Try this Neapolitan Pudding for Hormone Balance

Chia seed pudding is one of the best things you can eat to increase your fiber consumption and balance your hormones due to it’s high fiber and iron concentration. Chia seeds are naturally low in carbohydrates. The fiber works to remove excess hormones in your body and balance your blood sugars. This recipe is diabetic friendly, gluten free, and wonderful for anybody trying to lose weight, especially on the abdomen. It can be used to help ease morning sickness and relieve first trimester constipation.

Recipe

1/2 cup chia seeds

1 can full fat coconut milk

1-3 drops of almond extract

1-3 drops of stevia (optional)

Quart Mason jar

1/4 cup chopped almonds

2 pieces dark chocolate cut into small pieces

3/4 cup chopped frozen or fresh cherries

Mix your chia seeds, coconut milk, almond extract and optional stevia in a mason jar. Fill the mason jar to the top with water and stir. Let chia seed pudding set for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator to allow chia seeds to bloom. Once the chia seeds have bloomed, stir the mixture again.

Dish up a serving of the pudding. Add in chopped almonds, cherries, and dark chocolate. Enjoy!

*Note: For a fat-free version, replace water and coconut cream with plant-based milk such as almond or flax.

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are some of our suggestions for how to feast

It’s so easy to go overboard with the sugar around the holidays. Tips on how to keep your blood sugar balanced are to accompany sweets with protein and fats, keep hydrated (carbs require more water to digest), stick to serving sizes (think 1/2 cup for rice, potatoes, and higher carb foods), and eat lots of fiber from fresh and cooked vegetables (brussel sprouts, salad, carrots, slaw, etc), seeds, and whole grains.

Here’s some healthy recipes to try:

If you’re wondering how to make healthy desserts that avoid common allergens such as wheat and dairy see:

Magdalena Wszelaki’s gluten free and paleo friendly recipes that everyone will love

For desserts rich in nourishing minerals see:

Lily Nichol’s dark chocolate bark with raspberries and pumpkin seeds

Did you know babies born to mothers who eat chocolate during pregnancy cry less?

Rebecca Katz’s tripple tripple brittle

This recipe is rich in zinc and other trace minerals that balance hormones.

One Midwife's Quick and Dirty Guide to Women's Health Websites

As a lifelong learner, midwife, and woman, there are many resources I use and share with the people I love and work with. Becoming a midwife was a journey that began in middle school as I pursued interests in herbalism and nutrition. Along the way, I discovered websites that influenced how I care for my body, shifted my thinking, or gave me a better understanding of how my hormones work. I want to share these with you. I’ve listed them in the order that I found them because it seems one thing leads to another.

1. The Museum of Menstruation: http://mum.org/

   This website altered the way I thought about my period when I discovered it as a teenager. Learning about the culture of menstruation throughout time was really empowering to me. I think it’s important to remember that the way our current culture views menstruation, and the way we menstruate, may be vastly different from the way it has been in other times and societies.

2. Pelvic Guru: https://pelvicguru.com/2013/01/12/the-ultimate-pelvic-anatomy-resource-articles-links-and-videos-oh-my/

   This website is really important for a thorough understanding of pelvic anatomy. Check out: https://pelvicguru.com/2015/01/10/your-vagina-is-not-cussing-good-simple-vulvovaginal-hygiene-tips/

   It is a great resource for pelvic pain and pelvic physical therapy.

3. Katy Bowman’s Blog, https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/blog/

   The reason this resource is so important is because it challenges the way we think about movement and alignment, Kegels and incontinence, using a toilet or squatting in yoga. She also explains the impact poorly designed shoes have on pelvic (and overall) health and has compiled a recommended list of healthy shoes.

4. Put a Cup in It: https://putacupinit.com/

   Because menstrual cups are the best, and you deserve one that’s comfortable and fits you well!

5. Author of “Womancode”, Alisa Vitti’s website: https://www.floliving.com/blog/

   Without a doubt, her book changed my life! I had been learning about menstrual cycles, fertility, and nutrition for the past 10 years but when I read her stuff, it all clicked! I highly recommend her book and blog, especially if you struggle with endometriosis, PCOS, painful cycles, or infertility. Her story of healing her PCOS is so inspiring!

6. Cooking for Hormone Balance: https://hormonesbalance.com/recipes/

   I discovered this resource a few months ago. What I love about this last website is the recipes. It’s really hard to be diligent about eating healthy foods when you are struggling with hormone imbalance. Your body craves those rich comfort foods! Magdalena has an inspiring story and her recipes are influenced by her experiences living in Poland, China, Iceland. Her recipes are all gluten, dairy, and egg free, but full of hormone nourishing fats.

   So what’s your favorite women’s health website?