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Living With PCOS? Try This Flexible RD-Approved Meal Plan

Author:

Abby Moore

October 20, 2024

mbg Nutrition & Health Writer

By Abby Moore

mbg Nutrition & Health Writer

Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine.

Image by Nataša Mandić / Stocksy

October 20, 2024

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When living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), many people will advise making drastic changes to your diet to help manage certain symptoms. In reality, developing small and attainable habits and listening to your body are the most effective ways to reach your nutrition goals according to Felice Ramallo, MSCN, R.D., L.D., lead registered dietitian at Allara.

Functional Nutrition Training

While the advice is simple enough, sometimes the thought of planning what to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, can just be...too much, particularly in the midst of a busy week. So, to give you a break, Ramallo shares this handy-dandy meal plan for people with PCOS (or really anyone looking for a guidepost to balanced, nourishing meals).

Breakfast

Whole grain or oat pancakes. If you enjoy maple syrup, Ramallo advises having it in moderation and opting for a dark amber, which packs a more flavorful punch in smaller amounts.
Protein of choice: nut butter, eggs, or breakfast sausage. If cholesterol is a concern, she recommends chicken sausage.
A cup or piece of fruit
A glass of whole milk or cup of full-fat yogurt

Lunch

A pita pocket (or another grain-based vessel, like bread or a wrap) stuffed with grilled chicken, fish, lamb, or lean meat; a handful of lettuce, sliced cucumber, tomato, or other veggies; tzatziki sauce or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar.
Depending on your hunger level, add a side of nuts, fruit, or veggies.

Snack

Cheese sticks, cheese cubes, cheese spread...you get the picture
Whole-grain, high-fiber, or seedy crackers (our favorites here)
Fruits and veggies

Dinner

Mixed green salad
Brown rice, quinoa, or another cooked grain
Plant or animal-based protein (grilled, sauteed, braised, curried, etc.)

Dessert

If you crave dessert, Ramallo is all for it. She recommends indulging in a few squares of dark chocolate, a scoop (or two) of ice cream, a brownie, a cookie, or whatever you're hankering for, really.

"Of course, sugar can make PCOS worse," she once told mbg, "but there are methods to lower the blood sugar spike." Namely, pairing your sweet treat with protein, fat, and fiber, as they will reduce the speed at which the body can absorb sugar. So...chocolate with a touch of nut butter?

The takeaway

While the specifics of the meal plan can be flexible, you can use the represented food groups as a sort of template for your everyday diet. The main takeaway here is that each meal should provide carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and fat, Ramallo says.

"I suggest whole grains at all three big meals since six or more servings of grains are recommended per day," she says. "Other than that, about half of the plate should be fruits and vegetables, one-quarter should be whole grains, and the remaining one-quarter portion should be protein." On top of the main food groups, Ramallo recommends integrating nutrient-dense oils and whole dairy, where possible.