Cilantro Lime Quinoa - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 21 min
Servings: 6
Lunch

Nutrition per Serving

145 Calories
5g Protein
22g Carbs
0g Fat
Quinoa has more protein than any other grain. It is gluten-free, contains 3 grams fiber per serving, and is a healthy alternative to any recipe that uses rice. Add a can of low-sodium black beans to boost the fiber and protein in this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Reduce the heat to low and add quinoa. Cook over a low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to make sure the quinoa doesn't burn.
  2. Add the chicken broth and the juice of 1 lime and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until done. Remove from heat.
  3. Stir in the juice of 1 lime and chopped cilantro.
  4. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free and this recipe can be made gluten-free.

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 Cilantro Lime Quinoa contribute to your health goals:

  • Chicken: Protein-rich meals help manage insulin resistance common in PCOS
  • Quinoa: Has a lower glycemic index than most grains, making it ideal for PCOS
  • Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
  • Onion: Support cardiovascular health and blood sugar regulation

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 Cilantro Lime Quinoa 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: Quinoa.

Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that is particularly beneficial for individuals with PCOS. This gluten-free grain is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. This makes quinoa an excellent choice for those looking to maintain muscle mass and support overall body functions. But what makes quinoa stand out for PCOS management? One of the key benefits of quinoa is its high magnesium content. Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating...

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