Cocokind Morning Mocha Latte

I have been using Cocokind skincare products for over a year now. It is a woman-owned business that provides affordable, sustainable, non-toxic, and all-natural products. I love it, and the products themselves work really well with my acne-prone skin. They recently just released a beauty beverage line, including a morning mocha latte, detox chlorophyll tonic, and a sleep c tonic.

Naturally, I had to try at least one of these beauty powders! I decided to order the morning mocha latte to substitute my daily caffeine fix. I was really impressed with the ingredients in the mix, and I held great confidence in what this product could do for my well-being, energy, and to help eliminate my afternoon crashes.

Here is my full review on the morning mocha latte’s texture, flavor, nutrition profile, and cost, among other things. 🙂

Texture: 9/10

The texture is smooth and dissolves easily when mixed with a hot liquid. I used oat milk the first time I made this beverage and almond milk the second time I prepared it. I preferred the oat milk consistency and taste paired with the powder. I knocked one point off because the powder itself doesn’t thicken the milk when mixed. I like my hot cocoa-like drinks a little thicker in consistency, but that’s just me. The consistency mimicked the milk I used, so if you prefer a thicker drink, I would recommend steaming and frothing your milk or using a thicker milk like coconut.

 

Flavor: 8/10

The flavor is that of a mild hot cocoa with a hint of cinnamon- very good, but I wish it had a little bit more of a kick to it somehow. You mainly detect the alkalized cocoa powder, so I can see someone who needs a sweeter version adding their sweetener of choice. I’ve also read reviews of customers mixing this in their coffee, but for me, that defeats the purpose of drinking it in the first place. I deducted two points- 1) because I wanted the flavor itself to be richer, and 2) I wish the flavor profile was a touch more complex in what ingredients you could recognize.

 

Nutrition Profile: 10/10

Calories: 15 calories/packet- minimal addition to your daily caloric intake

Fat: 0g/packet–can’t argue with that! If you do want to incorporate a healthy fat with this to promote satiety (fullness), I recommend whole fat, organic heavy cream.

Carbs: 2g/packet– minimal

Protein: 1g/packet– insignificant

Fiber: 0g/packet

Added sugars: 0g/packet– yes honey! without the sugar 😉

*Plus, 8mg calcium + 115mg potassium 🙂

Here’s a screenshot of the ingredients:

These ingredients are fire! Vegan-friendly too. Seriously, you can’t get much better than this for a morning beverage mix. Cocoa contains flavanols, antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress + ashwagandha, which is a well-known adaptogen that also fights stress while providing a steady flow of energy. I am surprised that between the chicory root powder, chia flour, and beta glucan that it did not amount to any grams of fiber per packet. It must be the serving size. Ginkgo is great for memory and brain function, so that + the ashwangandha is a great caffeine-free alternative to coffee or caffeinated tea. Last but not least, cinnamon promotes a healthy metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Cost: 10/10

You can buy a 15-pack of single serve morning mocha lattes on cocokind.com for $22.00. That’s roughly $1.47/packet. I’ll take that as extremely affordable and a money saver considering most of our fancy coffee, lattes, and teas cost more than that. Ami right? Free shipping is offered for purchases over $50.00.

P.S. Cocokind also offers this product in a 30oz container. It’s only $30, so $1 per serving, but it is currently out of stock because of it’s obvious popularity!

Overall Score: 9/10!

I swear I’m not planning to give all of my product reviews a 9/10 every time. I give honest reviews and opinions for each, and it just so happens that they live up to my expectations in these 4 categories. I must add that this beverage made me feel calm, alert, and energized after drinking it. I will definitely use it as a beverage replacement once I drum up the courage to try a week caffeine-free. It’s the PERFECT caffeine-free afternoon pick me up beverage too.

You must also check out Cocokind’s first and primary skincare products! They are all-natural, sustainable, non-comedogenic, and sensitive skin friendly. SO affordable too! I love them. Oh, and did I mention, female owned?!

Happy drinking!

All About Birth Control

There is more buzz than ever about whether or not birth control is our best friend or worst enemy. Instead of taking advice from general blanket statements or a social media influencer with no credentials whatsoever, let’s take a step back to reevaluate. I am going to do my best with writing an unbiased, factual article about the pros & cons of birth control and whether or not it may be right for YOU. Remember, you are the ultimate decision-maker of and advocate for your own health and its fate.

The History of The Pill

The pill, also known as oral contraceptive, was released in May of 1950. When it was made available, it was illegal for physicians to prescribe it for pregnancy prevention and chalked it up to helping regulate menstruation and “cycle control”. Crazy right?  Oh, and you also had to be married to avoid promiscuity. *smh* It wasn’t until the late 60s/early 70s that birth control (bc) was marketed and prescribed as a contraceptive.¹

The pill revolutionized how women perceived and approached sex, as they had more freedom to engage in intercourse with more reliable preventative measures. This isn’t to say that you can’t get pregnant while on the pill, because you can, but the chances are slim to none if you take it routinely. The pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancies when taken everyday at the same time. This number drops to 91% when a pill or more is missed, resulting in 9 out of 100 women getting pregnant this way a year.²

How it Works

Birth control releases hormones into your bloodstream, ultimately preventing an egg from being released from your ovaries. This process is called ovulation, and it is essential for pregnancy to occur. This means your menstrual bleed on the pill is truly not a period because your body doesn’t experience ovulation. It is simply the shedding of your uterine wall lining due to a dip in hormones during your placebo week.³

The Pill’s Contents

So, there are a variety of brands with different levels of hormones present. The most common form contains both estrogen and progestin (hormones that are inversely correlated and counteract one another). Another form contains just progestin. This type of “mini” pill is for women who experience side effects with estrogen dosing.³

Other Forms of BC

1. The pill. We’ve already discussed this common form of bc. You take the pill everyday, with one week being a set of placebo pills (they do not contain hormones) that call forth your “menstrual bleed” from a significant decrease in hormones.
2. The shot. Administered by your doctor every 3 months, the shot (aka Depo-Provera) injects a front load of progestin.⁴ Women like receiving the shot every 3 months for convenience. A perk is that it does not contain estrogen. Two downsides of receiving the shot are an increased risk of osteoporosis due to lower bone density and infertility for up to 10 months after receiving your last injection.⁵
3. The patch. The patch is worn for 21 days then taken off to trigger a “menstrual bleed”. It releases estrogen and progestin in small doses and is 91% effective in preventing pregnancy.⁶
4. The ring. The Nuvaring is a flexible ring inserted in the vaginal canal. It stays there for 21 days, slowly releasing both estrogen and progestin. When you remove it at day 21, well you know by now- you initiate a bleed. The ring can fall out at different times, including sex, so you must be careful. It is 91% effective in preventing pregnancy when it is used correctly.⁷
5. Condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps. These options are all physically and hormone-free options for birth control. Most of us are familiar with condoms and the fact that they can tear. Diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps are all used by females and inserted in the vaginal canal to block sperm from entering the fallopian tubes.
6. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs). IUDs come in two forms: copper and hormonal. The hormonal version releases progestin and consists of the brands Mirena, Liletta, Skyla, and ParaGard. Both are inserted in the uterus through the cervix by a medical professional. Insertion complications can occur, including cramping, rejection (the IUD coming out), along with pain. However, women opt for this option because of its convenience, low maintenance, longevity (ranges from 3-10 years), effectiveness (99.8% effective!), and being able to have it while breastfeeding. The turn around for getting pregnant if one so wishes is fairly quick too.
7. Natural Rhythmic Method. This method is tracking your cycle to determine when you are ovulating. A few days leading up to, during, and after ovulation are when you can get pregnant. A home fertility test can help affirm this.
8. Sterilization. An extreme form of birth control is sterilization. This is when women get their fallopian tubes tied to prevent sperm from swimming upstream to fertilize an egg. For men, this means a vasectomy, a minor surgery that blocks sperm as well. Both procedures can be revisable, depending on the approach and method done, but it can be expensive, painful, and unreliable.⁸

The Pros of Hormonal Birth Control

1. It can help regulate your period.
2. It can alleviate cramping, PMS, PMDD, and other menstrual symptoms.
3. It can clear up acne.
4. It decreases your risk of developing uterine cancer.
5. It helps manage endometriosis.
6. It can reduce the risk of anemia.⁹

The Cons of Hormonal Birth Control

1. You are not experiencing a true menstrual bleed. The hormones in birth control prevent ovulation, an entire phase of the menstrual cycle. Reference “Why You Shouldn’t Dread Your Period” post.
2. It may cause amenorrhea, absence of a bleed altogether.
3. It may cause hormonal imbalances.
4. It increases your risk of blood clots.
5. It increases risk of cardiovascular disease complications.¹⁰

Risk Factors

According to Mayo Clinic, risk factors/contraindications for taking birth control include if you:

1. “Are a smoker age 35 or older
2. Have just given birth
3. Have a blood-clotting disorder, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart or blood vessel problems, breast cancer, certain liver problems, gallbladder disease, migraines with aura, lupus, prolonged diabetes or complications from diabetes”¹⁰

*I also feel obligated to note that birth control does not protect you against STDs.

Summary  

So there you have it- a concise overview of all things birth control. We covered the pill’s history and makeup, your options of bc, and its pros and cons. I hope I delivered the unbiased facts for all of you women and did you justice in terms of feeling empowered and knowledgeable. My aim is to feed you science-base information so you can make the best decisions for you, your body, and your health. I am here as support along the way, and can offer my counseling services next spring to help you feel and function optimally. Be well! Xo Danielle

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE OR OUR MOBILE APPLICATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Resources

1.Liao, P., & Dollin, J. (2012, December). Half a century of the oral contraceptive pill: Historical review and view to the future. Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3520685/

2. Parenthood, P. (n.d.). What is the Effectiveness of Birth Control Pills? Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-pill

3. Birth control pills: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007460.htm

4. 18th, A. (n.d.). Birth-Control-Depo-Provera-vs-Patch Archives. Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.cdlsusa.org/ask-the-expert/birth-control-depo-provera-vs-patch/

5. Holland, K. (1982, October 27). Birth Control Pill vs. Birth Control Shot: Pros and Cons. Retrieved August 06, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/birth-control-pill-vs-shot

6. Birth control patch. (2019, January 26). Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-patch/about/pac-20384553

7. Team, T. (2068, May 30). Vaginal Ring for Birth Control. Retrieved August 06, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-vaginal-ring

8. What birth control method is right for you? (2019, February 14). Retrieved August 05, 2020, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods

9. Osborn, C. (2037, June 25). Benefits of Birth Control: 10 Advantages Beyond Preventing Pregnancy. Retrieved August 06, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-benefits

10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/expert-answers/birth-control-pills/faq-20058110

 

5 Nutrients to Support Your Period

Premenstrual and menstrual symptoms can be less than manageable. Heck, I know plenty of women who have such debilitating symptoms, they’ve taken off school or work at some point. That’s crazy. We should be able to use those days for a mental health reset or when we’re actually sick with other illnesses. So, how can we begin to minimize and alleviate these symptoms to save our sick and PTO days? Nutrition is one of the large pieces to completing this puzzle. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Water

Did you know that water is a nutrient? It sure is! It’s okay if you didn’t, but is it that much of a surprise? We NEED water to survive, and our bodies are made of 60-70% of the stuff! When we are properly hydrated during our periods, we decrease our chances of cramping. This is because we aren’t retaining water and decrease bloating. Water can also help with muscle function, which the uterus is! (well, partly).

2. Omega-3s

Consuming foods high in omega 3s (fatty fish like salmon and tuna, flaxseeds, chia seeds, soybeans, etc.) has been proven to reduce menstrual pain, help with depression and mood swings, and is a great support for brain health which may help with lessening the incidence of headaches!¹

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice known for its unique flavor in Middle Eastern dishes, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to be used as a clothing dye. Ya, it stained my nails from dinner last night…the only downside, but I digress. The antioxidant compound in turmeric is called curcumin. In larger doses, curcumin has been shown to reduce oxidative muscle damage and aid in healing and recovery by decreasing inflammation. This can help with period cramps since the uterus is a muscular organ.

*HOT TIPS* If you don’t like the taste of turmeric, you can purchase a turmeric supplement. Just make sure that black pepper (pepperdine) is present in the formula because it makes it more bioavailable and easier to absorb for us! Same goes for when you are cooking with turmeric or even make a turmeric “golden” latte- add a pinch of pepper!

4. Iron

Iron is the number one nutrient women are deficient in, partially because we lose iron when we menstruate through blood. Here are some great food sources to add to your diet to receive proper amounts of iron:

• grass-fed beef
• lentils & legumes
• shellfish
• liver & organ meats
• turkey
• spinach
• broccoli
• dark chocolate
• tofu¹

**HOT TIP** consuming vitamin C increases iron bioavailability. Example: bell peppers with tofu- yum!

5. Magnesium

Studies have shown that magnesium both eases period cramps and decreases the prostaglandins (lipids that act like hormones) that cause those contractions and cramping. So not only does magnesium alleviate the symptoms, but it addresses one of the root causes.

Foods high in magnesium include:

• pumpkin seeds
• almonds
• spinach
• cashews
• dark chocolate
• avocado
• nuts and seeds
• tofu
• whole grains²

Nutrition can greatly influence how our body operates and feels, with menstrual symptoms being no exception. Water, omega 3s, turmeric, iron, and magnesium are nutrients that can aid in cramp and unfavorable symptom reduction. Please consult with your doctor if you are currently taking any medications to avoid food/drug interactions, and feel free to reach out with questions with how to incorporate these into your diet!

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE OR OUR MOBILE APPLICATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Resources

1.Ferguson, S. (2019, July 16). What to Eat During Your Period: Fish, Leafy Greens, Yogurt, and More. Retrieved August 04, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/what-to-eat-during-period

2. Spritzler, F. (n.d.). 10 Magnesium-Rich Foods That Are Super Healthy. Retrieved August 04, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-foods-high-in-magnesium

🌵Nemi “Cactus” Holisticks 🌵

Regina Trillo. She is the woman so brilliantly responsible for the creation of Nemi “Cactus” Holisticks. You heard that right- cactus sticks for snacks! 🌵😋 And boy are they DELICIOUS + NUTRITIOUS! 🙌🏼

I discovered Nemi at my local boutique grocer that carries local and artisanal foods and beverages. I absolutely love exploring there. Intrigued by the packaging, I picked up a snack-size bag of Nemi earlier this spring, and I read “plant-powered crunch snack made from cactus and amaranth”. I was SOLD on the spot. I am a sucker for trying new foods, and I had never had cactus before!

It was love at first bite of the Spirulina + Lime flavored bag. I have tried every flavor since, and I’ve seen her business grow in popularity over the last few months. She just received an award that “recognized [her] as a business helping to build a more equitable society” AND she is Chicago-based! Win win win win win, imo.

On a scale of 1-10 with explanations, here’s what I rated each category of this product.

Texture: 10/10

If you like crunchy snacks (I’m not sure who doesn’t), you will LOVE the audible *crunch* you get from these snack sticks! They are the perfect balance between having resistance and that easy to bite factor. No one wants a snack that makes you worry about your teeth now. Plus, the exterior is coated in amaranth and other healthy and sustainable-sourced ingredients, which gives it a bit of grainy texture. Swoon!

 

Flavor: Depends on the flavor we’re talking about…but the average was a 9!

Spirulina + Lime: 9/10

Smoky Chipotle: 10/10

Churro- Date and Cinnamon: 7/10

Chili + Turmeric: 8/10

Hokay! So obviously my favorite lava flavor is the Smoky Chipotle. It’s what’s pictured on the cover photo and pairs PERFECTLY with the sriracha tahini sauce. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing about the flavor profile.

The Spirulina + Lime is right up my alley too, not just with those ingredients, but the pop of citrus in your mouth with every bite! Wowsa! I knocked off a point because I wanted to taste a touch more of the spirulina. Although, i can see how that would be difficult to incorporate without messing with the other ingredients.

Churro- Date and Cinnamon- Not my cup of tea. I was accustomed to the savory delivery of the first two, so I didn’t expect nor welcome a sweet cactus stick. I could taste the attempt of a churro flavor, but it just didn’t do it for me. It was too sweet and didn’t really meld well with the crunchiness and nature of the dehydrated cactus sticks. When I think of churros, I think warm and soft with a slight crust of an outside, so I wouldn’t get this flavor again.

Chili + Turmeric was pretty good too. I wish it was as strong as the chipotle kick and you could detect a little more of the turmeric without that being overpowering. Once again, could be difficult to find this balance.

 

Nutrition Profile: 9/10

Calories: 150 kcal / bag- amazing for a small + quick snack! I do wish the bag was just a bit bigger though. I want more cactus goodness!

Fat: 3.5g/bag– No sat fat and comes from the chia seeds + flaxseed oil. Great sources of healthy fats!

Carbs: 20g/bag –Amazing!

Protein: 6g/bag –Can you say macro boner?

Fiber: 4g/bag – How can this nutrition profile for a crunchy snack get any better?

Added sugars: fricken zilch!

*Plus, 2mg iron + 57.1mg potassium 🙂

Here’s a screenshot of the baseline ingredients:

Ingredients vary depending on the flavor, but I admire Nemi’s transparency with real and sustainably-sourced whole food ingredients. Nopal, the type of cactus used, is actually regarded for lowering blood sugar, healing wounds, and reducing cholesterol by Medical News Today, so the health benefits are pretty great!

Cost: 9/10

You can buy a 6-pack of these snack bags on their site for $24.00, so it’s roughly $4/bag. It’s a little pricey for a quick snack, BUT, you get what you pay for in this case. The ingredients are stellar and you’ll be supporting a female-owned, Latina, Chicago-based company friends!

 

Overall Score: 9/10!

 

I cannot recommend Nemi Holisticks enough. The founder, Regina, is a doll and is a strong, Latina looking to promote cultural health food. She is the embodiment of #womensupportingwomen and truly cares and engages with her customers. And can I please stress the deliciousness of these unique-as-hell cactus sticks?! Order them NOW! You won’t be disappointed- promise. 😉

Why You Shouldn’t Dread Your Period

A period- something found at the end of a sentence or at the end of a menstrual cycle. *Ugh* is what every woman just said in their head after reading that sentence. If your exasperation was audible, then you are probably all too familiar with the woes of the red monster. But what if we reframed how we felt about our period and took control of our experience with it? Hear me out.

Our period is a sign of reproductive health, so much so that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has proposed clinicians should consider one’s menstruation as the fifth vital sign (along with body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure).¹ Whoa. That’s a bold statement. This tells us that there’s something to be said about the presence of a healthy period.

Amenhorrea is the opposite- the absence of your period. It naturally occurs during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and when menopause occurs. Additional causes of amenhorrea could be birth control (another great blog post to come) and other medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure drugs. Structural abnormalities can also cause issues with menstruation.

If a woman has amenhorrea at any other time, this indicates an underlying issue. Whether its a hormonal imbalance, weight concerns (over or underweight), nutrition deficiencies, overexercising, or stress, something is causing either anovulation (when no egg is released during ovulation) or a skipped menses. ²

Aside from the obvious sign of a missed period, some other signs and symptoms that accompany this include:

• hair loss
• headaches
• vision changes
• facial hair
• pelvic pain
• acne
• nipple discharge ²

Now, after learning that getting your period is HEALTHY and considered the fifth pillar of female health, are you beginning to appreciate its presence more? What about the fact that having your period indicates you are reproductively equipped to reproduce should you so desire? Yes, I completely understand and respect that not all women want children (I might be one of them!), but the fact that our bodies are staying healthy enough for ourselves and that option is incredible.

Benefits of Having a Period

• reproductive health
• bone health (hormones aid in maintaining bone density)
• thyroid & adrenal health
• being able to track your cycle and leverage you energy levels, creativity, sex drive, and more!
• you can better understand and make sense of your emotional state ³

If you do not have a period at the moment. Don’t fret. Contact your primary care physician and OB to rule out any medical condition, then turn to your diet and other lifestyle choices to help the return of the red sea. 😉

So, after reading this, do you appreciate what us women tend to demonize? Reframe and take control ladies! Your period is normal, natural and something to be talked about and celebrated, not shunned!

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE OR OUR MOBILE APPLICATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

References

1. Vartan, S. (2020, March 16). Doctors Think Your Period Should Be a Fifth Vital Sign. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://elemental.medium.com/doctors-think-your-period-should-be-a-fifth-vital-sign-5b882c864783
2. Amenorrhea. (2019, July 25). Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299
3. Network, W. (n.d.). Health benefits of regular menstrual periods. Retrieved July 30, 2020, from https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/pms-and-menstruation/health-benefits-regular-periods.aspx

 

Let’s Talk About PMS.

PMS. It is the dreaded acronym to every woman who has ever experienced it. PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It is a condition that can alter your emotional, mental, physiological AND physical states. Did you know that PMS symptoms are not normal? I didn’t either up until this past year. I bought into the story we’re told as young girls that PMS is part of it all. This is FALSE! Think about it. Our bodies are so intricately designed to perform on an optimal cellular level to keep us alive. Why would it fail us when it comes to reproductive health?

Pre-, meaning before, and menstrual, meaning your period, means that PMS is experienced the week leading up to your bleed. Signs and symptoms can range from mood swings to extreme physical discomfort. Refer to the list below for the slew of possible signs and symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms of PMS

• mood swings
• anxiety
• irritability
• bloating
• acne
• abdominal pain or discomfort
• sore breasts
• food cravings
• constipation
• diarrhea
• heightened senses to light, smell, taste
• skin sensitivity
• fatigue
• trouble sleeping
• depression
• behavioral changes¹

*Among many others. PMS has been associated with nearly 200 hundred signs and symptoms! Every woman experiences this differently.

On average, 47.8% of women experience chronic PMS symptoms. The highest recorded prevalence rate was 98%.²

These numbers are staggeringly high for a syndrome that shouldn’t be making an appearance at all, let alone every 21 days. So what is the cause of PMS that is plaguing women on a global scale?

Possible Causes of PMS

• hormonal fluctuations/imbalances
• neurotransmitter changes
• anemia
• endometriosis
• thyroid disease
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• connective tissue or rheumatologic diseases¹
• eating disorders
• vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Ways To Treat Symptoms

1. First and foremost, you know I’m going to suggest reevaluating your diet. Removing or minimizing fast food, foods high in sodium and saturated fats, sugar, caffeine and alcohol should be your first move. It doesn’t sound fun, but let’s focus on what you can ADD to your diet. Adding foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins have been shown to reduce PMS symptoms.

These foods include:

• dark chocolate (woohoo! Just make sure it’s over 70% and low in sugar)
• avocado
• spinach
• almonds
• sunflower seeds
• salmon
• wheat germ
• black cohosh (a medicinal root, also found as a supplement, shown in some studies to help relieve menopause and PMS symptoms)
• low-sugar yogurt
• citrus fruits
• bananas
• brown rice
• shellfish
• legumes

Just to name a few…

2. Secondly, moving your body can help relieve symptoms, boost endorphins, and even metabolize excess estrogen that could be the culprit of some symptoms. Walking or doing light yoga is ideal during this time of your cycle, but you choose a form of movement that feels good for you.

3. Drunk up, buttercup! Staying hydrated can help with bloating, water retention, and abdominal pain. Aim to drink 1mL for every calorie you consume, or from 1,500-2,000mL (1.5-2L) per day.

4. Mayo Clinic suggests acupuncture as an alternative treatment to relieve symptoms.³ (I can’t wait to try this).

5. Reduce stress to decrease cortisol levels, which has an effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. One again, stress management looks different for every individual. Pick a few ways to manage stress that works FOR YOU.

6. Catch those Zzz’s! I’ve said it in many other posts, but sleep is so very important in our overall health and wellbeing. It’s the third pillar of health after diet & exercise. Sleep is when our brains detoxify, which can affect our neurotransmitters! If you recall, neurotransmitter changes (such as a dip in serotonin and dopamine levels) can be one of the root causes of PMS.

6. If holistic measures do not work for you, talking to a doctor about antidepressants, NSAIDs, or diuretics may help those with underlying issues and severe conditions.

Conclusion

If you’ve experienced PMS symptoms and do not want to live with these predictable symptoms anymore, try some of these remedies out. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I am happy to help, and keep in mind that I’ll be accepting nutrition clients come next Feb/March to help alleviate these issues through food!

Take care. Be safe, and stay healthy, friends! ❤

Disclaimer: The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of medical/health advice. THE USE OR RELIANCE OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS SITE OR OUR MOBILE APPLICATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

References

1. Higuera, V. (2027, June 05). Premenstrual Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome
2. A DM, K S, A D, Sattar K. Epidemiology of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study [published correction appears in J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Jul;9(7):ZZ05]. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(2):106-109. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/8024.4021
3. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). (2020, February 07). Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780

Women Have Testosterone Too!

Testosterone, a male sex hormone that many think is only produced in, well, men is also produced by women. Testosterone in women is made and secreted by the ovaries, just like estrogen. This hormone actually aids in growth and maintenance, muscle building, reproductive health, bone mass, mood balance and even influences behavior. So yes, as women, we need this hormone. It’s when testosterone is too low or found in excess in women that it becomes a problem.

Signs and symptoms of high testosterone:

• excess body and/or facial hair
• hair thinning/loss/balding
• acne
• enlarged clitoris
• decrease in breast size
• deepening of the voice
• increased muscle mass
• irregular periods
• mood swings
• low libido ¹

Some causes of elevated testosterone:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• adrenal and thyroid disorders
• certain medications

*genetics and insulin resistance can also be risk factors ¹

What can I do?

Elevated testosterone can be diagnosed through a routine blood test. From there, adjusting your lifestyle and habits could be the first proactive step to influence your hormonal status.

• Take a step back from intense exercise. Instead, try walking for a bit until you feel better and your hormones balance out.
• Consult with a dietitian to achieve a healthy weight to support your reproductive organs and system.
• Aim to consume phytoestrogens to help raise estrogen levels and decrease testosterone. Minimize foods that metabolize estrogen, such as cruciferous vegetables (just for the time being).
• Add healthy fats to your diet that support endocrine function and reproductive health, such as avocados, nuts and seeds, tahini, coconut milk, etc.

Phytoestrogens

Here is a list of phytoestrogens that may help raise low estrogen levels and decrease elevated testosterone levels.

• Seeds! Flaxseed meal, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds
• Fruits, such as strawberries, apricots, and oranges
• Dairy
• Soy products, mainly tofu, soybeans, and tempeh
• Vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and kale
• Lentils and legumes
• Chickpeas
• Olives and olive oil

So, what questions do you have? Leave them for me to answer, contemplate, and research for you. I am happy to assist! XO -Danielle

 

Quinn’s Popcorn

It’s Friday, and that means movie night and popcorn! JP and I always like using Fridays to wind down from the week and feel refreshed for the weekend adventures ahead.

I have very fond memories of my grandma making stovetop popcorn in this old copper pot. She used raw kernels and olive oil to pop the kernels, and then added parmesean and sea salt. OMG, it was divine chomping on that watching Tales of the Crypt lol. Anyone my age remember that terrifying show? Anyways…

I can still taste the flavor of her popcorn. You know, the way you have taste memories of how your mom or grandma makes their recipe. It never turns out the same if anyone else makes it, even following the recipe to a T. I haven’t attempted making it her way, for this reason and because I just never thought to try it or buy popcorn kernels! Now I just might.

This is how I decided to try Quinns popcorn though. They’re a snack company that is dedicated to providing real foods that are non-GMO and are wrapped up in chemical-free packaging. Did you know that most traditional microwave poppcorn bags contain cancer-causing chemicals?! Ugh, yes.

I have written a review on their popcorn product, specifically their Aged Parmesan Rosemary. It is the only popcorn I will buy that is prepackaged because their bags do not contain carcinogens and their popcorn additives are not fake and processed crap!

On a scale of 1-10 with explanations, here’s what I rated each category.

Texture: 9/10

I mean, the mouthfeel is that of popcorn- light and slightly crunchy- the perfect consistency for a snack or light meal (insert: Olivia Pope vibes with red wine). I wish the popcorn itself was a little….what’s the word…sturdier…to pack more of a crunch. Does that make sense? Like I feel that movie theatre popcorn (while I don’t love the gallons of butter and fake additives) is durable with each popped kernel. For that reason, texture receives a 9/10.

 

Flavor: 8.5/10

Think popcorn. aged parmesan. rosemary. and salt- YUMMMM! Simple ingredients with nothing you can’t pronounce. I am obsessed with a hint of cheese and herbs in my meals, and salt always elevates those flavors. I usually add freshly grated Parmesan on top too, because the flavor is a bit stronger. I deducted a point from flavor for this reason, because while their cheese is non-GMO and from a cow that has not been treated with antibiotics nor hormones, it’s not as strong as fresh parm. Of course, I couldn’t expect it to be without being refrigerated. I also wish there was a touch more salt, so I knocked off another half point for that, but adding a dash of sea salt is an easy fix. 😉 Overall, it’s tasty!

 

Nutrition Profile: 10/10

Calories: 510 kcal / bag (170 kcals / serving with 3 servings in each bag)

Fat: 6g/bag– factoring in the sunflower oil it comes with, so to be expected

Carbs: 51g/bag – as expected

Protein: 12g/bag – better than expected for popcorn!

Fiber: 9g/bag – woohoo! Get that fiber! Goal is usually 25g;day for women, 38g/day for men

Added sugars: 0g – yusssss honey!

*Plus, vitamin A 2%, vitamin C and iron 4% of your daily value🙂

Here’s a screenshot of the ingredients:

I am LOVING how short this ingredient list is! And please note that not all sunflower oils are made equal. While I typically prefer olive oil, high oleic sunflower oil contains more monounsaturated fats than polyunsaturated fats- more of the type of fat we want in our diet and that olive oil also consists of! I gave the nutrition profile a 10/10 because it’s macros and micros are pretty impressive compared to other popcorn brands.

Click here to check out all of where Quinn’s Snacks ingredients are sourced from. As you’ll see when exploring, they offer many flavors of popcorn and GF sorghum pretzels too! I can’t wait to try those…

 

Cost: 9.5/10

You can buy a 3-pack of this popcorn on Amazon for $13.17 rn, so it’s roughly $4/box with 2 bags in each. I’ve seen popcorn for cheaper, but I think paying an extra buck or two is worth the company being so transparent with where they source their quality ingredients from.

 

Overall Score: 9/10!

 

All in all, I would highly recommend checking out Quinn’s Snacks! They care about the packaging they use because they care about their consumers! They want to provide a safe, healthy and delicious snack that still represents classic foods we’re familiar with. I always purchase my Quinn’s popcorn at Target, but you can also find them on Amazon and use their store finder to find a retailer that carries them near you.

Happy snacking!

Estrogen Dominance: What Is It, and What Can I Do About It?

Estrogen dominance. It’s a term used to describe elevated estrogen levels within the body, for females or males. Estrogen dominance can also imply normal levels of estrogen in comparison to lower levels of progesterone at times throughout the menstrual cycle when progesterone is supposed to be the dominant sex hormone.

Signs and Symptoms of High Estrogen (for women):

• irregular periods
• bloating
• weight gain
• fatigue
• difficulty sleeping
• breast tenderness
• mood swings
• anxiety
• hair loss
• low libido
• benign cysts development in breasts
• heightened PMS symptoms
• headaches
• anxiety
• depression
• cold hand or feet
• memory issues ¹

Signs and Symptoms of High Estrogen (for men):

• breast tenderness
• breast enlargement
• infertility
• erectile dysfunction¹

These symptoms, especially a collection of them, are indicative of elevated estrogen. I always suggest contacting you primary care physician or OB to get a hormone analysis done to confirm this, but you can also tackle this issue with holistic approaches.

Holistic Approaches:

1. Move more! Exercise aids in estrogen metabolism by releasing it from fat cells. Don’t worry. It’s not necessary to partake in vigorous exercise if that isn’t your style. Simply adding steps to your day (a common goal is 10,000 steps) works wonders in the long run.
2. Try to avoid xenoestrogens, chemical compounds that mimic estrogen and cause endocrine disruption. Endocrines are glands that release these hormones, so if you have chemicals in your body that block or impair endocrine gland function, then your hormones will surely be out of wack. Xenoestrogens are found in plastic water bottles and food containers, beauty and cleaning products, and sunscreen (just to name a few). Do some research and buy brands with labels that say non-toxic and plant-based on them. Decreasing your toxic-load can do wonders!
3. Chill out! Find things that help you relax and works for you. A sheet mask might sound idyllic to one person, while it sounds like a claustrophobic, goopy mess to another. Stress-management will help decrease cortisol production. In order for your body to make cortisol, progesterone is compromised in the process. If you engage in stress-reducing activities and some R&R, you will help save some of your progesterone.
4. Catch enough Zzzz’s. Getting enough sleep will also lower your cortisol levels and keep your body regulated and in homeostasis. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep/night, with no one being an exception to how they operate or seem to succeed off less. Sleep is when our brains detoxify, our muscles recover, and our body rests and resets for the following day.

Foods For Estrogen Metabolism:

Here is a list of foods that can help metabolize estrogen and balance out your levels with progesterone. Estrogen is mainly metabolized in the liver and is then excreted through urine and feces.

• Cruciferous vegetables (Wait a minute…I thought this was on the list for foods to eat for LOW ESTROGEN. Interestingly enough, cruciferous veggies can help those with low estrogen and those with high estrogen, as they act as both phytoestrogens and help estrogen metabolizers. Crazy paradox, right?). Here are some examples of cruciferous veggies.
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • kale
  • arugula
  • watercress
  • cabbage
  • Brussel sprouts
•  Mushrooms
• Red grapes
• Red wine!
• Seeds
• Whole grains
• Green tea
• Pomegrantes ²
• Seaweed (nori) ³
• Shellfish
• Coffee ⁴

Still confused whether you have low or high levels of estrogen? I get it, the signs and symptoms are very similar. Once again, it’s a great idea to get checked out before assuming; However, positive lifestyle changes such as getting more sleep, stress reduction and management, avoiding xenoestrogens, and exercising more can’t hurt. 😉 and don’t forget my favorite part- the foods you can add to your diet! I want you to focus on what you can add to benefit your health and energy levels rather than restricting anything. Let me know if you have any general questions.

P.S. I started my internship today, so only 952 hours until I’m through! haha and that much closer to being able to counsel you on a personal and customized level. Woohoo!

Next Up…

“Women Produce Testosterone Too”

References

1. Healthline. 2020. Signs And Symptoms Of High Estrogen: Diagnosis, Treatment, And More. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/high-estrogen#causes&gt; [Accessed 20 July 2020].
2. Healthline. 2020. 7 Foods For Lowering Estrogen Levels In Men. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/anti-estrogen-diet-men&gt; [Accessed 20 July 2020].
3. Jane Teas, Thomas G. Hurley, James R. Hebert, Adrian A. Franke, Daniel W. Sepkovic, Mindy S. Kurzer, Dietary Seaweed Modifies Estrogen and Phytoestrogen Metabolism in Healthy Postmenopausal Women, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 139, Issue 5, May 2009, Pages 939–944, https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.108.100834
4. Sisti JS, Hankinson SE, Caporaso NE, et al. Caffeine, coffee, and tea intake and urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2015;24(8):1174-1183. doi:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-15-0246

Perfect Bar: Lemon Poppy Seed

Hello, hello! Here are a few updates on my end…

1. I officially start my dietetic internship TOMORROW! Eeeek!!! I had my orientation this past Monday and Tuesday, so I already accrued 40 hours between that and numerous projects we were assigned. Only 960 more hours to go, then I will sit for (and hopefully pass) the RD exam in Feb/March, and THEN I will be a Registered Dietitian!
2. I have decided to incorporate product reviews in my rotation of posts because I absolutely adore some health food brands that I would love to support and promote. Plus, I won’t have the time to be developing new recipes to share all of the time (aside from the ones I’m cookin’ up for my cookbook!). Take ‘um or leave ‘um, but I hope some of you find these informative and useful.

Here it is- my first product review!

I must disclose that I have been a Perfect Bar fan for YEARS now. I truly believe in their genuine approach to delivering whole foods in a convenient way. Plus, their bars are just dreamy, and if you remotely like nut butters of any sort, then you’re bound to love their nut butter-based bars that taste like solid peanut/almond/cashew butter gold!

So, you may see that I’m already biased, but hear me out…this new limited edition bar is fireeeeeeee. On a scale of 1-10 with explanations, here’s what I rate it each category.

Texture: 9/10

The consistency is soft (but still holds form), smooth, and creamy- pretty much your ideal protein bar. However, I deducted 1 point because there is an ever so light coating of oil that keeps its consistency intact.

 

Flavor: 10/10

I am not a pushover when it comes to taste. In fact, I’m kind of picky and particular about what’s in my food and how the flavors play off one another. I have not given a perfect score to this perfect bar without much contemplation. The lemon zing is just enough- not overpowering and refreshing- and the poppy seeds balance it out just right! Now, the cashew butter (and peanut butter) used as the base are very complimentary to the lemon and poppy seeds because they aren’t too overwhelming with flavor either. It’s a party in your mouth and had me reminiscing over drinking lemonade as a kid in the summer.

 

Nutrition Profile: 7.5/10

Calories: 310 (great for a snack or light breakfast/dessert/additive to any of the above!)

Fat: 19g (24%) – fairly high, but still okay depending on your nutrition goals

Carbs: 25g (9%) – as expected

Protein: 12g – decent

Fiber: 2 g – meh

Added sugars: 10g – a little higher than I would like, but hey, what doesn’t kill ya 😉

*1 bar also provides 140mg calcium and 380 mg potassium 🙂

Here’s a screenshot of the ingredients:

I am amenable to all of these ingredients, but I’m not crazy about the addition of sunflower oil and sesame oil, but hey aren’t deal breakers. 😉 I gave the nutrition profile a 7.5, with 1 point off for high fat content and added sugars, plus a half point for the oils.

 

Cost: 10/10

I paid $32.00 for a variety pack of 12 bars- half lemon poppy seed, half cherry pie. That equates to $2.67/bar. That’s pretty good, considering the ingredients that are in each bar. Plus, I received 15% off my first purchase with Perfect Bar and the shipping was FREE! By the way, Perfect Bars are usually $1.99 at Trader Joes.

 

Overall Score: 9/10!

 

At the end of the day, I would recommend Perfect Bars to anyone looking for a filling, delicious, flavor-packed snack or quick on-the-go brekky. Their Lemon Poppy Seed addition was the ideal summer drop to lighten the mood and days ahead. Plus, they’re nutritious. Check um out at perfectsnacks.com . You can also find them at Traders, Whole Foods, Starbucks, and many other convenient and grocery stores! Enjoy!