus kind of like getting to emails or getting to text or whatever you’d be looking at. Um, and it’s helped me. I can say that it’s helped me to, um, especially when I’m like pissed off, I have to write something I’m grateful for and it like right away.

So I know it doesn’t it just change your mind. So instantly it’s a great action step for the audience. When you get off this podcast, do gratitude journal, make it a habit, the simplest way of losing weight with PCOS, calm down and do a gratitude. Well, it was so lovely chatting with you and interviewing you today. We’re so grateful that you came on our podcast.

Yeah, it was, it was honestly an honor to have you here and like talk to you one on one, let the sisters know your journey. We really appreciate you sharing that with everybody. And just to let everybody know that like, you know, PCs can affect everyone and Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m not alone in this. You guys,

as I said, I think you guys are killing it. I think your information is great. I think the consistency is great. So please keep, keep, just keep doing it. Thank you for motivation. Thank you. Thank you so much. Alrighty so by sisters, thank you for listening to the episode. Uh, this was Andrea Lewis, uh,

look out for her, uh, documentary film coming out in the fall. Her name, uh, the name of the documentary is called social beauty. Alrighty by scissors. So you guys next week. Bye. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, you have to come check out the sisterhood. It’s my monthly membership site, where sisters just like you are learning how to move through the stages of PCOS from Sage one cold and alone at the doctor’s office to stage five,

nailing the PCs, lifestyle, collusion and dairy free. Get ready to finally feel in control of your body. Again,