top of page
Search

Seed Cycling Meals for a Hormonal Balance from a Nutritionist

  • heydigitaleliza
  • Feb 27
  • 5 min read

What is seed cycling? The concept is based on consuming different seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. There is a lot of information online about seed cycling, but the information about how to intake it in a way that truly supports your hormones and easily implements it in your daily life is usually missed.


As a Nutritionist, I care about women's health and ensure that there is the right information and easy tips about how to reduce PMS symptoms, support hormonal production and fertility, and stabilize energy through the menstrual cycle.

One of the best ways to do this is by getting practical tips and hormonal balancing meals with the cycle syncing app Adora. Get personal nutritionists in your pocket!


seed cycling

What is Seed Cycling: How It Works


One of the most common questions is how does seed cycling work?


The right intake of the structured flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds featured in the National Library of Medicine balances Estrogen, Progesterone, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - triggers ovulation; and Follicle Stimulation Hormones (FSH) - stimulates the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicles.


Seed cycling benefits include nutrient and vitamin support, effective hormonal production support, and as a result even a fertility boost. 


Phases of the Menstrual Cycle and Seed Intake


Each Menstrual phase is different and needs different support from the nutrition perspective. As the estrogen is rising in the follicular phase you need to support fertility with phytoestrogens and healthy fats. And as the progesterone rises after ovulation you need to support its production blood sugar balance to lessen PMS symptoms. This way is perfect for an easy way to support your hormones.


Phases of the Menstrual Cycle and Seed Intake:

  1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5) and Follicular Phase (Days 1-14 from Menstruation until Ovulation)

Seeds: Flax Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds. - For the support of estrogen production and balance of estrogen levels. 

  1. Ovulation (Days 14-16, the ovulation itself lats 24h) and Luteal Phase (Days 16-28)

Seeds: Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds. - To support the balance of progesterone levels.


Benefits of Seed Cycling


Seed Cycling supports women’s health during not only the menstrual cycle but also later hormonal life changes. For menopause, it can be extremely beneficial due to the support of estrogen levels with phytoestrogens in flax seeds. Limiting the menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and support decreasing estrogen levels. 


Fertility support is based on the nutrients and vitamins in seeds that can provide necessary help for hormonal production and balance hormonal levels. 

Benefits of seed cycling for fertility: 

  • Ovulation Support - Zinc in pumpkin seeds supports ovulation.

  • Luteal Phase Health - Vitamin E in sunflower seeds and selenium in sesame seeds helps balance progesterone levels. 

  • Hormonal Balance Support - Phytoestrogens in flax and pumpkin seeds regulate estrogen in the follicular phase. Sesame and sunflower seeds support progesterone production in the Luteal Phase.

  • Reduced PMS Symptoms - Helps lessen bloating and mood swings.

  • Detoxification and Gut Health Support - Seed fiber helps to eliminate excess hormones.


what is seed cycling

Seed Cycling and Hormonal Balance


Seed Cycling has benefits for a variety of hormonal disturbances and supports natural hormonal balance and hormonal production. And also effective for PCOS, according to the National Library of Medicine. It improves hormonal disturbance in women which promotes a healthy life.


Seed cycling for hormone balance: 

  • Regulates Menstrual Cycle - supports irregular or missed periods. 

  • Balances Progesterone and Estrogen - prevents estrogen dominance and progesterone production.

  • Improves Skin Health - Omega-3 and Vitamin E reduce breakouts. 

  • Supports Thyroid Health - Selenium in sunflower seeds supports thyroid function.



Integrating Seed Cycling with Cycle Syncing Apps


Modern technology made it easy to support your hormones, with meals and practical tips for hormonal balance. Consistency with seed cycling is possible and easy when you know how to easily implement it into your daily life and what meals can include everything you need from a nutrition perspective and have the right ratio of nutrients, fats, carbs, and proteins.

Seed cycling for hormones is easy with Adora!


How the App Adora Supports Seed Cycling


Adora is designed to support women's hormonal health with balanced meals for different phases of the menstrual cycle. Seed cycling recipes are included in our meals base, additionally offering custom meals based on your cravings, and providing necessary insists about your hormonal change during the menstrual cycle.


Personalized Seed Cycling Plans with Adora


App Adora incorporates different seeds in the suggested balanced meals. Offering you not only recipes but also practical tips for hormonal balance. Seed cycling for fertility and hormonal balance is made easy with Adora!



Practical Tips for Implementing Seed Cycling


Consistency is key and when it comes tot he hormonal imbalance it's important to understand the principles of seed cycling for hormones and how you can easily implement it into your daily life. 


Meals ideas: 

Breakfast: 

  1. Flax Seeds Smoothie: greek yogurt, berries, banana, chia seeds, ground flax seeds. 

  2. Overnight Oats: rolled oats, almond milk, pumpkin seeds, apple. 

  3. Chia Pudding: chia seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, almond milk, orange. 

  4. Breakfast bowl: sweet potatoes, sesame seeds, eggs, avocado.

  5. Seeded Burrito: whole grain wrap, scrambled eggs, red pepper, avocado, sunflower seeds. 

  6. Shakshuka: stir fry red bell pepper, green beans, tomato sauce, and eggs, sesame seeds on top. 

  7. Protein Toast: whole grain bread, guacamole, hummus, eggs, flax seeds. 


seed cycling for hormones

Lunch: 

  1. Seeds Salad: kale, arugula, avocado, stir-fried chicken, olive broccoli, flaxseeds. il, pumpkin seeds. 

  2. Hummus Wrap: hummus, avocado, cucumbers, carrots, sunflower seeds. 

  3. Quinoa bowl: cooked quinoa, salmon, mixed greens, pumpkin seeds. 

  4. Rice bowl: brown rice, carrots, tofu, broccoli, sesame seeds. 

  5. Mediterranean seed salad: mixed greens, olives, cucumber, chicken, tomatoes, feta, sunflower seeds. 

  6. Meatballs, made with ground turkey, served with sweet potatoes, greek yogurt, arugula, and sunflower seeds. 

  7. Eggplant Bowl: roasted eggplant, topped with Greek yogurt, and pumpkin seed served with roasted salmon and whole grain bread. 


seed cycling for fertility

Dinner. 

  1. Roasted Bowl: roasted salmon, farro, cauliflower, bell pepper, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds. 

  2. Lentil Chilli: cooked lentil with spices, topped with pumpkin seeds, whole grain bread.

  3. Pesto Pasta: whole wheat pasta, zucchini, turkey, pesto, sesame seeds, basil. 

  4. Cauliflower steak: bakes cauliflower with chicken, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, brown rice.

  5. Stri-fry: chicken, carrots, green beans, cashews, flax seeds, ginger, garlic, served with quinoa. 

  6. Mediterranean couscous: whole wheat couscous, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, stir-fried carrots, bell pepper, cauliflower, lemon-tahini dressing. 

  7. Shrimp Bowl: stir-fried shrimp with carrots, served with cooked brown rice, and cucumber, topped with sesame seeds. 


Conclusion


Seed cycling is a simple yet effective approach to supporting your hormonal health, and fertility, lessen PMS symptoms, and support hormonal production. Flax Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds in the Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5) and Follicular Phase (Days 1-14 from Menstruation until Ovulation) support estrogen production and balance of estrogen levels. 

Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds during the Ovulation (Days 14-16, the ovulation itself lasts 24h) and Luteal Phase (Days 16-28) support the balance of progesterone levels.


The suggested 7-day meal plan for seed cycling with a variety of seeds in each meal is beneficial and easy to implement in your daily life.


Using tools like App Adora increases its effectiveness, providing hormonal balancing tips and meals for each phase of your menstrual cycle. Adora works for both regular and irregular cycles, making it a perfect tool for hormonal balance and acting as a personal nutritionist in your pocket.


We offer a free trial for you to see all of the benefits!


Adora App for iPhone

 
 
bottom of page