10 Foods To Avoid If You Have PCOS And 10 To Safely Indulge In
Insulin Incapabilities
For many women, PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a life-altering diagnosis that makes everything extra difficult, especially when it comes to dieting and weight loss. Most of these women are unable to produce insulin, which leaves them predisposed to diabetes and heart issues. With that in mind, here are 10 foods that wreak havoc on PCOS bodies.
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1. French Fries
Nothing hits home like a melt-in-your-mouth poutine or a side of garnished fries. However, these fried snacks are known to ramp up inflammation, which is a common issue for women with PCOS. High saturated and trans fats should be avoided at all costs.
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2. Potato Chips
Potato chips are the quintessential snack food. You can have a bowl while watching a movie or simply as a midday snack. However, for women with PCOS, these little snacks are particularly dangerous due to their high fats and oils. Try whole-grain tortilla or baked sweet potato chips instead.
3. Fried Chicken
Whether you’re at the family cookout or lining up at the local KFC, a fried chicken break is just good fun. But for those with PCOS, fried chicken can aggravate inflammation and weight gain, making it even more difficult to shed the excess.
4. Soda
The issue with sodas, juices, and most fizzy drinks is the presence of sugars and sweeteners. These will spike your blood sugar, which is already difficult for your body to manage since it doesn’t properly provide insulin in the first place.
5. Cookies
Cookies, cakes, and really anything sweet and crumbly are now off the menu. Not only are these snacks super processed, but their high sugar content and refined carbohydrate count make them very dangerous. They’ll cause your blood sugar to spike and crash.
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6. White Rice
While white rice may seem harmless, it is critical for patients with PCOS to avoid refined flour at all costs. This applies to pasta and bread as well, as white processed carbohydrates will further increase already chaotic insulin levels.
7. Hamburgers
By now it’s quite clear why hamburgers must be avoided. The buns are made of refined flour, and the patty itself involves processed meats. Additionally, the saturated fat content within the patties are known to increase inflammation.
8. Instant Oatmeal
Lots of people consider oatmeal to be a healthy breakfast alternative, but the issue with instant oatmeal applies to granola and cereal as well. These processed breakfast foods are high in sugar and have a high glycemic index. Choose natura, unrefined, and healthier oats instead.
9. Steaks
Steaks, and all red meats including roast beef, hot dogs, and so on, are processed meats that are packed with saturated fats. These foods are guaranteed to ramp up inflammation and should be consumed in small amounts only.
10. Pizza
There are multiple issues that make pizza a bad choice for those with PCOS. Firstly, the crust is often made with refined flour that spikes insulin. Additionally, the use of red meat toppings or excessive oil leads to dangerous fat intake.
Before you lose all hope, there are still plenty of foods out there that can safely be enjoyed by those who have PCOS. While they’re not as tasty as a bucket of fries or a slice of pizza, these foods will promote healthy heart activity and limit the likelihood of developing diabetes.
1. Salmon
Fish that are rich in omega-3 oils are some of the best options for people with PCOS. While salmon is a good choice, most fish will do the trick. Be sure to bake or broil them instead of frying them.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is certainly the go-to for people with PCOS. Far healthier than canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, this is a great alternative to butter and margarine as well.
3. Spinach
While you might think all vegetables are healthy to have, you’d be mistaken. It’s better to avoid starchy vegetables and opt for leafy greens instead. That makes kale and spinach a good choice.
4. Cauliflower
Another reliable vegetable is cauliflower and broccoli, which have the nutritious benefits you’re looking for while cutting out unnecessary starch. You can bake them alongside a fillet of fish for a filling meal.
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5. Beans
While giving up red meats may seem hard, many dietitians recommend replacing them with beans instead. Any protein-rich legume will do the trick, but fava beans and garbanzo beans are great options.
6. Apples
According to the old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While that may not be entirely true, an apple is a crisp and nutritious snack that can take the place of most midday treats.
7. Brown Rice
While white rice is off the menu, it’s easy to replace the pantry staple with brown rice instead. In fact, brown rice is far more nutritious, and it’s made of whole grains that won’t spike your blood sugar.
8. Barley
If you’re looking for another grain alternative, barley is another solid option that takes the place of most unhealthy cereals. It reduces cholesterol and sugar levels and is known to help manage weight.
9. Peaches
While giving up cookies and cakes is no easy feat, there are plenty of fruits that have healthy and natural sugars that are perfect for PCOS bodies. Indulge in a bowl of fruits after a meal for that classic dessert fix.
10. Seltzer
Replacing sodas is hard to do, but seltzers are a smart, bubbly alternative with high levels of minerals and yummy fruit flavorings. Shifting from soda to seltzer may take a little time, but your body will certainly thank you for it.
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