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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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PCOS

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Dt. SonalDietitian/Nutritionist • 29 Years Exp.M.Sc Dietetics and Food Service Management, B.Sc. - Dietitics / Nutrition

Pcos is a hormonal disorder affecting many women leading to abnormal weight gain, high sugar levels and infertility. It is said even a 10% reduction in weight improves the overall condition in pcos. Losing weight is the only way to manage pcos and diet plays an 80% role in the same. Balance nutrition offers this online program for weight loss for women with pcos. Along with the diet, special super foods from the kitchen are incorporated to ensure you lose weight, correct the hormonal imbalance and regularize periods

What is pcos diet?

A typical low-fat weight loss diet like the simple 1200 calorie diet plan is not effective enough to promote weight loss in women suffering from pcos because in this case, weight gain is a result of high insulin levels that promotes fat storage in the body. Polycystic ovaries treatment and weight management call for a specialized low gi diet that includes selected combinations of foods that don't cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels.

6 healthy food groups to include in a pcos diet menu

The following is a healthy pcos food list that can be included in the daily diet in order to manage the polycystic ovarian disease in a more effective manner and prevent weight gain which is one of the most recognizable symptoms of this condition.

Green leafy vegetables

The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables to lose weight are well known, but it also helps to control polycystic ovary syndrome naturally. Leafy vegetables have maximum nutrients per calories compared to other foods and also rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium along with vitamins k, c and e and most importantly essential b vitamins which plays an imperative role in managing the symptoms of pcos. B vitamins especially b2, b3, b5 and b6 help in better sugar and fat metabolism, improve thyroid functioning and render better hormone balance, improve fertility all of which are essential for pcos management.

Green leafy vegetables for pcos

The minerals help to neutralize the acidity caused by inflammation and impaired glucose tolerance. Calcium helps in egg maturation and follicle development in ovaries; potassium is needed for fsh (follicle stimulation hormone) production. It helps to reduce pms symptoms and also promotes weight loss.

Coloured vegetables

Brightly colored vegetables not only makes for an appetizing salad but also helps in controlling pcos and must be included in the pcos diet plan. Colourful vegetables are loaded with powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize the harmful effects of oxidative stress in women suffering from pcos. Coloured vegetables

Some of the healthiest colored vegetables include red and yellow bell peppers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, etc.

Fruits

This is the next set of healthy foods that must be included in pcos diet recipes. Although most women suffering from pcos are reluctant to include fruits in their diet because of the fructose content that causes a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and consequently insulin levels, fruits are really rich in phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibres so it should not be avoided entirely.

Fruits and vegetables

Include fruits that have low gi such as lime, strawberries, apricot, grapefruit, lemon, cantaloupe, guava, pear, oranges, watermelon, blueberries, nectarines, apples and kiwifruit and also eat a handful of nuts or seeds with the fruits for the much needed protein boost that helps to control the sudden sugar spike caused by fruits. You can also try delicious kiwi smoothie recipes which are loaded with nutrients.

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