Diets don’t work for me. I believe, like author Geneen
Roth, that for every diet there is an equal and opposite binge.
Deprivation and denial don’t create health. Often taking a person’s favorite
food away can be almost as bad as taking drugs away from a drug addict.
The food is giving them something they need on many levels. That is why I
approach eating for PCOS with a Meal Plan rather than a diet. If you want
to see how I eat to thrive with PCOS check out my PCOS Diva Meal Plans.
What I have found to be so much easier and more effective,
is to add more good stuff into our diets, which help “crowd out” the bad
stuff. When you begin to eat more nutritious foods, your body will have
less room for processed junk and you will actually find that cravings for
unhealthy foods will lessen substantially.
The most nutrient dense foods in the world are often called
“Superfoods.” These foods have more phytonutrients and essential
nutrients than any other food in the world. They are the richest sources
of everything our bodies need to function at optimal performance.
When I started adding superfoods to my diet, my cravings
began to subside, I had more energy and I literally began to glow with
health.
Here are my top 5 PCOS Superfoods:
Spirulina and Blue Green Algae
Spirulina is a blue-green, one-celled form of algae
that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh bodies of water such as lakes and
ponds It made up of 55-70% protein which makes it the highest food source
of protein in the world. It is a rich source of minerals and the
antioxidant beta-carotene as well as the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic
acid (GLA).Both spirulina and blue green algae are rich sources of
chlorophyll. When we add it to our diet our body uses the chlorophyll to
cleanse our blood and it protects our DNA from aging. You can add these algae’s
to your diet with a green food powder. There are many varieties available
at health food stores. Add the powder to water or your morning smoothie.
Goji Berry
A small and red berry, goji’s grow on a thorny perennial
bush, and are indigenous to the difficult terrains of the Himalayan mountain
range. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years, goji
berries are known to promote longevity and strength building. This
superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, including all 8 essential amino acids,
up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B
& E vitamins, and many other nutrients.
It is very unusual for a fruit to contain protein but the
goji actually has 13% protein and is a complete protein source.
This fruit has more iron than spinach, has 500% more vitamin c than
an orange and 2-4x more antioxidants than blueberries. And
remarkably, the goji berry is the only food known to stimulate the human growth
hormone naturally. As we age, we produce less and less of human growth
hormone. Decreasing levels are linked to aging. Eat them alone, in
a trail mix or in a salad or in your oatmeal. Their flavor goes great
with a little dark chocolate!
Raw Cacao
Speaking of chocolate, the dried seeds of a South American
evergreen tree (Theobroma cacao) Theobroma, which translates as “food of
the gods” is the ancient food of the Aztecs. These dried seeds are used
in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter. It is one of the most
chemically complex foods on the planet. Raw Cacoa is the #1 source of
antioxidants, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium and is also extremely
high in PEA, theobromine (cardiovascular support), and anandamide (“bliss
chemical”). Raw Chocolate improves cardiovascular health, builds strong bones,
is a natural aphrodisiac, elevates your mood and energy, and increases
longevity.
It is also one of the highest sources of vitamin c.
but there is no vitamin c in chocolate becauseheat destroys vitamin c.
Raw cacoa has 314% of the daily iron we need. Magnesium and chromium also
happens to be the #1 mineral and trace mineral deficiency that most Americans
have. Cacoa is high in both of these minerals which are critical
for a healthy metabolism.
It comes in cut up pieces called nibs and in powder form.
Cacao Nibs are partially ground cacao beans (the source of all chocolate
products) you can find slightly sweetened nibs that are lightly mixed with 100%
organic sugar cane juice. You can use in smoothies and desserts or put
the nibs in a trail mix.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are of a plant (Salvia hispanica) of the mint
family, native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The chia seed was
cultivated and eaten by the ancient Aztecs, Incans, and Mayans and was
considered a staple food alongside corn and beans. “Chia” is actually the
Mayan word for “strength”. Chia seeds are a compete protein source with
20% more protein than any other seed or grain. In addition to being rich
in protein, it is actually has 60% omega 3 fatty acids. Can absorb more than 9x
it’s weight in water so it can help has prolong hydration and balance body
fluids. The seeds unique ability to absorb liquid and form a gel (basic chia
gel recipe) makes chia especially good to use as a thickening agent in recipes
like soup, smoothies, or enjoyed as a pudding with a touch of sweetener. In two
ounces of chia seeds there are 600mg of calcium compared to 120mg in 2 ounces
of milk. One serving of chia can provide 30% of fiber we need. It is also
high in iron.
These seeds can naturally suppress appetite. Research has
linked this valuable food as a being beneficial for many health issues,
including diabetes, hypoglycemia, celiac disease, and lowering cholesterol. Use
seeds on oatmeal, smoothies, salads, baked goods or just about anything.
Hemp Seeds
A tall, coarse plant (Cannabis sativa L), that is native to
Asia but naturalized or cultivated in many parts of the world, in fact it
is one of the earliest known plants to be cultivated by humans. It is the
source of a nutritious, edible seed (hemp seed). Hemp seeds are packed with 33%
pure digestible protein, and are rich in iron, magnesium, zinc amino acids, and
vitamin E as well as omega-3’s and GLA. Hemp is a perfect food for growing
children and adults looking to increase protein intake. It contains all
the essential amino acids and is a balanced source of vegan protein. It is also
unique in that it has hemp also has a very well-balanced ratio of essential
fatty acids (EFAs) – Omega 3, 6, and 9 – which are excellent for cardiovascular
health and promote a strong immune system its seeds for nutrition and vitality.
Also a great source of dietary fiber, enjoy hemp seeds by
themselves, or try them sprinkled on just about anything: including granola or
yogurt, salads, soups, dips, or baked into recipes.
