Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. It is a condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. While there is no known cure for PCOS, there are many holistic approaches that can help manage the symptoms of this condition. One of the most effective ways to manage PCOS is through diet. In this blog post, we will discuss the best foods for women dealing with PCOS.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent nutrients that benefit women with PCOS. These greens are rich in folate, iron, and magnesium, which can help regulate hormones and improve insulin resistance. These nutrients can also help to reduce inflammation, which is a common problem for women with PCOS.
Berries
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause insulin resistance, which can worsen PCOS symptoms. Berries are also low in sugar and high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, all of which can help to manage PCOS symptoms. Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are particularly beneficial for women with PCOS as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
Avocado
Avocado is an excellent source of healthy fats and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. It is also rich in potassium, which can help reduce bloating and water retention, which are common problems for women with PCOS.
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. Salmon is also low in calories and vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats are a great source of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. They are also rich in B vitamins, which are important for hormone regulation.
Legumes
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and iron, all of which can help to manage PCOS symptoms. Legumes are also low in fat and calories, which can help with weight management.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Adding cinnamon to your diet can help to reduce insulin resistance, which is a common problem for women with PCOS.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can worsen PCOS symptoms, so adding turmeric to your diet can be beneficial.
Green Tea
Green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also rich in catechins, which can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
In conclusion, women with PCOS can benefit greatly from a diet rich in nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods. Leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds, avocado, salmon, whole grains, legumes, cinnamon, turmeric, and green tea are excellent choices for women with PCOS.
Pulling It All Together
When it comes to reversing the signs of aging, many people turn to expensive creams and treatments that promise to erase wrinkles and give them younger-looking skin. However, the truth is that the most effective way to achieve youthful, radiant skin is by eating a healthy diet. The food we eat profoundly impacts our skin’s health, and by choosing the right foods, we can help reverse the effects of aging from the inside out. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your skin’s DNA and accelerate aging.
In particular, eating foods high in antioxidants can help reverse the signs of aging. Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and preventing them from damaging your skin. They can also help boost collagen production, which is essential for keeping your skin firm and supple.
Why You Should Start Today
Another benefit of eating a healthy diet is that it can help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a significant contributor to the aging process, and it can cause various skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. By eating anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish, you can help reduce inflammation and improve your skin’s health. In addition to eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated is essential. Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins from your body and keep your skin plump and hydrated. In conclusion, eating your way to better skin is the best way to reverse the signs of aging. Choosing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods can help protect your skin from damage, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and achieve youthful, radiant skin from the inside out.
Roasted Cauliflower with Burrata and Herbs
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 4
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ball of vegan burrata cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Season the cauliflower with salt and black pepper to taste. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown and tender. While the cauliflower is roasting, chop the fresh herbs and mix them with the lemon juice in a small bowl.
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a serving dish. Tear the vegan burrata cheese into small pieces and scatter it over the roasted cauliflower. Drizzle the herb and lemon mixture over the cauliflower and burrata. Serve the roasted cauliflower hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Strawberry Stuffed Cream Cheese French Toast
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 6
- 1 loaf of gluten-free bread, sliced
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond milk)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto one slice of gluten-free bread. Top with a layer of sliced strawberries and another slice of bread to make a sandwich. Repeat this process until all the bread slices are used up and you have four sandwiches. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally to create triangles.
Whisk together the melted vegan butter, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt in a separate mixing bowl until well combined. Dip each triangle of stuffed bread into the milk mixture, ensuring it is coated on both sides. Place the dipped triangles into the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Pour any remaining milk mixture over the top of the bread triangles. Bake the stuffed French toast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy outside. Remove the baked stuffed French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Mocha Cherry Smoothie
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 1
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/4 cup brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Directions:
Add the frozen cherries, almond milk, banana, brewed coffee, cocoa powder, maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract to a blender. Add a handful of ice cubes to the blender to help thicken the smoothie and create a more creamy texture. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness, if needed, by adding more maple syrup or another sweetener. Pour the mocha cherry smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
Lemon Linzer Bars
Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 10
For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the vegan butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
Let the crust cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading the lemon curd over the top in an even layer. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam over the lemon curd and use a knife to swirl the jam into the curd. Bake the Lemon Linzer Bars for 10-12 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let the bars cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bars are cool, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut the Lemon Linzer Bars into squares and serve.
Get Started Today
Keeping your body free of toxins and free radicals is necessary to maintain a healthy life and mind. You can add tons of foods to your regular diet to help your body with its critical detoxifying processes. If you want a safe and all-natural way to detox your body at home, check out my Balancing Abundance Program. Because detoxing is so essential and realistically, everyone should be doing it on at least a seasonal basis, I have put together a program to help you do just that.
Here’s the thing: I know working with me one-on-one can seem challenging (due to limited space), and I wanted to be able to give everyone an additional solution that has no limits. You deserve to be happy, healthy, and successful at everything you do, so here are some recipes to help set you up for success!
Need A Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. We all have to deal with our health daily, which shows when we don’t feel our best. If you are tired of just making it through your day, you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you need help, I am always here to do that. Even if it is something as small as acting as a sounding board, do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with?
Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies, and check back daily for more great recipes and information!