The end of summer always comes tinged with a certain duality. On the one hand it is fab to be back in my old groove, make green juice, see my house with new eyes after being away and meeting up with friends I’ve not seen for a while. On the other hand, however, it is the stark realisation that we’re heading for colder weather, routine, school runs, more rain and cold and so on. I’m not sure I’m there just yet.

As a foodie and a health nut I tend to focus my attention on what’s going on in the fridge in times of uncertainty – there is something very calming about the restocking of supplies which after a long time away are utterly depleted. Summers always means falling off the health wagon one way or the other. Too much of everything. And being a woman in my late 40s I know there are things I need to eat and drink to be healthy and hormonally balanced. 

Hormones rule us and if our hormones are off the scale we will not function well and neither will our mood, skin or libido. By exercising a thorough due diligence we are able to start fresh by stocking up on what we consciously choose and not just what’s lurking in the pantry from days gone. The good news is that it is not that tricky to put things right. What you need to gather your hormones can be summarised into good fats, protein, vegetables and spices/herbs. Add to that plenty of water, not too much caffeine or alcohol, regular exercise and good sleep. Hey presto! Here is a quick guide by MindBodyGreen to start you off. Pick something from every food group and make your meal a hormonal powerhouse.

Proteins:

Soaked or sprouted nuts

Beans

Seeds

Quinoa

Lentils

Organic chicken, turkey, beef, pasture-raised eggs

Wild caught fish

Fats:

Coconut oil (and all coconut products for that matter). It contains lauric acid, which is incredibly healing to the skin and extremely beneficial for hormonal production. It also kills bad bacteria and viruses in the body, provides a quick source of energy, is easy to digest, and speeds up metabolism.

Avocados. They’re rich in healthy fat that helps our body absorb and use nutrients They are also full of fiber, potassium, magnesium vitamin E, B-vitamins, and Folic acid – all essential for maintaining hormonal balance in the body.

Raw butter/ghee. They provide a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2. These nutrients are key building blocks for hormonal production. Butter provides great amounts of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, which support immune function, boost metabolism and have anti-microbial properties; meaning, they fight against bad bacteria and viruses in the body.

Egg yolks. They’re rich in countless vitamins and minerals including: A, D, E, B2, B6, B9, iron, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and choline which all contribute to a healthy reproductive system, hormonal balance, and healthy skin. The choline and iodine in egg yolks are also crucial for making healthy thyroid hormones.

Nuts and seeds. Soaked nuts and seeds, olives and olive oil, fermented cod liver oil, hemp seed oil, flax-seed oil, and raw cultured dairy products.

Antioxidant-rich vegetables:

Look for anything dark green: asparagus, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, cabbage, cucumbers, kale, cilantro, etc.

Opt for brightly colored veggies: green, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, red cabbage, red/white onions, tomatoes, and carrots.

Don’t overlook starchy vegetables: sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, beets, artichokes, butternut squash, and turnips.

Healing spices & herbs:

Cinnamon
Turmeric
Cayenne
Cumin
Garlic
Ginger

Wishing you all a really wonderful and healthy day. X

source: MindBodyGreen