How to stay hormonally balanced at Easter
I love Easter time. It feels like a new dawn. We have moved into Spring, the birds are singing, the sun is (hopefully) out and we are moving away from cosy, winter nights, towards fresh mornings and light evenings. Well fingers crossed anyway!
So, can we eat chocolate and feel hormonally balanced?
As with most things with nutrition, it depends! Our ability to digest, absorb and utilise foods is all so unique and intertwined with our hormones, metabolism, digestive capacity and our overall toxic and stress load.
Let's focus on the positives......
Why chocolate is SO good!
Chocolate can actually be very good for you.
Phew - some good news! I love chocolate and enjoy a piece of the dark stuff regularly. It is wonderful to know that it has many benefits which I thought you might like to hear about.
Dark chocolate is particularly high in magnesium, natures tranquilliser! Magnesium is a wonder mineral that both energises us in the day and helps us feel sleepy at night.
Chocolate is high in polyphenols and flavonoids which have numerous beneficial biological activities in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Studies have shown it can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and dilate blood vessels.
The high flavonoid content can help with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
The high levels of antioxidants improve skin health and reduce ageing.
Chocolate makes us happy!
Please note, these benefits only extend to dark or raw chocolate that is at least 70%.
When you might think of avoiding chocolate.....
Whilst there are many nutritional benefits to dark or raw chocolate, there are instances where chocolate should be avoided. Unfortunately many of these times are associated with symptoms of the perimenopause so be mindful of your intake.
If you suffer from migraines then chocolate can be a common trigger due to its high histamine content.
If you suffer with hot flushes then chocolate can exacerbate these.
Insomnia can be triggered by chocolate intake due to its caffeine content. Try to have your chocolate earlier in the day rather than late at night.
Blood sugar imbalance - if you are riding a blood sugar rollercoaster be sure to limit your chocolate intake or follow the guidelines below on avoiding the Easter binge!
Anxiety can be increased with a high chocolate consumption.
Detoxification can be impaired with chocolate intake IF you have a high level of toxic load in general (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, drugs, medications)
Avoiding the Easter Binge!
With so many goodies at this time of year, it is tempting to go a little crazy with the chocolate eggs, easter treats and hot cross buns! However, this can lead us into a blood sugar rollercoaster that can really impact our hormonal balance. Here are some top tips to keep that in check so that you can enjoy your Easter chocolate and treats AND stay balanced!
Start your day right - so many clients I see have a bad day (you know the ones - anxiety riding high, pulling your hair out, sweats, anger.....) when they don't start their day right. Start your morning with a good balance of protein, healthy fats and slow release carbs. A protein smoothie or omelette are great options as you can add lots of great veg to the pot too.
Hydrate on filtered water, herbal teas or flavour water with pukka aqua herbs. This will keep hunger at bay.
Mindfully eat - not just your meals but your chocolate too. Savour the flavours, think about the journey of how the chocolate reached your mouth (from bean to bar), enjoy the textures rather than wolfing it down in one go!
Exercise - over Easter it is nice to take some time out but that doesn't mean stopping entirely. Enjoy your garden or someone else's, go for long walks, enjoy a lovely yoga session. I know I am going to try to do some weeding in the garden and hit the tennis court - I love to play with my children or my mum - such a wonderful cross-generational sport!
Get in your veg - fill yourself up with lots of different colourful veggies. Each and every one is bringing something joyous to your body and your cells.
Go for the good stuff - the quality of chocolate varies enormously! Aim for over 70% chocolate and I like to buy fair trade. My favourites?
Green & Blacks
Lindt Dark
Montezuma (they have a gorgeous 100% with some orange oil added!)
Hotel Chocolate
Booja booja (a nice option for vegans)
So, yes, you can stay hormonally balanced at Easter if you listen to your body and nourish it with the right nutrition and lifestyle measures. Happy days and Happy Easter!