PCOS, Discipline & Doing the Work: Dillon’s Wake-Up Call and What Changed
In this episode of Below Her Surface, Lily sits down with one of her oldest friends, Dillon (known on Instagram as @dilshealth). The two first met in high school, and now, years later, they share an open and honest conversation about Dillon’s decade-long experience with irregular cycles, cystic acne, weight struggles, and the frustration of going undiagnosed with PCOS until her mid-20s.
Dillon opens up about the moment she moved past the “I’ll start tomorrow” mindset and began taking consistent daily action. She shares how she rebuilt her health with protein-focused meals, lowering carbs, and swapping stress-driven HIIT for strength training. What made the biggest difference wasn’t perfection—it was responsibility, accountability, and showing herself kindness along the way.
Her journey not only transformed her own health, but also inspired her to build a platform to support other women facing similar challenges. Dillon has since developed her first recipe ebook, Wholesome Meals for Every Craving, packed with simple, nourishing recipes designed to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable. You can explore her ebook here: Wholesome Meals for Every Craving.
Together, Lily and Dillon explore:
- Early warning signs for PCOS: irregular cycles, jawline acne, and rapid inflammation
- How uni culture, alcohol, and COVID isolation worsened her symptoms
- The Instagram post that became her turning point
- Why calorie-cutting failed, and how learning about macros + insulin resistance transformed her approach
- Transitioning from HIIT to walking and strength training to better support hormones and reduce stress
- Using food tracking as a short-term tool for awareness and confidence
- Navigating events, socialising, and staying consistent while still enjoying life
- The role of accountability and ownership—balanced with self-kindness—in building a routine that lasts
- The bigger picture: hormone literacy, PCOS awareness in the workplace, and advocating for better care
This conversation is raw, practical, and filled with hope—offering support and strategies for anyone navigating PCOS, searching for answers, or wanting to feel more at ease and in control of their health.
New Zealand