Cheesy Lentil Bake - PCOS-Friendly Recipe
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 tsp leaves oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 3 medium carrots chopped
- 4 stalks medium celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 1 medium green pepper chopped
- 1 can tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups lentils
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Rinse lentils and place in shallow 9x13" baking pan, add seasonings, onions, garlic, water and can of tomatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Stir carrots, celery and pepper into lentils, cook uncovered for 40 minutes, add water if needed.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.
How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management
Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Cheesy Lentil Bake contribute to your health goals:
- Lentil: Fiber helps slow glucose absorption, reducing insulin spikes
- Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
- Tomato: Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress elevated in PCOS
- Onion: Support cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation
- Carrot: Provide antioxidants that support overall metabolic health
PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe
The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing protein-rich ingredients that help regulate appetite hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.
Meal Prep Tip: This Cheesy Lentil Bake can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.
PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe
This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Carrot.
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. Beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, is essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision. The high fiber content in carrots helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports digestive health. Additionally, the antioxidants in carrots can help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms.
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