Mixed Berry Hormone Balancing Smoothie For Ovulation Support

Support ovulation — arguably the most important part of the female cycle — with this mixed berry hormone balancing smoothie! It utilizes the wisdom of seed cycling to promote healthy detoxification of estrogen, helping to regulate headaches, mood swings, and more.

Ovulation may be the most important part of the female cycle, particularly for those trying to conceive.

Which is why we’re focusing on it today!

Welcome to the second recipe of a 4-part series dedicated to sharing hormone balancing smoothies for every phase of the cycle.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation marks the beginning of the luteal phase of the female cycle, and it is arguably the most important event that occurs each cycle!

During this (on average) 2-day period of time, estrogen and testosterone peak. Ovulation occurs somewhere between days 13 to 15 in a regular, 28-day cycle.

It is during this event that most women experience a surge in energy, feel more confident, alert, and generally feel good in their bodies. On the flip side, some women may also experience mood swings due to the increase in hormones and possibly some ovulation pain.

In a quest to regulate mood, improve the way we feel during the frequently turbulent cyclical journey we take each month, we’re once again focusing on nutrition and how we can support ovulation through food.

So, let’s cover the best foods to eat during this short but important event, as well as a simple nutrient-dense smoothie to balance hormones during this peak.

Best Foods To Eat During Ovulation

During ovulation, it’s important to support the liver and as well as proper estrogen metabolism.

While estrogen is responsible for the above mentioned positive experiences during ovulation, an excess can lead to anxiety, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches, mood swings, depression, and more.

One way to properly metabolize estrogen is through food. Consider including the following foods during this short but all-important event to help restore hormonal balance:

• cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli
• kale
• radishes
• asparagus
• berries
• quinoa
• high-quality protein, such as wild-caught fish and other seafood
• sunflower seeds
• sesame seeds
• flax seeds
• almonds
• pistachios

While it would be ideal to consume some or all of these foods, not everyone has the opportunity, time, and/or desire. Luckily, foodies are here to save the day!

This hormone balancing smoothie for ovulation includes a healthy dose of nutrition as well as supporting the gut and liver to metabolize excess estrogen.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into making our hormone balancing smoothie as well as tips, substitutions, and more.

Hormone Balancing Smoothie For Ovulation: Benefits & Substitutions

#1 — Kale

Dark leafy greens help the liver properly metabolize estrogen.

Yet if kale is not your thing, no worries at all. Choose spinach, chard, or any other green of your choice!

I prefer kale or spinach as these are not overpowering.

For those who need to avoid high-oxalate foods like dark leafy greens, consider making lightly steamed then frozen smoothie “pucks” instead!

#2 — Mixed Berries

Just like greens, berries support detoxification of excess estrogen in the liver. Use blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or a combination.

I like using frozen berries because they add extra thickness to the smoothie, but if you have fresh instead, that’s perfectly fine.

#3 — Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds — a staple of seed cycling during the luteal phase — are very high in selenium, which assists the liver in detoxing excess estrogen during the luteal phase (source).

Learn more about seed cycling to support the female cycle here!

To optimize your body’s digestion and absorption of the minerals from sunflowers seeds, we do recommend soaking and dehydrating them first (Here’s how.)

You can also purchase already soaked and dehydrated sunflower seeds, if that’s more convenient.

#4 — Flax seeds

The beauty of flax seeds is that they can either increase or decrease estrogen levels, depending on your body’s needs.

To make my life easier, I like to grind flax seeds in advance and store them in an air-tight container. Then they’re ready whenever I need them.

To finely grind flax seeds and almonds, I recommend using a food processor or a high speed blender, grinding them and storing them separately. Cool storage, such as the fridge or freezer, is the best place to keep them fresh.

#5 — Maca

Maca supports the endocrine system, helping to maintain hormonal balance.

It boosts libido in both men and women, increases fertility, improves mood and energy levels among other things. For these reasons, I love this essential superfood for every phase of the female cycle!

Read more about this maca here!

#6 — Almond Milk

This hormone balancing smoothie is dairy-free, but you can use regular milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk if you prefer. I love almond milk as it makes an ideal smoothie base!

Learn how to make your own almond milk here!

#7 — Banana

Since this recipe doesn’t call for an added sweetener, I like using 1/2 banana for a hint of sweetness.

Feel free to substitute 1/2 avocado instead, to load your smoothie with plenty of healthy fats! Just note that it will be very thick — it may become more of a smoothie bowl.

Last Tips For Ovulation

At this point in the cycle, it’s important to nourish the body with protein, lower carbs, and the above-mentioned foods. These specific foods are particularly helpful in allowing the liver to naturally remove estrogen.

Also, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In addition to hormone balancing smoothies, water is helpful in removing excess toxins and estrogen from the liver.

Did you know that gut health plays a role in estrogen metabolism as well?

Looking For More Hormone Balancing Recipes?

• Cherry, Flax & Maca Hormone Balancing Smoothie (For Follicular Phase)
• Mango, Turmeric, & Ginger Hormone Balancing Smoothie (For Menstruation)
• Chocolate, Avocado & Blueberry Hormone Balancing Smoothie For Luteal Phase Support
• Hormone-Balancing Bliss Balls For Seed Cycling
• Dairy-Free Hormone-Balancing Chocolate Malt {with maca & collagen!}
• No-Bake Herbal Adaptogen Energy Balls
• Top 5 Essential Oils For Women (for hormone balance, PMS, menopause, & in the bedroom!)

How do you support hormone balance throughout the female cycle? Will you try this hormone balancing smoothie for ovulation?

Looking for more ways to use up frozen or fresh mixed berries? Try these!

• Gluten Free Mixed Berry Cobbler
• Mixed Berry Bread Pudding
• Mixed Berry Kefir Popsicles
• Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam
• Mixed Berry Switchel