HORMONE NOURISHING GREEN GODDESS SMOOTHIE BOWL

I mean, wow - does anything sound better than this?

After coming off the contraceptive pill, not having a period for 6 years, then getting my period back, but being unwillingly gifted with cystic acne and pesky PMS symptoms, it's no question that my hormones were out of whack.

With a dedication to balance my hormones naturally from holistic practices, food and nutrition, I made it my mission to research and incorporate specific foods and supplements that were especially beneficial to my reproductive system and my hormones... and voila, the birth of this green goddess, energy-boosting, hormone nourishing, beautifying smoothie bowl was born!

HOW DOES IT BALANCE HORMONES?

1. Balances blood sugar

Ever noticed that you’re opening the fridge door, looking for a mid-morning snack (maybe even craving something sweet?) even though you’ve just had breakfast? Or you are crashing in the afternoons and feel like you don’t have the energy or mental clarity to make it through to the end of the day?

This can be down to you’re body quickly metabolizing the simple carbohydrates you eat first thing in the morning which causes an insulin surge and subsequent fructose crash that will have you craving and eating more throughout the day.

Fuelling your day with a meal rich in fats, proteins and fibre like this smoothie, will positively impact your blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar and keep you feeling energised and switched on all morning!

2. Full of healthy fats & fibre

All hormones are made from protein and fat, and dietary fat is the only source of the essential fatty acids that are the chemical building blocks for controlling our hormones. A diet low in fat can inhibit a healthy supply of estrogen & serotonin (your feel-good hormone that contributes to a sense of happiness and well-being).

Soluble fibres help our bodies to eliminate the hormonal excess metabolized by the liver, dumping it in the intestines. They also help you to feel full and satisfied after a meal!

ALL THE NOURISHING BITS...

SPIRULINA: loaded in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, spirulina can leave you feeling revitalised and energised! Vitamin K2 found in spirulina helps the liver get rid of excess estrogens, which can help with PMS symptoms such as painful breasts & hot flashes. It is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 which reduce inflammation.

FLAX SEEDS: contain lignans, which help to keep a healthy estrogen balance, meaning it can get rid of excess estrogen in the body but also stimulate estrogen production if there isn't enough.

AVOCADOS: Rich in monounsaturated fats that help your body absorb and use nutrients, avocados are also loaded with fibre, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, B vitamins and folic acid which are all critical for maintaining hormonal balance.

LEAFY GREENS: are rich in fibre, which is essential for gut health. Since estrogens are processed by the liver, the excess should be eliminated when you go to the bathroom. But if that doesn’t happen regularly, the excess estrogen is going straight back to your system, causing it to deal with too much estrogen compared to progesterone.

DATES: packed full of fibre and phytoestrogens, dates can help reduce cholesterol levels and regulate hormones. Not to mention, they add a delicious sweetness that leaves you feeling satiated.

COLLAGEN: is a great source of amino acids (arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline). We need amino acids to produce healthy levels of hormones. Collagen can help with gut health issues like leaky gut syndrome, repairing holes in the gut and preventing the inflammatory response (and subsequent hormonal havoc) that can come from food passing through these gaps undigested. The amino acid glycine is liver-supportive, helping your liver function to process and eliminate pesticides, xenoestrogens, and other avoidable and unavoidable toxins from the environment, food, and products we use. Collagen supports healthy thyroid function and offsets cortisol (stress hormone) imbalance.

GRANOLA: unlike most smoothie bowl recipes out there, I've added a handful of gut lovin’ granola to this to ensure you are fuelling with adequate carbohydrates. If you struggle with cravings and binge eating, cutting down on carbs or going carb-free can set you up for major cravings and make you vulnerable to moments of binging carbs, which can lead to blood sugar and insulin spikes—and turbulent blood sugar and insulin can interfere with ovulation and wreak havoc on metabolism and fat loss.

THE RECIPE:

• 1 banana (frozen works best)

• 2 x Medjool dates

• ½ avocado

• ¼ cucumber

• 1 handful spinach

• 1 tbsp flax ground flax seeds

• 1 tbsp spirulina powder

• 1 tbsp collagen peptides (I like this brand)

• Splash water /coconut water

• A handful of low sugar, gut-healthy granola (I like this brand)

1. Just wizz all the ingredients (except the granola) in a high-powered blender until combined and smooth.

2. Pour into a bowl and top with granola (or nuts, nut butter, fresh fruit, coconut, hemp seeds) of your choice. I sometimes add a drizzle of date nectar or honey for some extra sweetness.

Enjoy!

Charlotte x