How to Seed Cycle for Hormone Balance
When it comes to balancing your hormones, I am a big fan of incorporating certain foods during the different phases of the mentrual cycle to support hormone health.
Women’s hormones fluctuate all throughout the month. Typically hormones are highest in the first phase of the cycle, leaving us with more energy and motivation. Hormones drop in the second phase (if a pregnancy doesn’t occur), making us more introverted and fatigued.
Seed cycling is an easy way to support happy estrogen and progesterone levels throughtout the month.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cyling is using certain seeds in the first and second half of your cycle.
Who is Seed Cycling Good for?
More and more women are struggling with hormone imbalances. Seed cycling is beneficial for women who experience painful or irregular periods, PCOS, anxiety, fatigue, are in their menopausal years, struggle with acne or transitioning off of the birth control pill.
These seeds are great sources of lignans, zinc, selenium and omega three fatty acids that support hormone health.
Which Seeds are used for Seed Cycling?
Flaxseeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Sunflower seeds
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
To full understand seed cycling, you need to have a general understanding of your cycle and the different phases.
Menstrual: The menstrual cycle starts on day 1 of your bleed and can last from anywhere from 3-7 days (typically). During this phase, estrogen and progesterone are typically at their lowest point.
Follicular: The follicular phase overlap with the mentrual phase and last from 10-16 days. The follicular phase refers to the part of your menstrual cycle when an egg matures in your ovaries.
Ovulation: Happens around day 14 of your cycle. The winning follicle develops into an egg that gets released and travels down through the fallopian tube to potentially be fertilized. Testosterone should be at it’s highest point, leading to increased libido and energy.
Luteal: This phase begins on day 15 on a 28 day cycle. The luteal phase prepares the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining. If pregnancy does not occur, then the uterus will shed it’s lining, leading to a period.
How to Seed Cycle
In the first phase of your monthly cycle, weeks 1 and 2 consume 1-2 tbsps daily of ground flaxseed and pumpkin seed. You can add this to smoothies, top oatmeal or yogurt with.
In the second half of your cycle, once you have ovulated, consume 1-2 tbsps of ground sesame and sunflower seeds.
Seed Cycling Tips
Use fresh, organic seeds when possible.
Store mixes in the refrigerator or freeze to keep them fresh.
How to Use See Mixes
In smoothies
On top of yogurt or chia seed pudding
In energy balls (see recipe below)
On top of oatmeal
Seed Cycling Energy Balls
These sweet treats make the perfect snack to support blood sugar levels.
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup oat flour
2 tbsps ground flax (ground)
2 tbsps pumpkin seeds (ground)
1/8 tsp salt
4 tbsps maple syrup
2 tbsp tahini
Cacao nibs or dark chocolate pieces
Method:
In a large bowl add in almond and oat flour, ground flaxseed, pumpkin seed and salt. MIx together.
Add in maple syrup and tahini and sprinkle in cacao nibs or dark chocoalte peices. Mix well with a spatula until soft dough froms.
Roll into balls and store in refrigerator.
Make sure to let me know or tag me @miaharrisnutrition if you make these.
Enjoy!
xx
Mia