Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not only the leading cause of infertility in women, but also the culprit behind symptoms such as irregular periods, severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, depression, anxiety, excessive hair growth, increased testosterone levels, dark skin patches, acne, low libido, and thinning hair.
PCOS is sometimes referred to as the “Silent Killer”, a name that reflects the difficulty in diagnosing the condition and living with it. To confirm a diagnosis, healthcare professionals will most often perform an ovarian ultrasound and look for cysts in the characteristic string of pearls pattern that unburst follicles form once fluid collects in the multiple sacs. Hormonal imbalances are what cause some eggs to not fully mature and rupture, making PCOS an endocrine problem but unfortunately, hormones alone cannot treat the condition.
Most women with PCOS are put on birth control pills to correct their hormonal balance and ensure at least one egg matures and is released every month. As advocates for #healthymenstruation, we prefer other more natural treatment elements for PCOS including exercise and healthy living habits. Because women with PCOS are prone to weight gain and conditions that are exacerbated by it, it is suggested they follow a nutritional plan that avoids high-carb or highly-processed foods, as well as foods with gluten that can cause inflammation. Instead, high-protein, high-fiber foods, lean meats, lots of fruits and vegetables, and natural fats are best.
Here are our favorite five recipes for delicious dishes that meet the recommended dietary needs for women with PCOS:
1. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Forget flour and toss out tortillas; zucchinis are the new superfood in this recipe that replaces carbs with vegetables. Hint: be sure to carve out enough of the seeds to make sure your boat can support your chicken and cheese concoction.
Image Courtesy of http://www.plaidandpaleo.com/
2. Twice-Baked Breakfast Sweet Potatoes
Throw out the oil-soaked chorizo and bring in the sweet potatoes instead. Rich in vitamins as it is in possible textures, this dish really lets you play with the best breakfast ingredients available and mix them together. If you’re craving crunch, throw some herbed bread crumbs on top of the egg before cooking.
3. Gluten-Free, Grain-Free Apple Muffins
Good for the whole family or on the go, these crumbly bites are cooked to perfection by a baker who has taste tested for sogginess avoidance and always aims for carb reduction. Add some dried cranberries for antioxidants or walnuts for fat and a bite!
Image Courtesy of www.healwithfood.org/
4. Risotto with Crimini Mushrooms and Arugula
This simple, fresh recipe will have you yearning for tickets to Tuscany and a glass of red wine, but settle for some broccoli and asparagus instead to liven this dish up. A bit of lean sausage meat could also do for a weekly treat.
5. Salmon Meatballs with Creamy Avocado Sauce
This recipe is perfect for quick bites to be passed around the table or for a lazy, summer evening when you can have dinner out on the balcony. Add a tinge of lime, cayenne powder (good for detoxing cleanses), and cilantro for an extra kick!
Let us know what you think of these fab recipes and please share some of yours. We couldn’t think of a more delicious way to complement your healthy menstrual care products than a healthy high fiber diet!