Food cravings during your menstrual cycle remain extremely perplexing to follow and understand. One minute you wish for something sweet, and the very next your taste buds are overtaken by the desire for something savoury.
Chocolate, however, seems to be a universally agreed-upon comfort food to help reduce the pain. We crave sugary or carb-loaded foods because they help produce serotonin, which promotes a feeling of happiness. Here are some more recipes that will undoubtedly raise your spirits and give you the energy you need during your cycle:
Salad turned Smoothie:
The smoothie is absolutely packed with ingredients that are bound to help you during your period. It contains avocados, which provide Magnesium and Iron that help reduce cramps; fresh fruits; vitamins, which give you the required vitamins; yogurt, which adds protein; flax seeds; and chia seeds.
Ingredients:
● ½ avocados [fresh or frozen]
● 2-3 big handfuls of fresh baby spinach
● ⅓ cup frozen banana slices
● ⅓ cups frozen blueberries
● 1/3 cup frozen raspberries
● 1 ½ cups orange juice
● ½ cup almond milk [or any other preferred milk]
● 1 tbsp. chia seeds
● 1 tbsp. flax seeds
● 1 scoop collagen peptides or unflavoured protein powder of your choice [optional]
Procedure:
● The avocado, Greek yogurt, frozen banana, and berries must be put in the blender.
●Add chia seeds, flax seeds, and protein powder if you wish. Add as much spinach as your blender can hold in order to get the maximum benefits.
●Add an adequate amount of orange juice and almond milk to ensure sufficient liquid without overfilling your blender.
● Blend the concoction for about 2 minutes. Adding ice cubes is optional.
● Enjoy your healthy and delectable smoothie.
2. Black Bean Burger
This quick and easy snack can be customised to your own preferences and prepared with ingredients right out of your pantry. It is healthy and the perfect snack to munch on while watching your favorite movie, wrapped up in a comfort blanket.
Ingredients:
● 15 oz. Black Beans, 1 can drained and rinsed
● 1/2 Green pepper, roughly chopped
● 1/2 small Red onion, roughly chopped
● 1/4 cup Carrot, chopped
● 1 tbsp. Chia Seeds
● 3 tbsp. Water
● 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
● 3 tbsp. Parsley, chopped
● 1 tbsp. Cumin
● 1 tbsp Paprika
● 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
● 1/2 tsp. Salt
● 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
Procedure:
● Soak chia seeds in water for 10 minutes.
● Mash up the washed and rinsed black beans and add the veggies you previously chopped.
● Add the spices and chia seed mix to the black beans.
● Add the mixture formed to oats. Shape the resulting dough-like mixture into 4 [or more] patties.
● Allow the patties to set in the fridge for 45 minutes.
● Pan fry so the edges are seared, and then transfer to a cookie sheet.
● Bake them at 375 °C for an estimated 20 minutes.
● Top with veggies and condiments of your choice, add a buttered bun, and enjoy the mouthwatering burger.
Enjoy!
Photo credits: Jane Doan
Written by : Aafreen Shaikh
Edited by : Prahlad Madhu
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