Can You Lose Weight with The Hormone Diet?
In the days before the period we struggle with all kinds of complaints. The hormone diet is supposed to help – and additionally support losing weight.
We admit it: we hate PMS! And we hate the pointer of our scales, too, when it swings out in a direction we don’t like. Wouldn’t it be great if you could do something about both at the same time? This should be possible with the help of the hormone diet!
The hormone diet at a glance
Followers of the hormone diet rely on the effect of so-called seed cycling. This means that depending on the phase of the cycle, certain seeds and nuts are eaten to help produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The affected seeds and nuts are therefore full of nutrients, vitamins and fats on which the body depends 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 to combine the seeds and kernels with muesli, oat flakes or porridge and smoothies.
How to do it
First of all, women should know their cycle before starting the hormone diet. From the first day of the period (follicle phase) until the 14th day, a tablespoon of linseed and pumpkin seeds should be eaten daily. This helps the body to produce oestrogen. In the second half of the cycle (luteal phase), on the other hand, a tablespoonful of sunflower seeds and sesame is eaten daily to produce progesterone. The diagram illustrates the principle:
And that works?
In general, seeds and kernels of any kind are considered healthy because they can supply the body with many nutrients and healthy fat – but it has not been scientifically proven that they actually balance hormone levels and thus help with PMS symptoms. Only one study shows that flaxseed can help with menopausal hot flashes.
Can you lose weight with the hormone diet?
The reason why the hormone diet is supposed to melt away the pounds is because it is supposed to relieve PMS symptoms – including the notoriously dangerous cravings that drive many women crazy in the days before the days. Unfortunately, scientific proof is also missing here. But: Basically, the increased intake of seeds and kernels is harmless due to their good properties. Since the diet can also be carried out easily, there is at least nothing against trying it. One should only consider the individual daily calorie balance. Because the healthy fats of the seeds and kernels provide a comparatively large number of calories – not that the pointer of the scale will accidentally turn in the wrong direction again 😉