Cheesy Eggplant Parmesan - PCOS-Friendly Recipe
Nutrition per Serving
Ingredients
- 1 unpeeled eggplant
- 1/2 cup real eggs product
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 dash sea salt
- 1 dash coarse black pepper
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 4 oz 2% milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup parmesan herb panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375° F (190° C). Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray, set to side.
- Cut ends off of eggplant and cut into round slices approx 1/4" thick, set to side.
- Pour 1/4 cup whole wheat flour into bowl. Pour 1/2 of egg beaters into a separate bowl. Pour 1 cup of crumbs into a separate bowl.
- Cover one eggplant slice with flour, then dip in egg, shake off excess egg mixture, dip eggplant into crumbs and cover well. Place covered eggplant on baking sheet.
- Repeat until all eggplant covered. Spray eggplant with non-stick spray.
- Bake eggplant for 15 minutes, remove from oven, flip eggplant over, spray with non-stick spray and bake an additional 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pour one cup canned crushed tomato into bowl, add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning, a teaspoon of garlic powder, dash of salt, dash of pepper and mix well. Warm mixture in microwave for 3 minutes on medium heat, stir well.
- Once eggplant is completely cooked, remove from oven, add a spoon of tomato sauce over eggplant and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
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 Eggplant Parmesan contribute to your health goals:
- Egg: Contain choline which supports liver function and hormone metabolism
- Garlic: May help reduce cholesterol levels often elevated in PCOS
- 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 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 Eggplant Parmesan 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: Eggs.
Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly high in choline, which is important for brain health. Eggs also contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. Including eggs in your diet can help provide essential nutrients without significantly raising blood sugar levels, making them a suitable option for managing PCOS symptoms.
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