Hormone Balance Recipes: Brilliant Broccoli Salad

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, reproduction, and growth. The balance of our hormones starts to shift in our 40's, which is when perimenopause normally starts. This hormonal imbalance can then cause a wide range of symptoms such as weight gain, hot flushes and night sweats.

A healthy diet filled with key nutrients can support your hormone health and help reduce menopause symptoms. The nutrients in our meals provide the essential building blocks for both our hormones and our metabolism, which are both important pieces of the weight loss puzzle.

Cruciferous vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for maintaining our health. They are excellent sources of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and calcium. Here is a delicious and healthy recipe featuring the brilliant hormone balancing broccoli and kale with the super grain quinoa. It's perfect for a filling lunch or a light dinner.

Brilliant Broccoli, Kale and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 2 cups of kale

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam the broccoli florets until they are crisp-tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, kale, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Add the steamed broccoli florets to the quinoa mixture and gently toss to incorporate.

6. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

7. Serve the broccoli and quinoa salad as a side dish or a light lunch. It can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for later use.

This recipe combines all the nutritional benefits of broccoli, kale, quinoa, and healthy fats from almonds and olive oil. Dried cranberries are lovely and sweet with the freshness of parsley and lemon juice. I like to add a poached egg on top for extra protein and nutrients.

It's a filling meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Here are some more of my healthy nutritionist approved recipes for you to try.

Online Nutrition Advice Across Manchester & Worldwide

I am a BANT registered nutritionist offering online nutrition advice for clients across Altrincham, Manchester and worldwide, specialising in midlife women's health and weight loss. For hormone balance, gut health and weight loss from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. Book a FREE 30-minute no obligation consultation to find out how personalised nutrition and my Rebalance Nutrition Programme can help you.