always consult with you doctor about your hormonal health concerns!
seed cycling: hormone balancing with nature’s candy protein bars
y’all are in for a TREAT! wow, these are some of the best little protein bars i have ever made.
Seed Cycling Nature’s Candy Hormone Balancing Protein Bars are just a fun and delicious way to help further support hormonal balancing :).
have you heard of seed cycling? it’s a natural method for hormone balance that harnesses the power of seeds to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels throughout your menstrual cycle.
seeds contain essential fatty acids and nutrients that support hormone production and metabolism, making them an excellent addition to your diet for overall health.
at the heart of seed cycling are four types of seeds: flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
these seeds are divided into two groups, with flax and pumpkin seeds supporting the first half of your cycle (follicular phase) and sesame and sunflower seeds supporting the second half (luteal phase).
by incorporating these seeds into your meals according to your menstrual cycle, you can help promote hormonal balance and potentially alleviate symptoms of hormone imbalance.
our seed cycling nature’s candy hormone balancing protein bars are a delicious and convenient way to incorporate these hormone-balancing seeds into your diet.
made with a blend of nutrient-rich seeds, dates, and dairy-free yogurt, these bars are not only good for you but also taste like nature’s candy!!
the base layer of these bars is a combination of pitted medjool dates, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax meal, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, dairy-free yogurt, and sunflower seed butter.
it’s a wholesome and satisfying blend that provides a boost of energy and essential nutrients.
the caramel layer, made from a mixture of pitted medjool dates, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk, adds a decadent sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of the base layer.
together, these layers create a gorgeous balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet cravings while helping to support your hormonal health.
each small bar is the perfect serving size, making it easy to enjoy as a snack/dessert!
with a yield of 10-12 bars per batch, you’ll have plenty to enjoy throughout your cycle.
Seed Cycling Nature’s Candy Hormone Balancing Protein Bars
Course: Snacks, Sweet
Ingredients
-
for the base layer:
1 cup pitted medjool dates
2/3 cup pumpkin seeds (swap with sunflower seeds for luteal phase)
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3-1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt
2 tbsp almond butter
2 tbsp sesame seeds (only add for luteal phase)
1/4 cup flax meal (add only for follicular phase)
note: if dough is too wet, add oat flour 1 tbsp at a time. keep adding until dough consistency!
for the caramel layer:
1 cup pitted medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup dairy-free milkoptional topping:
melted unsweetened chocolate for drizzling or coating
Directions
- prepare the base layer:
-in a food processor, combine pitted medjool dates, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax meal, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, dairy-free yogurt, and sunflower seed butter.
-blend until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. if the dough is too wet, you can add a little oat flour until desired consistency is reached.
-press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined small bread loaf pan or a small baking pan. ensure it forms a smooth and compact layer. - prepare the caramel layer:
-in the same food processor (no need to clean it), combine the pitted medjool dates, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk.
-blend until the mixture becomes smooth and resembles a caramel-like consistency.
-you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the processor a few times to ensure all the caramel bits are evenly blended. - assembly:
-pour the caramel mixture evenly over the prepared base layer in the pan.
-use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. - freezing:
-place the pan in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 6 hours or until the caramel layer is completely hardened. - cut into small bars:
-once fully set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into desired sizes.
-if desired, drizzle or coat the frozen bars with melted unsweetened chocolate.
-return the pan to the freezer for a few minutes to let the chocolate set. - serving and storage:
-store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for longer shelf life.
-to serve, thaw briefly at room temperature.
-can store in the fridge for a couple of days.
