Superfood Seed Balls
These and the Cherry Chocolate Bliss Balls were born after I started dabbling with Seed Cycling as a holistic approach to start balancing my hormones due to declining progesterone. My family has a history of early perimenopause and I figured it was the perfect chance to finally try it personally. I had read about the concept in my nutrition and naturopathic studies over the years but never had the need to implement it until 2020. The year of extra stress for everyone, I know - but did you know that when the stress hormone cortisol spikes, it literally blocks progesterone receptors and limits the activity of progesterone? Yeah, it all started to make sense…especially since I was quickly approaching 40 (which also happens to be the time women start producing less progesterone naturally).
On a mission to feel more like myself and reverse (or at least reduce) my new symptoms, I started to integrate more seeds. But as much as I like nuts, seeds, and all things ‘healthy’ - I quickly realized I needed to figure out a way to be more consistent. A friend mentioned that I should make a big batch of seed balls to stick in the refrigerator or freezer and I’d be set for the whole month! Brilliant!
Superfood Seed Cycling Balls
Luteal phase (cycle day 15-28)
This recipe combines the two seeds that are ideal for the 2nd half of your cycle:
Sesame + Sunflower
Mixed with dates, turmeric, ginger, a little black pepper, and baobab powder you get an earthy warming anti-inflammatory treat with citrus notes from the baobab (“tree of life”). And most importantly, yummy enough you’ll actually be excited to eat them.
They’re the perfect early morning snack with a cup of coffee, dandy blend, or tea. Or a healthy pick me up in the afternoon.
Let’s get rollin’!
What you’ll need:
food processor
mini scoop (not a must, but recommended)
raw sesame seeds
raw sunflower seeds
baobab powder
turmeric
ginger powder
sea salt
ground black pepper
pitted dates
1. Place sesame seeds, sunflower seeds + baobab in food processor.
2. Add turmeric, ginger, sea salt, and ground pepper as well.
3. Now we’re ready to create a course powder before adding the dates.
4. Pulse occasionally to make sure it’s not creating a seed butter.
5. Add the dates! If your dates are really dry, soak them in hot water for 10-20 min. Discard water.
6. This is the perfect time to add 4-6 drops of quality citrus essential oil or citrus zest (1 TB).
7. Start out by pulsing a few times, let it run for about 15 seconds, pulse again, and repeat.
8. You want it mixed well enough so the dates are well incorporated and you can form a ball.
9. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, start forming small bite-sized balls.
10. Makes sure you’re set with a podcast, audio book, video course, or face time with a friend!
11. They’ll last for a few weeks in the fridge, but freezing them is a great option too!
12. Enjoy 2-3 seed balls each day. I love to have them with my Dandy Blend “coffee” or tea!
Superfood Seed Balls
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes:
If your dates weren't moist enough and the mixture is a little dry to form a ball you could always sprinkle a few drops of water at a time (or even maple syrup if you need more sweetness) and process until it starts to stick more and hold form.
Another option is to keep the mixture in the ground state and store it in an airtight container in the fridge - add a couple of tablespoons to yogurt or oatmeal each day.
