Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash - PCOS-Friendly Recipe
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium (2.5-lb) spaghetti squash
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 1 zucchini, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 Tbsp prepared Pad Thai sauce
- 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and tail-off
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place squash in a microwave-safe baking dish, cut side down. Cover loosely with a lid and leave room to vent. Microwave for 10-15 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes. Squash is done when it’s soft to touch. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add scallions, carrots, zucchini and mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ginger and Pad Thai sauce and heat for 2 minutes. Mix well.
- Use a fork to scoop out spaghetti squash. Add the spaghetti squash “noodles” and shrimp to the pan with vegetables. Heat for another 2 minutes and mix well. Top with chopped cilantro.
- MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Purchase gluten-free Pad Thai sauce and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free, and this recipe can be made gluten-free.
- Choices/Exchanges: 3 Nonstarchy Vegetable, 2 Lean Protein
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 Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash contribute to your health goals:
- Shrimp: Selenium supports thyroid function which is often affected in PCOS
- Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
- Ginger: May help reduce menstrual pain and inflammation in PCOS
- Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
- Mushroom: Vitamin D deficiency is common in PCOS and supplementation may improve symptoms
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 anti-inflammatory spices that target the chronic inflammation underlying PCOS, and healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cell membrane health and hormone synthesis. 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 Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash 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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