Why You Keep Falling Off Track with PCOS (It’s Not Your Fault!)

Madison Matthews
Mar 7
3 min read

Have you ever started a new routine—cutting out sugar, eating “clean,” working out daily—only to fall off track a few weeks later?

You tell yourself this time will be different, but eventually, you slip back into old habits.

It’s frustrating. You start wondering if you just don’t have the willpower to stay consistent.

But here’s the truth: PCOS makes consistency harder. And it’s not your fault.

Understanding why this happens and how to fix it is the key to long-term success. Let’s break it down.

Why You Keep Falling off Track with PCOS

Hormones Impact Motivation & Cravings

PCOS affects dopamine and insulin, which means you may experience sudden energy crashes and intense cravings. This isn’t lack of discipline—it’s your body’s chemistry at play.

Dopamine influences motivation and pleasure, making it harder to stick to habits long-term.
Insulin resistance can lead to blood sugar fluctuations, triggering cravings for quick-energy foods.
The result? A cycle of restriction, cravings, and overeating that feels impossible to break.

Extreme Diets & Rigid Plans Lead to Burnout

Many women go all-in on restrictive diets, cutting out entire food groups. But all-or-nothing thinking leads to exhaustion, making it harder to stay consistent long-term.

Cutting carbs too low can leave you fatigued, irritable, and more prone to cravings.
Intense exercise without recovery raises cortisol (stress hormone), making fat loss harder.
Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration and giving up when results don’t come fast enough.

Emotional Stress & Subconscious Blocks Cause Self-Sabotage

Stress, past experiences, and limiting beliefs can create subconscious resistance to change, making it easier to fall back into old patterns.

Fear of failure: If you’ve struggled in the past, you may hesitate to commit again.
Perfectionism: Expecting perfect progress can lead to an “all or nothing” mindset.
Emotional Eating: Stress increases cravings for high-sugar, high-carb comfort foods.

PCOS isn’t just about physical symptoms—mental and emotional well-being play a huge role in your ability to stay on track.

How to Finally Break the Cycle

Consistency isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Here’s how:

Ditch Extreme Restrictions – A flexible, balanced approach works better long-term.
Balance Blood Sugar to Reduce Cravings & Energy Crashes – Focus on stabilising meals.
Address Emotional Blocks with ERT (Emotional Release Technique) – Self-sabotage often runs deeper than you think.

When my client Sarah came to me, she was stuck in the cycle of starting over every Monday, feeling like she had failed by the weekend.

When she stopped focusing on rigid dieting and started balancing her hormones & mindset, everything changed.

Now, she stays consistent without feeling deprived or burnt out.

Steps to Build Long-Term Consistency

1. Create a Realistic Plan That Fits Your Life

Instead of jumping into strict diets, start with one small change at a time.
Prioritize protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable.
Reduce stress-driven eating by incorporating mindfulness techniques.

Stop Thinking in “All-or-Nothing” Terms

One bad meal won’t ruin your progress—what matters is what you do consistently.
Allow for balance and flexibility in your nutrition and movement.
Focus on building habits over time, rather than expecting instant results.

Prioritize Blood Sugar Balance
1. Pair carbs with protein and fats to prevent energy crashes.
2. Eat regular meals to avoid binge cycles.
3. Limit processed sugars and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods.
Address the Emotional & Mental Barriers Holding You Back
1. Why do you self-sabotage? Is it fear of failure, past trauma, or stress?
2. Using Emotional Release Technique (ERT) can help clear subconscious barriers.
3. Work on self-compassion and realistic goal-setting to make lasting change easier.

The Role of ERT in Building Consistency

Emotional Release Technique (ERT) is one of the most effective tools for addressing subconscious patterns that lead to self-sabotage.

Helps identify triggers that cause cravings, stress-eating, and inconsistency.
Clears emotional blocks and limiting beliefs around food, exercise, and self-worth.
Strengthens your ability to follow through on health goals without burnout.

Many of my clients struggled with consistency for years, feeling stuck in cycles of progress and relapse. After integrating ERT into their plan, they finally began seeing real, lasting changes.