VIVO Chocolate Covered Seed Cycling Bites
Many of us have trouble with our hormones. Irregular periods, PMS, fatigue, anxiety, bloating, mood swings, insatiable food cravings, breakouts. . . does this all sound familiar?
Many of these are thought to be normal especially during menstruation, but actually this can be because of an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone. These are two key hormones that regulate your cycle. If you have an irregular cycle, this is where seed cycling comes in. Seed cycling is a growing trend claimed to balance hormones, boost fertility, and ease symptoms of menopause. It involves eating different seeds (Flax, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower) at different times of the month to balance certain hormones.
Our menstrual cycles have two main phases:
- The follicular phase begins with menstruation
- The luteal phase starts after ovulation
FOLLICULAR PHASE
(Before egg is released)
The Follicular Phase is the first half (typically days 1-14). This is when FSH hormone (follicle-stimulating hormone) causes you to develop follicles, and then an increase in estrogen releases an egg. You typically ovulate on day 14 of your cycle, which means most people are fertile on days 12-16.
Along with the seed cycling, fish oil supplementation during the follicular phase can be a beneficial addition as it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory and another great source of omega 3s.
Seeds Recommended for the follicular phase: Flax Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds
LUTEAL PHASE
(After egg is released)
The Luteal Phase is the second half (typically days 15-28). This is when progesterone increases to help your body prepare for a potential pregnancy, and then your body prepares to eliminate the uterine lining if there is not a pregnancy.
Seeds Recommended for the Luteal phase: Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
Each seed has a specific role in regulating hormones throughout the cycle. The Follicular phase is characterized by rising estrogen levels and low progesterone. Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens, which act to regulate estrogen levels in the body, while pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports healthy progesterone production.
During the Luteal phase, progesterone levels increase and estrogen levels drop. Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, which keeps progesterone levels in check, and sesame seeds contain selenium and zinc, both of which work to clear excess estrogen.
These delicious bites are so much more than just a yummy snack!! If you are not worried about these bites being “sugar-free” feel free to use dates for the sweetener. They will end up tasting like brownies.
This recipe would be ideal for your LUTEAL PHASE. For your FOLLICULAR PHASE, you can sub out the sunflower butter and/or tahini for pumpkin butter.
VIVO Chocolate Covered Seed Cycling Bites
What You Will Need:
- Food processor/Nutri-bullet
- Baking paper
- Square baking tin (20x20cm)
Ingredients:
Cookie Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup brazil nuts
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup Sunflower seed butter
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
- 1-2 scoops of protein powder (I used VIVO Life Vanilla Protein )
- 1/2 teaspoon of stevia OR 2-4 dates to make them super gooey (add more to taste if needed)
Chocolate coating:
- 1 cup of 70% + dark chocolate
TIPS: If your recipe is dry add small amounts of melted coconut oil until the dough is pliable. If your recipe is too soft add more protein powder until pliable
Instructions:- Add your brazil nuts to the food processor grind until it is a fine flour.
- Add flaxseed & coconut shreds to the nut flour & grind until a flour consistency is reached.
- Place the rest of your ingredients in the food processor one at a time to make sure everything is well combined.
- Scoop mixture into a square tin lined with baking paper & put in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours.
- Cut set mixture into bite size square and dip into your melted chocolate.
- Place bites into an airtight container and in the fridge.
(Optional)Chocolate coating: Bites are great on their own without chocolate coating. Bites last up to 2 weeks
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