What we eat and how we take care of ourselves can help support our bodies through peri menopause and beyond… As the two major players progesterone and oestrogen begin to make their rocky decline the ups and downs can see otherwise well women feeling anxious, sweaty and exhausted. Although not always a quick fix it can be helpful to note that our diet and lifestyle choices can make positive changes In improving these symptoms. Foods are a wonderful place to start when it comes to supporting womens bodies around this time. Naturopathy is founded on the key principles of food as medicine, supporting women through diet and lifestyle can be very helpful for many women. Where the symptoms of menopause are interfering with a woman’s quality of life and confidence there are many wonderful additions in herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation that can make a significant impact.
Eating foods that help to support and balance your hormones can be a good starting place. The recipe attached is a fantastic example of this. This delicious salad is full of protein, fibre, antioxidants, calcium, zinc, iodine and healthy fats as well as sulforaphane and important chemical found naturally in the broccoli that helps with detoxification. The tahini and sesame seeds in general are an excellent source of calcium which is particularly important around this time.
The health benefits of broccoli are so far reaching, its great to find different ways to incorporate it into your everyday meals.
for the salad…
2 heads of broccoli
400gm quinoa
3 handfuls of rocket roughly chopped
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
Iodised sea salt
for the dressing…
4 tablespoons tahini paste
approximately 70ml water
1/2 garlic clove crushed
2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method…
Blanch broccoli in salted boiling water for around 3-4 minutes, and then run under cold water. Cook the quinoa using the absorption method provided on the packet. keep it aside to cool until it is room temperature. When the quinoa and broccoli have both cooled, combine in a bowl with fresh rocket.
Gently toast the pumpkin seeds in a fry pan and dry roast until they begin to make popping sounds and turn a light brown.
For the dressing..
Whisk together all of the ingredients until they are combined well. Add water until you reach your preferred texture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently.
Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and enjoy.
For a personalised program to achieve optimal wellbeing and maximise your fertility Georgia is currently offering virtual consults or in person appointments in our Caulfield rooms.
To learn more about how Naturopathy at Women’s Health Melbourne can support you click here to make an appointment.
