Snacking Smarter With PCOS
Weight loss and managing PCOS isn’t just about avoiding certain foods. What you eat matters too! Fueling your body with snacks that help keep your blood sugar stable, reduce inflammation, and support your hormones will leave you feeling great and give you energy all day long. Your mood and energy will thank you. Here are 20 tasty and simple snacks to help you feel good and avoid feeling deprived.
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1. Greek Yogurt With Berries
Plain Greek yogurt contains high amounts of protein that can keep blood sugar levels balanced. Top with berries for antioxidants, sweetness, and flavor without causing an insulin spike. Top with chia seeds for additional fiber.
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2. Almond Butter Apple Slices
Slice an apple and spread almond butter on each slice. You’ll get fiber from the apple paired with healthy fats in almond butter to keep cravings at bay. This snack is filling and can be portioned out for work or school.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Buy canned chickpeas and roast them with a drizzle of olive oil and spices until crunchy. They’re high in protein and make a great snack that you can nibble on while watching TV or sitting at your desk. Chickpeas also contain fiber that your gut microbes need for hormone production.
4. Veggie Sticks With Hummus
Slice up carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers to dip in hummus. Snacking on a variety of colored veggies with fiber and plant protein will balance blood sugar levels. Change up your favorite flavors of hummus to keep this snack from getting boring.
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5. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are one of the simplest snacks you can have on hand. They provide high-quality protein and healthy fats that your body needs when you have PCOS. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper or paprika on top to add some flavor.
6. Edamame With Sea Salt
Steam edamame are easy to eat by popping out of the pod and filling your body with plant protein and fiber. Fiber helps balance hormones, while the natural carbs won’t spike insulin since they digest slowly. Sprinkle it with sea salt to make it taste like popcorn instead of a healthy food.
7. Avocado Toast On Whole-Grain Bread
Spread half of an avocado on a slice of whole-grain toast. This snack is creamy, filling, and provides healthy fats for hormone production. Top the avocado toast with chili flakes or lemon juice for an extra kick.
8. Cottage Cheese With Pineapple
Cottage cheese is packed with protein and low in sugar. Add pineapple chunks for some sweetness and enjoy this refreshing snack. You can sneak extra calcium in your diet with cottage cheese, too.
9. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which helps with reproductive health and hormones. Keep a bag in your purse for an easy snack that you can eat anywhere. Toasting them first will add extra flavor without sacrificing nutrients.
10. Dark Chocolate With Nuts
Nibble on a piece of dark chocolate and eat a handful of almonds or walnuts. Not only is this snack indulgent and satisfying, but the healthy fats in nuts will help slow down sugar absorption into your bloodstream. Choose chocolate that contains 70% cacao or higher.
11. Protein Smoothie With Spinach
Blend protein powder, spinach, unsweetened almond milk, and half of a banana for a green milkshake. You’ll get protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients your body craves. This is a great way to get veggies into your diet if you’re on the go.
12. Seaweed Snacks
Packaged seaweed snacks are light, crunchy, and full of iodine to help support your thyroid gland. They have very few calories but provide tons of minerals your body loves. Stick a few packs in your purse for an easy snack.
13. Celery With Peanut Butter
Celery and peanut butter is the ultimate snack duo. Not only is it crunchy and creamy, but it also balances fiber with healthy fats and protein. The fiber in celery will slow digestion, while peanut butter will keep you satisfied. Sprinkle cinnamon on top to make a healthier version of a treat.
14. Turkey Roll-Ups
Roll turkey slices around slices of cucumber or avocado for a low-carb snack that packs a punch of protein. This snack is great if you need something to go that will fill you up. You can add herbs or mustard to give it more flavor without adding sugar.
15. Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds and unsweetened almond milk, let it sit overnight, and you have yourself a tapioca-like snack. These seeds are loaded with fiber, omega-3 fats, and protein to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Add cinnamon or berries to enhance flavor without adding sugar.
16. Olives And Cheese
Reach for a few olives and some cubed cheese for a savory snack option. Eating healthy fats and a little bit of protein will help you feel full and stop craving more junk food. It’s a healthy way of making yourself feel full without eating too much.
17. Homemade Trail Mix
Mix together almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and a few unsweetened dried berries. Make your own trail mix so you can control how much sugar goes into it. This makes for a great PCOS-friendly snack because you can avoid mindless eating by using a small container.
18. Quinoa Salad Cups
Cook quinoa and mix with chopped veggies and a light vinaigrette dressing to create salad cups you can eat with your hands. Quinoa is high in protein while veggies offer fiber to fill you up without spiking blood sugar levels. Prepping these for the week is easy and they taste fresh even after stored for a day.
19. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Cut bell peppers in half and stuff with cottage cheese for a flavorful and fun snack. The texture of crunchy and creamy is so satisfying you’ll never know you’re eating veggies. A quick and easy protein-packed snack.
20. Frozen Banana Bites With Almond Butter
Slice up a banana and spread almond butter on each slice, freeze, and you have created your very own frozen fruit snack. These banana bites are perfect if you have a sweet tooth but want to keep eating healthy. You get potassium from the banana with fiber and healthy fats from the almond butter to fill you up.
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