Watermelon + Avocado Quinoa Salad for Healthy Ovulation

Did you know healthy ovulation is the MOST IMPORTANT part of your whole cycle? .. It's actually impossible to have balanced hormones without regular ovulation.

The actual process of ovulation is extremely short and happens within 24 hours. But your ovulatory phase takes place in the middle of your cycle and usually lasts 3-5 days.

Being aware of your cycle, the 4 phases your hormones rotate through, and understanding how to best support these natural fluctuations is one of the most impactful ways you can balance your hormones, support regular/ healthy ovulation, improve fertility, and even lower stress / prevent burnout.

You can read more about understanding the 4 phases of your cycle here.

Today, let’s keep the focus on healthy ovulation.

What's actually happening in your body during your ovulatory phase?

• Estrogen peaks

• Egg is released (the ONLY time of the month you can become pregnant)

• Testosterone surges and then immediately drops

• LH peaks

• Social and verbal areas of the brain are activated

During this time of your cycle, you might notice higher confidence, extroverted energy, increased libido, and extra motivation. This is due to the peak in hormones such as estrogen, LH, and testosterone.

If you notice symptoms appearing mid-cycle, it can be a sign of specific hormonal imbalances taking place. Being aware of what symptoms and when they take place is extremely helpful in uncovering possible imbalances. ( Which is why tracking your cycle and your symptoms is so important). Click here to book a free Women’s Health Discovery Call for more specific hormone balancing support.

Foods for healthy ovulation:

Ovulation is a great time to focus on detox rich foods, extra fiber, and lots of color.

Because hormones are peaking at this time, it’s important to make sure your body is metabolizing them appropriately (or you will be left with all the symptoms!).

Here are a few nutrition tips for your ovulatory phase:

• Increase cruciferous vegetables- such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, arugula, etc.- during this time helps flush excess estrogen from your body.

• Prioritize fiber from whole foods to help keep excess hormones moving OUT instead of being re-circulated

• Be mindful of how many simple carbohydrates you are consuming (flours, white rice, crackers, bagels, croissants, baking, etc.) as these delay proper detox

• Consume LOTS of dark leafy greens to aid in healthy hormone metabolism and detoxification

• Keep your meals balanced with a combination of protein, fat, and fiber to help balance the increase in estrogen

This Watermelon + Avocado Quinoa Salad checks all the boxes for healthy ovulation!

Ingredients: (Serves 1)

For the Salad:

• 3/4 - 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup Seedless Watermelon- cubed

• 1/3 Cucumber- chopped

• 2 tbsps Red Onion- diced

• 1/4 cup Parsley (fresh )- chopped

• 2 tbsps Mint Leaves- chopped

• 2 tbsps Basil Leaves- chopped

• 1/2 cup Arugula - chopped (** substitute with spinach if desired)

• 1/3 Avocado -cubed

• 2 tbsps Hemp Seeds

Optional Dressing:

• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

• Sea Salt & Black Pepper -to taste

Directions:

• Cook quinoa according to direction on the package

• While quinoa is cooking, chop cucumbers, onion, watermelon, avocado, parsley, arugula, mint, and basil. Set aside in large bowl

• In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• When quinoa is finished, allow it to cool. Then add to large bowl with chopped veggies, herbs, and watermelon

• Add desired amount of the dressing mixture. Mix well.

• Top with hemp seeds

ENJOY!

Are you looking to learn more about using real food nutrition to support your health + hormones? 

The Real Food Reset  online program is a non-diet, family-friendly, hormone reset for lasting women’s health.

Have questions about working together in a one-on-one virtual setting instead?  

Book your complimentary Women’s Health Discovery Call. 

Xo,

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