As women, our bodies go through a lot of changes, especially when it comes to hormones. Hormonal imbalance can cause mood swings, acne, irregular periods, hair loss, weight gain, and many more issues. One way to balance our hormones is through the food we eat.
We can have healthy and balanced hormone levels by incorporating the right foods into our diet. This article will discuss the ten best hormone-balancing foods to eat and why they’re good for you. We’ll also provide tips on how much of each food to eat and how to prevent yourself from overeating.
- Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables such as kale, broccoli, and spinach are rich in nutrients such as Magnesium, Calcium, and Vitamin C that aid in balancing hormones. They are also rich in fiber which helps in detoxification. Eating around one cup of them per day would suffice.
- Avocados
Avocado is known for its healthy fats that aid in balancing hormones. Avocado also has high levels of potassium and fiber which helps in digestion. Eating half an avocado per day would suffice.
- Berries
Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber. Berries help in reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion. Eating one cup of berries per day would suffice.
- Salmon
Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in balancing hormones, especially during menstrual cycles. Dietary experts recommend eating around 3-4 oz of salmon two to three times per week.
- Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. These nutrients help in balancing hormones and also in reducing stress levels. Eating one handful of nuts or 2 tsp of seeds per day would suffice.
- Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is great for balancing hormones due to its high protein, calcium, and probiotics levels. Probiotics help in aiding digestion and gut health. One serving of Greek yogurt per day would suffice.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory food that has been used for centuries. It has active compounds such as curcumin that aid in balancing hormones and reducing inflammation. A teaspoon of turmeric per day would suffice.
- Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli sprouts have high levels of Sulforaphane, a compound that helps in detoxification. This compound also aids in balancing hormones and reducing inflammation. Eating around 1/4 cup of broccoli sprouts per day would suffice.
- Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is high in magnesium, which aids in balancing hormones and reducing stress levels. Eating around 1 oz of dark chocolate per day would suffice.
- Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that help in aiding digestion and balancing hormones. One serving of fermented food per day would suffice.
How much food should you eat and how can you prevent overeating?
It is always a good idea to eat a balanced diet and eat a variety of all the hormone-balancing foods we have mentioned. Experts recommend eating 2-3 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of healthy fats such as nuts and seeds, 2-3 servings of protein such as salmon and Greek yogurt, and a small amount of dark chocolate and fermented foods.
The best way to prevent yourself from overeating is by portion control. Use measuring cups or weigh your food to ensure that you’re eating the right serving size. Also, avoid eating when you’re distracted, and listen to your body when you’re full.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eating the right foods is essential for balancing hormones. Consuming hormone-balancing foods such as leafy greens, avocados, berries, salmon, nuts, seeds, Greek yogurt, turmeric, broccoli sprouts, dark chocolate, and fermented foods can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
Experts recommend incorporating 2-3 servings of veggies, 2 servings of fruits, 2-3 servings of healthy fats, 2-3 servings of protein, and a small amount of dark chocolate and fermented foods into your daily diet. Remember to portion control and listen to your body to prevent yourself from overeating. Let’s eat healthily and stay balanced!
