Dinner: Grilled Pesto Chicken Breast

A quick low calorie meal.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Lemon, Spinach

Health benefits of Grilled Pesto Chicken Breast

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

1 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsps olive oil
2 breasts, bone and skin removed chicken breast
1/2 lemon yields lemon juice
1 tsp lemon peel, grated
2 cups baby spinach leaves

Instructions

1. Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill pan. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

2. Combine the spinach, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a processor. Lightly pulse. With the machine running, gradually add remainder of the olive oil, blending until the mixture is creamy. Add salt and pulse.

3. Transfer the pesto mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Season the pesto with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Spread the pesto over each piece of chicken and serve.

5. Note: you can put the pesto mix into ice cube trays and store in the freezer for future use.