Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS / PCOD) is an endocrine (hormonal) disease which affects a woman’s ovulation and fertility. A key component of PCOS is that it causes insulin resistance, much like diabetes and weight gain. In turn, it can be complicated to choose the right foods and PCOS friendly meals when dealing with PCOS. Follow on for PCOS: 5 Winter-Friendly Recipes!
1. Avocado Toast
Start the day with a glycemic Index- conscious option! Avocado toast among dairy free recipes, has been all the rage over the past couple of years because of its combo of healthy fats and substantial carbs -that don’t spike your blood sugar- to prepare you for the day.
But, it’s important to be careful with your carbs when you have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) – not mixing them completely, but choosing those that affect your insulin the least, otherwise known as low-glycemic Index. This one among popular PCOS recipes utilizes whole wheat toast, a healthy alternative to the refined white bread most recipes call for.
2. Red Lentil Curry
Spices like turmeric, ginger and cinnamon can be great tools to fight inflammation caused by PCOS. This is why PCOS dinner recipes like a curry could be a great option to add to your PCOS diet.
Many curries contain dairy and meat, but maintaining a dairy-free and vegetarian diet is a great way to manage polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms. This recipe is great, because it uses high-protein lentils instead of meat, and nut milk instead of dairy, try it the next time you’re craving a little spice!
3. Kale & Sweet Potato Soup
This recipe contains two PCOS superfoods! Leafy greens and sweet potatoes are great for the this type of diet, because they’re both low-glycemic index and loaded with nutrients! Making a soup out of them is a great way to stay low-carb, while still loading up on plenty of vitamins. Warm up with this on your next snowy day!
4. Spaghetti Squash with Lentil Bolognese
What’s better than a warm plate of spaghetti on a cold winter’s night? Unfortunately, regular spaghetti is loaded with refined carbs, which only exacerbated symptoms of PCOS.
Luckily, there’s a low-glycemic veggie that can mimic pasta pretty convincingly – spaghetti squash. As an alternative to meat, try this lentil bolognese – you’ll be surprised how well it disguises as beef! You can also try rainbow plant life lentil bolognese.
5. Protein Balls
Let’s face it, nothing warms our soul like a nice sweet. Unfortunately, sugar can negatively impact polycystic ovarian syndrome by increasing blood glucose and stimulating the hormonal system into overdrive.
Protein balls are a clever alternative – all it takes is a nut butter and a few of your favorite seeds and grains to make a healthier dessert!
Do you or a loved one have PCOS? Have you found it hard to follow a proper diet with this tricky disease? Give these recipes a try and let us know your feedback! What are your favorite PCOS-friendly recipes? Do let us know in the comments below and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
