We know that our diet can help or hurt hormonal balance. In this post, we're sharing this sample one-day meal plan that's packed with foods that can support hormone balance and overall gut health.

The Breakfast Balance

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both bad news for hormonal balance. They cause systematic inflammation, which can cause high testosterone levels, estrogen dominance, and fatigued adrenals. 

Breakfast: start your day with a macro-balanced meal that includes protein, healthy fats and carbs (opt for high fibre sources like veggies, fruits & wheat-free grains/seeds).

For an easy and nutrient packed breakfast, add a Blended For You smoothie. Try one of our blends packed with Maca (supports hormonal balance & natural energy boosting) & omega-rich hemp seeds or Matcha (proven to lower insulin levels).

Maca Energy, Shroom Energy, Matcha Morning

-or- Try this Chia Bowl Recipe

3 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 cup almond mylk

1 tsp pure honey

Toppings: hemp seeds, raspberries, cacao nibs, avocado or banana slices

1. Pour ingredients into a jar and mix well. Let settle for 2-3 minutes then mix again very well until you see no clumping.
2. Cover the jar and store in fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
3. When you're ready to eat it, add the toppings

Blended For You Chia Energy Bowl and Acai Organic Bowl make for a fast, delicious, and nutrient packed breakfast. Just add your fave toppings.

 Detoxifying Lunch

Eating a lunch that is loaded with cruciferous vegetables can help your body eliminate excess estrogen and other 'old' hormones, supporting overall hormonal balance. An important detoxification molecule found in these veggies, sulforaphane, has shown to help with fatty liver disease and enhance lover detoxification pathways. Cruciferous veggies to load up on: broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, cabbage and arugula.

The D-Tox Salad

Ingredients
1 cup broccoli carrots

1 cup cauliflower

1 cup red cabbage, shredded

1 cup carrot, shredded

1/3 cup chickpeas, rinsed, drained

1/2 cup cooked beets, shredded

1 orange, juice from

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4-3/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 handfuls fresh coriander

2 cups arugula

1/3 cup cashews

sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
Grate/shred the carrots, cabbage and beetroot and place in a large bowl. Add the drained chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli.

Roughly chop the cashews and add to the bowl. Mix well.

In a small bowl mix the juice from the orange, olive oil, cayenne pepper (pinch) and sea salt.

Drizzle over the mixture and toss to coat the salad well. Let stand for 10 minutes to allow the veggies to soften slightly.

Create a bed with the arugula on the plate. Finely chop the coriander and add to the top. Serve the salad mixture over top.

Add 3 oz wild salmon fillet (bake or pan-sear) for extra protein.

Veggie Heavy Dinner

When it comes to balancing your hormones, sleep is hugely important. With a good night sleep your body can regenerate cells and support the liver's detoxification process. Go easy at dinner so your body isn't working hard on the digestion process all night.

Soup is a great choice for dinner: easy to make and easy for body to digest. Try our nutrient-packed Greens Immunity Soup paired with toppings like hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds, avocado slices & cooked lentils. Sprinkle goat cheese or nut cheese feta.

Or try this recipe veggie bowl:

Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto with Zoodles

Serves: 3 to 4
Ingredients
½ small yellow onion, roughly chopped

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (arugula works, too)

3 large zucchini

½ cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), toasted

⅓ cup olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, to taste (or lemon juice)

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Pinch sea salt

1 pint cherry tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions
To prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the onion, garlic, basil, toasted pepitas, olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes, pinch of sea salt. Blend until smooth.

To prepare the noodles: Spiralize the zucchini or grate the zucchini the long way on a large box grater. Toss the zucchini with pesto until well coated, and season with salt. Heat up if desired (lightly).

Transfer the pesto noodles to a large platter and sprinkle with the cherry tomatoes. Add in the fresh basil. Sprinkle goat cheese or nut cheese crumbles on top.

If you try out the meal day above, we'd love your feedback. Please email us with any comments at info@blendedforyou.com