5 PCOS Diet Superfoods to Control Cravings and Create Health

By Amy Medling, Founder of PCOS Diva

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 healthy PCOS diet which helps “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 Diet 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 PCOS diet, our body uses the chlorophyll to cleanse our blood and it protects our DNA from aging. You can add these algaes to your diet with a green food powder.  I believe in this nutrient so much that I added it to my store (and my morning smoothies).  Check out PCOS Diva Power Greens.

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 symptoms of aging.  Eat them alone, in a trail mix or in a salad or in your oatmeal.  Their flavor goes well 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 because heat 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. Also, it can absorb more than 9x it’s weight in water, so it can help has prolong hydration and balance body fluids. The seed’s 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.