We grapple with all sorts of ailments in the days leading up to our period. Seed cycling should help – and also support you in losing weight.
We admit it: we to hatePMS! And the pointer of our scales too, if it swings out again in a direction that we don't like at all. Wouldn't it be great if you could do something against both at the same time? That should actually be possible with the help of Seed Cycling!
Seed cycling at a glance
Followers of the diet rely on the effect of the so-called seed cycling. That means: Depending on the cycle phase, certain seeds and nuts are eaten, which are supposed to help in the formation of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The affected seeds and nuts are therefore full of nutrients, vitamins and fats, on which the body relies for hormone production. This brings the cycle back into balance.
Which seeds and nuts are used?
The following grains are used in seed cycling:
- linseed
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- sesame
Tip: The easiest way is to leave the seeds and kernels combine with muesli, oat flakes or porridge as well as smoothies.
That is how it goes
First of all, women should know their cycle before starting the hormone diet. From the first day of your period ("follicular phase") A tablespoon of flaxseed and pumpkin seeds should be eaten daily up to the 14th day. This helps the body make estrogen. In the second half of the cycle ("luteal phase"), on the other hand, a tablespoon with sunflower seeds and sesame is eaten daily to produce progesterone. The diagram illustrates the principle:
And does that work?
In general, kernels and seeds of any kind are considered healthy because they can supply the body with many nutrients and healthy fat – so that they actually balance the hormonal balance and thus help with PMS symptoms, has not been scientifically proven. Only one study shows that flaxseed can help with hot flashes during menopause.
Can you lose weight with Seed Cycling?
The fact that the hormone diet is supposed to melt the pounds is due to the fact that it is supposed to alleviate PMS symptoms – including the notoriously dangerous cravings that drive many women insane in the days before the days. Unfortunately, there is no scientific proof here either. But: In principle, the increased intake of kernels and seeds is harmless due to their good properties. Since the diet is also easy to carry out, there is nothing against trying. You should only pay attention to the individual daily calorie balance. Because the healthy fats in the seeds and kernels provide a comparatively high number of calories – not that the pointer of the scale then unintentionally points in the wrong direction ?