Classic Meatballs - PCOS-Friendly Recipe
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried Italian bread or gluten-free bread cubes, drizzled with 1/4 cup skim milk, drained and squeezed of excess liquid
- 3/4 lb very lean ground beef (95% lean)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley or basil, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch crushed red chile flakes
- 2 cups Fresh Tomato Sauce (see Note)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the tomato sauce in a large bowl. Mix well with hands.
- Shape mixture into uniform 1/2-inch meatballs and set on a clean baking sheet or cutting board.
- Bring tomato sauce to a light boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the meatballs, stir and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Note: See recipe for Fresh Tomato Sauce to prepare.
- Choices: 1 Carbohydrate, 1 Lean Protein, 1/2 Fat
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 Classic Meatballs contribute to your health goals:
- Beef: Zinc supports hormone production and immune function
- Egg: Contain choline which supports liver function and hormone metabolism
- Tomato: Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress elevated in PCOS
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 nutrient-dense vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals for metabolic health. 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 Classic Meatballs 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: Basil.
Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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