They're (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) just not made as much, and then ratios begin to shift where normal values may seem high or low relative to the other hormones. For example, females are born with 6-7 million eggs, yet they only ovulate about 300,000-400,000 throughout their life and that cycle is a balancing act of at least 4-5 different hormones. However, hormones are also made from the adrenal glands, the two glands that sit on top of each kidney, for the rest of our life, and the liver.
Read MoreAll these greens make our liver (aka one of our most important detox organs, think also detoxing extra, & exogenous hormones) super happy!
Ingredients
-1 large handful of organic mixed greens
-1/2 zucchini, chopped
-1/2 avocado
-2 organic celery stalks, chopped
-1 scoop of allergen friendly protein powder
Quinoa is an ancient grain (gluten free) with the highest amount of protein, which is important for balanced hormones, and especially avoiding those 3pm crashes, aka blood sugar swings.
Ingredients
-1 cup quinoa, dry
-1/2 cup arugula, chopped
-1/4 cup pine nuts
-1 lemon, juiced
-1 large clove of garlic, crushed
-3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
-1 tsp Himalayan sea salt
Pumpkin is rich in fiber (great for gut health, binding up extra hormones) and vitamin C (food for our adrenal glands- stress management and hormone production), with a thick texture that also tells our brain we're satiated!
Ingredients
-1/2 cup pumpkin puree
-1 large handful of organic mixed greens
-1/3 cup organic mixed berries
-2 TBSP ground flaxseed
-1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, hemp, cashew, or almond milk
-1 scoop of allergen friendly protein powder
-1 tsp of each: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg
Full of protein, fiber, & healthy fats, these lettuce wraps will leave you satisfied on so may levels! Especially with the tanginess of the fruit!
Ingredients
-4 large leaves of organic lettuce
-2 cups of chicken, chopped and cooked
-1 large ripe organic peach, chopped
-1 clementine, peeled, chopped
-1/2 cup organic celery, chopped
-1/2 cup almonds, sliced
-1/4 cup carrots, chopped
-1/8 cup onion, diced
-A few pinches of Himalayan sea salt
-4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
Have fun with your food as you're also taking in a boatload of nutrients imperative for balancing hormones!
Ingredients
-2 sweet potatoes
-1 ripe avocado, diced
-2 tsp fresh lime juice
-1/4 tsp shallot, finely chopped
-2 tsp crushed walnuts
Hormones are volatile messengers in our body that can be as easily disrupted as fast as they can be balanced. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance generally include weight gain/inability to lose weight, low libido, mood swings, low energy, insomnia, acne, and night sweats, all or some of which we may experience even when we're convinced that our diet is really healthy. Unfortunately removing obstacles to cure is not always as simple as "eat a few more vegetables and drink more water."
Read More"We are what we eat", is a popular phrase that acknowledges what we put in, is typically what we're going to get out. Like a car that takes diesel gas is going to have compromised function if it gets filled with regular gas. Same for hormonal health. Our hormones are derived from cholesterol molecules, metabolized and excreted by multiple organs, and optimally produced as long as those other systems are in balance. Furthermore, "we are what we absorb", so if we have gut imbalances or always stressed, for example, we're not going to have optimal digestion.
Read MoreGoals to 'be healthy' can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially around the time of New Years, birthdays, vacations, and many times the internet can have TOO much information! Which site to believe, what's really legit, who's telling the truth, etc. So many questions.. and then there's that plan you need to even put those goals in place! Eep!
Read MoreChickpeas & quinoa (gluten free grain with the highest amount of protein) make a complete protein, a great option for both vegetarian (or vegan) and non-vegetarians alike!
Ingredients
-1/2 cup cooked quinoa (1/2 dry: 1 cup water)
-1 cup water or broth of your choice
-1/4 tsp ground cumin
-1/3 cup thinly sliced swiss chard
-1/4 cup shaved carrots
-1/2 cup canned chickpeas
-1 TBSP cilantro
-a few pinches of Himalayan sea salt
Paleo bread has never tasted so good!! Grain free & dairy free, enjoy this flavorful variety that's full of fiber (great for gut & hormonal health) and minerals.
Ingredients
-1/4 cup ground golden flax or brown flax seeds
-1/4 cup ground chia seeds
-1/2 cup almond milk
-1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
-1 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt
-2 cups almond flour (finely ground almond meal)
-1/2 cup black olives (chopped)
-2 TBSP fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
-3/4 cup chopped walnuts
-Optional: basil, chives, oregano, garlic
Your thyroid gland!! Not to worry, no actual butterflies were harmed in this pun/joke. The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in your body, often described as a butterfly as the 'body' is in front, and the 'wings' wrap around the trachea (leads into our lungs, next to our esophagus, and, closed off by the epiglottis when we eat so food doesn't get trapped in our respiratory tract).
Read More"We are what we eat", is a popular phrase that acknowledges what we put in, is typically what we're going to get out. Like a car that takes diesel gas is going to have compromised function if it gets filled with regular gas. Same for hormonal health. Our hormones are derived from cholesterol molecules, metabolized and excreted by multiple organs, and optimally produced as long as those other systems are in balance. Furthermore, "we are what we absorb", so if we have gut imbalances or always stressed, for example, we're not going to have optimal digestion.
Read MoreThe skin is our largest organ, yet it's one of the easiest organs to abuse! Whether we stay out in the sun too long which places us at risk for skin cancers, use make-up/ beauty products where most of the ingredients look like they came out of a lab (or hormone disrupters), picking and/ or scratching, or living in a big city surrounded by fumes.
Read MoreBoost metabolism, balance those hormones, all while satisfying your gut (and gut health)!
Ingredients
-1 cup mixed greens
-1/2 cup lightly steamed kale
-1/2 avocado, sliced
-1 tangerine
-1/3 cup sauteed onions & mushroom
-5 chopped Brazil nuts
-sprinkle of sesame seeds
-pinch of Himalayan Sea salt
The liver is one of the most underrated organs, super important for detox and especially hormone balance.
Ingredients
-organic mixed greens
-lightly steamed broccoli
-artichokes (if bought frozen, can heat up or let defrost in refrigerator
-avocado
-chopped carrots
-sliced apples
-diced up garlic clove
-olive oil
-pinch of himalayan sea salt
A healthy dip?! Oh it's possible!
Ingredients
-14 oz artichoke hearts
-3 cups baby spinach, chopped, then steamed for a few minutes while still vibrant green
-1/2 white onion, minced
-6 cloves garlic, minced
-5 thick slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
-1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (look for BPA free can)
-Himalayan sea salt
Fabulous summer soup, rich in healthy fats, plus vitamins and minerals
Ingredients
-2 avocados
-2 1/2 cucumbers, peeled (1/2 chopped up for garnish)
-2-3 limes for juicing
-1/2 cup chopped mint, plus whole mint leaves for garnish
-Black pepper
-Himalayan sea salt
That is the Question!
This research flip flops as much as the relationship between eggs & cholesterol, or how much fat to 'really' eat!
Soy is one of the most contaminated, genetically modified (GMO) foods, along with corn and wheat. What does that mean? Well it's more than just extra effort to detox associated chemicals in its soil, which may be mitigated if organic.
What exactly is Intermittent Fasting (IF)?
Intermittent fasting is not eating within certain time frames, but does not guide you on what foods to eat or not eat. It helps burn fat more effectively as our body searches for other ways of energy when we're not eating. Common practices include fasting at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast (one of the easier ones as you're sleeping- hopefully- most of the time), or extending it to 16 hours, or even 24 hours twice a week. Food is not allowed, however, non-caloric beverages such as water, tea, or coffee can be consumed.