Last week, we discussed the body’s various hormone factories, and looked at how they can effect our daily lives. The key to keeping our hormones as balanced as we can, without help from the doctors, is through proper eating habits and regular exercise.
Here are some great tips on the foods we need to put into our daily diet for hormone balance:
BREAKFAST
IODINE RICH FOODS
The thyroid needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, so eating foods rich with the iodine mineral will help your hormone balance. Some great choices are:
- Meats: beef, lamb, liver and eggs
- Raw nuts: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, flax seeds, walnuts, and pecans
- Seafood: clam, oysters, sardines and salt water fish
- Japanese sea vegetables: wakame, hijiki kelp, nori, arme, dulse (available at health and specialty markets)
- More common vegetables: green peppers, lettuce, pineapple and raisins
OTHER GREAT VEGETABLES FOR HORMONE BALANCE
The following vegetables have good hormone builders in them:
- cabbage
- brussel sprouts
- cauliflower
- bean sprouts
- alfalfa sprouts
PROTEINS
Free-range and organic choices are always preferred, whenever possible:
- chicken
- fish
- beef
- eggs
- beans
- chick peas
- lentils
- grains
- couscous
- barley
- whole grains
WORDS OF CAUTION: BROCCOLI AND ASPARAGUS
Broccoli is a very healthy vegetable and is a good option. However, if you have a low thyroid condition it is advised NOT to eat too much broccoli or asparagus.
WORDS OF CAUTION: SOY FOODS
Regular soy foods contain goitrogens, which cause a decrease in absorption of iodine, and should therefore be avoided. Fermented organic soy foods are fine:
- tempeh
- miso
- soy sauce
- fermented soy
- yogurt powders
ORGANIC OILS
Cold pressed organic oils are excellent for helping balance the body’s hormones:
- flaxseed
- extra virgin olive oil
- echium
- borage sesame
SWEETNERS
Avoid all artificial sweeteners including sucralose and aspartame. Try to only use natural sweeteners, such as xylitol and stevia.Keep in mind, that exercise is an amazing way to produce great hormones. Balance your workout routine to include cardiovascular training, weight-bearing exercises, and flexibility techniques. This will help you gain lean mass. You will develop a strong heart and lungs, plus improve your stamina, and flexibility. 5-6 days a week is recommended with 45 to 60 minutes at a time or spread throughout the day. GO! GO! GO!
I want you to always remember you are worth it. Dig deep and find it within yourself that every stage of your life is an amazing stage. Embrace the moment, believe in yourself and never say you can’t because you ALWAYS can. It is never ever too late to start believing in yourself so start now. Live and love life big because you deserve it!
Keep Believing!
Carrie
In Good Health - Carrie Light
Personal Trainer, Langley BC
