
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition in women of reproductive age. It’s marked by irregular menses, elevated androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries. Typical symptoms include weight gain, acne, hirsutism, and fertility issues. Insulin resistance is a major player in PCOS, so diet control is vital for symptom relief and overall well-being.β
Key Dietary Principles for Managing PCOS
A healthy diet can be a critical factor in the management of PCOS. Some of the key principles are:
Low Glycemic Index (GI) & High Fiber: Regulates blood sugar and insulin spikes.
Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include turmeric, cinnamon, flaxseeds, and omega-3 foods to fight inflammation.
Protein-Rich Meals: Increases satiety and helps in weight management.
Restrict Refined Sugar, Wheat, and Dairy: Unless well tolerated, these can worsen symptoms.β
Frontiers
π₯ Sample Indian Vegetarian Diet Plan for PCOS
Early Morning (7:00 AM):
- Warm jeera (cumin) or methi (fenugreek) water.
- 1 soaked walnut, 4 soaked almonds, and 1 Brazil nut (rich in selenium for thyroid support).β
Breakfast (8:00β8:30 AM):
- Moong dal chilla (2) with grated vegetables like carrot, zucchini, methi, and spinach.
- Mint coriander chutney.
- Herbal or unsweetened cinnamon tea.βRoshni Sanghvi
Alternate Option: Vegetable oats upma with flaxseeds and tofu cubes.β
Mid-Morning Snack (11:00 AM):
- 1 small guava or kiwi (both are low GI and high in vitamin C).
- Or Chia seed lemon water (1 tsp chia seeds with lemon in water).β
Lunch (1:00β1:30 PM):
- 1.5 bowls of quinoa or millet khichdi (foxtail or barnyard) loaded with vegetables.
- 1 bowl of curd (if tolerated) or coconut yogurt.
- 1 tsp ghee and optional pickle.
- Salad with cucumber, beetroot, onion, rock salt, and lemon.β
Alternate Option: 1 phulka (no oil) with 1 bowl of palak tofu and lauki sabji.β
Evening Snack (4:00β5:00 PM):
- Roasted makhana with 1 tsp ghee, rock salt, and turmeric.
- Herbal tea, spearmint tea, or green tea.β
Post-Workout:
- Smoothie made with banana, peanut butter, plant protein, cinnamon, flaxseed, and almond milk.β
Dinner (7:30β8:00 PM):
- Vegetable-loaded soup (broccoli, carrots, moong sprouts, zucchini).
- 1 small bowl of quinoa stir-fry or sautΓ©ed tofu with vegetables.
- Or 1 besan or jowar roti with 1 bowl of tinda or turai sabji.β
Bedtime (9:30β10:00 PM):
- Warm turmeric almond milk (dairy-free).
- Or 1 soaked fig with 2 pumpkin seeds and chamomile tea.
Weekly Highlights for PCOS Support
Seed Rotation: Flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase; sunflower and sesame seeds during the luteal phase.
Herbal Supplements: Consider ashwagandha, inositol, or spearmint tea under professional guidance.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Avoid sugar, dairy, wheat, and soy unless individually tolerated.
- Engage in daily exercise, including 30β45 minutes of walking and resistance training.
- Ensure 7β8 hours of quality sleep for hormonal balance.
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