Hormone Balancing Raw Carrot Salad

Raw carrot salad is one TikTok phenomenon that I can get behind! But it didn’t start there. The original raw carrot salad was developed by Dr. Ray Peat to help support hormonal balance. According to Dr. Peats research, raw carrots contain a unique fiber that binds to endotoxins and excess estrogen to safely eliminate them from the body. 

He found that when his female patients consumed a raw carrot salad once or twice per day, they experienced: less painful menstrual symptoms (heavy periods, cramping, acne, headaches, diarrhea, etc)

Estrogen dominance is a common hormonal imbalance in women that experience menstrual symptoms above so by effectively binding to excess estrogen in our intestines, our body can safely eliminate via our bowels which helps to reduce uncomfortable menstrual cycle symptoms. 

• Digestive symptoms improved Just like estrogen, the fiber in raw carrots is also highly effective at binding and safely eliminating lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which is an inflammatory bacterial toxin that most often is accompanied by an infection or intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Raw carrots, being fibrous, naturally promotes bowel regularity which positively affects digestion and elimination as well! 

• Optimal liver and thyroid function Since the raw carrot salad assists in eliminating excess estrogens and endotoxins, this also reduces the heavy load the liver carries. About 70% of hormonal conversion takes place in the liver so detoxification is imperative. This means that when you are supporting the liver, you are also supporting the thyroid!

Raw Carrot Salad component breakdown: 

Raw carrot - As we noted above, this fibrous vegetable helps to bind to endotoxins and excess estrogen and safely eliminates them from the body. 

• Sources: 1-2 large raw carrots, shredded lengthwise

Acetic acid - helps to increase the germicidal effect of carrot fibers. 

• Sources: Raw apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, white or red vinegar 

Oil - rich in saturated fat helps to further reduce bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract. 

• Sources: coconut, olive or avocado oil

Salt - contains trace minerals that are important for thyroid function. Also, it flavors the dish!

• Sources: sea salt

The best way to consume this salad is consistently and ideally on its own as it works best on an empty stomach to help with gastrointestinal absorption. Great as a snack option or to turn into a bigger salad with hormone-health promoting ingredients such as high quality protein, fats and fiber. 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Raw Carrot Salad - To support hormone and gut health.

Ingredients 

• 1-2 medium organic raw carrots, outer layer peeled

• Splash of apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp oil source (MCT, avocado, coconut, EVOO)

• Generous pinch of sea salt

Directions 

1. Use a peeler to shred the carrot lengthwise into long ribbons or strips. 

2. Add carrot ribbons into a bowl and toss in all remaining ingredients

3. Feel free to add in your favorite hormone-health promoting ingredients if you would want to elevate the salad! 

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Balanced Rice Cake Snack Combos

As someone who follows more foodie accounts than a normal person should, I usually try to spot major food trends so that I can “beautify” or rather “healthify” for my clients. Hence, healthy crispy chicken salad, crunchwrap supreme, catfish nuggets, and Reese's peanut butter cup to name a few.  

But a recipe trend I want to highlight today is an actual health trend that started in the low fat craze of the 1990’s - the rice cake! 

If you have ever tasted a plain rice cake on its own - there is literally no flavor. Made with puffed rice pressed together into a cake with maybe a hint of salt. That’s it. And since this started in the 90’s, everyone wanted to swap out bread and crackers for this low calorie substitute. 

So are these flavorless, crunchy snacks good for your health? Since plain rice cakes are essentially rice and air, they don’t really have an impressive nutrient profile. They are low in essential vitamins and minerals, basically fat-free and contain very little protein or fiber. Some benefit is that most rice cakes are typically gluten-free and made with whole grains. 

But eaten on its own, eating multiple servings in one sitting or choosing a sweet-flavored variety that contains added sugar may raise your blood sugar. As said before, rice cakes are mostly carbs, so combining them with protein, healthy fat and fiber can balance their potential effect on your blood sugar. 

Try pairing rice cakes with: 

• A nut butter, cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit slices

• Caprese style (tomato slices, basil, and mozzarella)

• White bean spread with veggie slices

• Tuna or chicken salad 

• Avocado toast style (mashed avocado, fried egg, EBTB)

• Bagel and lox style (cream cheese or goat cheese, smoked salmon, sliced veggies, fresh dill and lemon)

• Turkey sandwich style (pickles, sliced turkey meat, avocado, sprouts)

More rice cake combo inspo on our TikTok! 

If you want more balanced meals and snack inspo, check out the Nourished Roots Meal Prep Program!

Harmony Hot Chocolate

Harmony hot chocolate cacao blend for PMS support that tastes delicious! 

Ladies, I will only say this once! PMS is not required to have a period! 

This means that the cramping, headaches, and/or bloating can be prevented!

The most common reason for PMS is due to inadequate production of progesterone. For women, progesterone is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. High levels of stress, such as from a poor diet, low carb/low calorie diet, excessive exercise, anxiety and lack of sleep - all can decrease progesterone levels which creates an imbalance in your hormones. 

Ways that we can bring harmony back to our hormones is by: 

• Eating high-water content foods like watermelon, cucumbers, berries, citrus fruits

• Increase fiber foods like avocado, pears, berries, chia seeds, legumes

• Consume fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, miso soup

• Drink more water

• Honoring self care by: wearing comfy, loose fitting clothing, keep your schedule as open as possible for extra downtime, and nourish yourself with naps, gentle walks, and stretching

But the most fun and easy way that is not on this list is making hot chocolate! We most often crave chocolate so why not indulge in the way that benefits our hormones and cravings!
That is why I started incorporating Organifi Harmony Blend before and during my menstrual cycle. Harmony blend combines powerful superfoods and adaptogens that support inner balance and hormone bliss! And if you decide you want the quick fix, because who doesn’t!? Here is a promo code for ROOTS15 for 15% off! 

But if you would like to make a harmony blend at home, here is an affordable and ingredient accessible blend adapted from the OG - Organifi Harmony! 

Raw Cacao - Sure you could use regular cocoa powder for this recipe but I want to make sure you are getting the full benefits of this superfood. Raw cacao provides high antioxidant levels, improves mood, and the obvious- hormone balance!

Rest of the ingredients: maca, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and optional ashwagandha are also beneficial in providing optimal hormonal support while mirroring the taste of a delicious hot chocolate mixture! Even though ashwagandha powder is the star of hormone balance, this product can be hard to find, tends to be on the expensive side, and creates an “earthy” bitter taste that may be off putting. 

More balancing drinks you may like: adrenal cream cider, adrenal cocktail, fire cider bone broth, moon milk, roots juice, and chai spice. 

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A post shared by Candace Dorsey| From the Roots (@fromtherootsblog)

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Harmony hot chocolate cacao blend for PMS support that tastes delicious! 

Ingredients

Harmony Blend

• 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)

• 1 tsp maca powder

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tso ginger

• ¼ tsp turmeric 

• ¼ tsp ashwagandha (optional)

Hot chocolate 

• ½ cup or more coconut milk

• 1 tsp or more sweetener of choice (ie stevia, honey, pure maple syrup)

• ½ tsp mct oil or coconut oil

• 1 scoop collagen (optional)

Directions

1. Add the harmony blend ingredients to a small bowl and mix until fully combined. 

2. Transfer to a spice jar and store in a dry place until ready to use. 

3. If using a milk frother: add coconut milk, sweetener, oil, and 1-2 Tbsp of harmony blend mixture to milk frother and blend. Serve right away with a dash of cinnamon. 

4. If using stovetop: Add milk, sweetener, oil, and 1-2 Tbsp of harmony blend mixture to small saucepan. Heat for 5-8 minutes on medium heat. Optional but worth it, add mixture to blender and blend for 20 seconds. Serve right away with a dash of cinnamon.

Notes

1. Feel free to use the harmony blend in smoothies, overnight or regular oats, and yogurt. 

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