Food as Medicine: Nutritional Strategies for Managing PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical disorder that can cause irregular periods, acne, extra facial hair, trouble getting pregnant, weight gain and obesity. People with this condition also are at increased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.  

And it’s more common than you may think -- approximately 5 to 8 percent of all women have PCOS. Most, but not all, people with PCOS have excess weight or obesity. 

The good news is there are steps you can take to minimize the effects of PCOS and many of them begin in the kitchen.  

A well-balanced diet, including non-starchy vegetables and fruits, lean protein, healthy carbs and low-fat dairy, can help people with PCOS get healthier and prevent complications. Elimination of saturated fats, processed meats and refined sugar is also recommended. 

In this class, explore how food can act as medicine in helping you live with PCOS and other gynecologic issues that affect women. Your guides through this conversation will be Omar Zwain, MD, a fellowship-trained, board-certified, minimally invasive gynecologic and robotic surgeon who sees patients at the Center for Health & Wellbeing, and Allison Harrell, a Registered Dietitian and Culinary Medicine Expert.  

You have two options for attending this program – save your seat in the Nutrition Theatre or click here to register for our free webinar and watch it from home. Whether you’re watching from inside the Nutrition Theatre or from home, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your questions and comments with Allison and Dr. Zwain during the program. 

This is a demonstration-style cooking program, so our in-person attendees should prepare to sit back, relax and let our chef prepare the meal while you enjoy the delicious items (exact menu to be announced soon!). All attendees, both online and in-person, will receive a booklet for all prepared recipes.  

Cancelling Your Reservation: In order to receive a full refund, participants must cancel their program registration at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled start of the program. Center for Health & Wellbeing’s Refund Policy >>>   

This program is presented by Dr. Omar Zwain of AdventHealth and Allison Harrell and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation in collaboration with AdventHealth.    

About the Presenters:

Allison Harrell is a registered dietitian nutritionist and plant-based chef who has been passionate about food and nutrition for more than 20 years. She advanced her knowledge by becoming a certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, certified in Weight Loss Management. Harrell believes that every time we eat, it is an opportunity to promote our health. She incorporates culinary experiences with a science-based approach. Her programs and tools make a positive difference in the health of our communities by instilling confidence and knowledge in the kitchen.  

Omar Zwain, MD, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified, minimally invasive gynecologic and robotic surgeon. He offers women with fibroids and other gynecologic problems the best possible scientific evidence to guide and inform their treatment decisions, and minimally invasive solutions when appropriate. Dr. Zwain strives to provide excellence in gynecologic care through evidence-based medicine and some of the most advanced, minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Dr. Zwain is fluent in both English and Arabic. 

About the Food as Medicine Series: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” isn’t just a quote from ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, it’s a framework to healthy and healing eating that’s more relevant today than ever. Join CHWB Chefs and AdventHealth physicians for this innovative program from the Center for Health & Wellbeing. You’ll learn more about the intersection of food and medicine, dive deep into the ways your food choices affect your health far beyond the numbers on your scale and learn easy recipes using new and interesting flavors and techniques. 

Host or Publisher Center for Health & Wellbeing