A yummy way for women to give their body what it needs when experiencing hormonal imbalance
By Emily O'Brien (originally published on Oct. 30, 2020 re-produced here with permission from author)
originally published on Emily O'Brien's blog on Oct. 30, 2020.
You guys, I really hit the jackpot with these and I’m so excited. These seed cycling tahini cookies are delicious and nutritious! Everyone in my family is so stoked on them right now that they’re not going to last through my whole luteal phase, but that’s okay.
These are cookies that I’m actually okay with giving my three-year-old… let’s take a closer look at why:
SESAME SEEDS + TAHINI SAUCE:
High in fiber, protein, antioxidants, essential amino acids, zinc and magnesium, these sesame seed cookies promote healthy digestion and blood pressure levels, lower cholesterol, help build strong tissues and support proper hormone production. Among a bunch of other amazing health benefits, but I don’t have all day here!
MAPLE SYRUP:
These tahini cookies are sweetened with maple syrup, which contains significant amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamins B2 and niacin. 100% pure maple syrup has antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative properties. The vast array of phytochemicals in maple syrup promote many other serious health benefits, too.
Ayurvedically speaking, these cookies are ideal for vata dosha. Sesame seeds are heating by nature, so pitta dosha doesn’t benefit greatly from them, and kapha doesn’t do great with seeds in general (aside from pumpkin and sunflower). If you’re making these cookies for cycle syncing purposes and not just because they’re amazingly yummy, focusing more on sunflower seeds during the second half of your cycle may be more beneficial.
But, remember, all things in moderation. If you’re pitta or kapha dominant, but you really want to try these cookies (which is totally reasonable), make them and enjoy them! But maybe give some of them away to your loved ones. Moderation and balance is key to living a truly happy, healthy, holistic life.
WHAT IS SEED CYCLING?
The idea behind seed cycling is that the qualities found in specific seeds will either increase or decrease certain hormones within your body, which fluctuate naturally during your infradian rhythm. When you synchronize the right seeds with the phases of your cycle that will benefit from those qualities, it will help the body find balance by providing it with more or less of what it needs at the time. This is a gentle, subtle process and may take at least one to three months of consistent cycling to see significant benefits.
There are four phases of your Infradian rhythm. I’m no expert on the matter, but here’s a very, very basic look at what they are:
FOLLICULAR PHASE: Hormone levels are quite low, but slowly begin rebuilding after menstruation. Gut healthy foods, probiotics like fermented veggies, and nutritious grains are ideal. This is where, if you’re seed cycling, you eat ground flaxseed and pumpkin seeds every day. These seeds will help balance your estrogen levels.
OVULATION PHASE:
Estrogen is on the rise and testosterone is significantly increasing in anticipation of ovulation, and then drops again. Lots of fiber is ideal, and still continuing with the flax and pumpkin seeds at this time.
LUTEAL PHASE:
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone peak during this phase, and then drop off right before menstruation. Foods high in B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium are ideal. This is where, if you’re seed cycling, you eat sunflower seeds and sesame seeds every day. These seeds help balance progesterone levels.
MENSTRUAL PHASE:
Hormone levels are at their lowest point. It’s a great time to remineralize the body with foods and herbs that increase your iron, magnesium, and zinc levels. Continue eating sunflower and sesame seeds every day.
*Resource for hormonal cycle: In the Flo by Alissa Viti
So! During your luteal phase, why not make these delicious sesame tahini cookies?!
Here’s the recipe:
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup tahini sauce
1/3-1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
Coconut oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Lightly grease two baking sheets with coconut oil
3. Pour sesame seeds into small bowl and set aside for now
4. Combine all ingredients in a big bowl (only use 1-2tbsp of your sesame seeds) until well blended and smooth
5. Scoop out a spoonful of batter and roll in your bowl of sesame seeds until completely covered
6. Flatten ball out into a flat circle and place on baking sheet, keeping about an inch space between each cookie
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until you edges are ever so slightly golden brown and your house smells like heaven
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving
9. Enjoy!
If you make these cookies, please let me know what you think! I’d love to hear how they turned out. :)
With love,
-Emily
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