Seed Cycle Balls
Makes 12-14 balls
Seed cycling is eating specific seeds during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone. Healthy estrogen and progesterone levels can reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility, stimulate menstruation if it’s absent, and improve a number of issues due to hormone imbalance.
The first cycle combines the menstrual and follicular phases (days 1-14) and supports rising estrogen levels with flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens that promote estrogen production, and lignans that help detoxify excess estrogens along with fiber, to eliminate excess estrogens properly. Together, they work to harmonize optimal estrogen ratios. Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that work to regulate FSH levels for ovulation support. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc which helps prime and support the production of adequate progesterone in the next phase. Day 1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding.
The second cycle combines the ovulatory and luteal phases (days 15-28) and supports progesterone levels with sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are high in lignans that help harmonize and modulate estrogen levels. They also contain magnesium and calcium to ease PMS cramps. Both sesame seeds and sunflower seeds contain omega-6 fatty acids that can help reduce PMS-related inflammation and support progesterone levels. Sunflower seeds contain selenium which is essential for liver function to ensure proper detoxification and elimination of excess hormones.
Ingredients for Days 1-14:
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup flax seeds or sprouted flax powder
1/2 cup clean protein powder (I use Naked Nutrition or Equip Prime Protein)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup nut butter (almond, cashew, etc)
2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 cup filtered water
Redmond real salt or celtic sea salt
Option to add in flavour and texture enhancers such as medjool dates, chocolate chips (I use Lily’s or Enjoy Life), vanilla, or ceylon cinnamon
Directions:
Put pumpkin seeds in a Mason jar. Add 3/4 tsp Redmond real salt or celtic sea salt. Fill the jar with filtered water. Swirl the water around to dissolve the salt. Let the seeds sit in the jar overnight, or for at least 7 hours. Drain and rinse the seeds. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the soaked pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, protein powder, shredded coconut, and pinch of salt. Add in ceylon cinnamon if using. Blend until finely ground and crumbly. Add in nut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. Add in medjool dates or vanilla if using. Blend until well combined and mixture starts to form into one big ball in food processor bowl or blender. Stir in chocolate chips if using. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, gently form into balls. They’re too delicate to roll. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume 1-2 balls daily
Ingredients for Days 15-28:
1 cup hulled sunflower seeds
1 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup clean protein powder (I use Naked Nutrition or Equip Prime Protein)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup nut butter (almond, cashew, etc)
2 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 cup filtered water
Redmond real salt or celtic sea salt
Option to add in flavour and texture enhancers such as medjool dates, chocolate chips (I use Lily’s or Enjoy Life), vanilla, or ceylon cinnamon
Directions:
Put sunflower and sesame seeds in a Mason jar. Add 1.5 tsp Redmond real salt or celtic sea salt. Fill the jar with filtered water. Swirl the water around to dissolve the salt. Let the seeds sit in the jar overnight, or for at least 7 hours. Drain and rinse the seeds. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the soaked seeds, protein powder, shredded coconut, and pinch of salt. Add in ceylon cinnamon if using. Blend until finely ground and crumbly. Add in nut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. Add in medjool dates or vanilla if using. Blend until well combined and mixture starts to form into one big ball in food processor bowl or blender. Stir in chocolate chips if using. Using an ice cream scoop or your hands, gently form into balls. They’re too delicate to roll. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume 1-2 balls daily