Today is all about new finds and wellness treasures!
I’m constantly trying and testing new products, but these finds have been sticking with me so I thought you might like them too!
1) Iodine Drops paired with Brazil Nuts (for Selenium)
This might be TMI, but one lingering PMS symptom I still experience is breast tenderness in my luteal phase – the two weeks leading up to my period (along with lingering hormonal breakouts, UGH). While it has majorly improved since I started cycle syncing, the pain/tenderness still really bothers me! Basically, my boobs swell and grow until they’re overflowing out of my bras and hugging people makes me cringe in pain. Doing cardio or any kind of jumping is a major HELL NO, because owwwwie. The pain is bad, but used to be even worse.
After reading Period Repair Manual (which we will get to) the author, Lara Briden, recommends supplementing with iodine for breast tenderness! (Read this article for more info!) Now this was something new that I hadn’t heard of before and was not mentioned in Woman Code, so I quickly hopped on it and picked up iodine drops at my local Whole Foods. Iodine is also great for PMS in general, as well as ovulation pain and ovarian cysts. I’m fairly certain that I don’t get enough iodine in my vegan diet because I’m not the biggest fan of seaweed foods like kelp, nori, dulse, etc. I can handle a small, very small scoop of the Amazing Grass Raw Reserve in my smoothies, but still, it’s hard for me to stomach and the smell makes me want to vomit… LOL.
Anyways, the iodine drops are tasteless! ALL YOU NEED IS ONE DROP, or whatever serving size is recommended. Do not overdo it. If you have a thyroid problem, iodine can make it worse. Because of this, you’ll want to add in a form of selenium to be safe (like brazil nuts) to protect your thyroid from damage and over-stimulation from iodine. So, I bought raw brazil nuts from the Whole Foods bulk section and have been eating 1-3 per day, in conjunction with the iodine drops in my morning water. Selenium is another mineral that can be lacking in a vegan diet. It’s only been 2 weeks but I’ve noticed an improvement and am more hopeful for next month! These small changes take time 🙂
2. Clean Plant Based Protein Powders
Banana protein powder! Doesn’t sound yummy?! I love anything banana, so I’ve been loving the new Aloha Banana Plant Based Protein Powder. The banana taste is subtle and not overpowering, plus its free of stevia if that’s something you look for (love their protein bars too!)
After a workout, I’ve been switching things up. You guys know my love for the Vega Protein & Greens powder but ever since Terry bought me a tub of the Vega Sport Performance Protein (with BCAA’s) I’ve been loving it! The taste is fairly similar to the Vega Protein & Greens, maybe a little less green tasting, but it has added probiotics and turmeric, plus more amino acids per serving which is important for muscle repair and growth. Definitely loving both of these protein powders lately!
3. Simple Girl Dressings and Marinades
While I always prefer homemade dressings or marinades, there are times when you really need something quick, which is when I turn to the Simple Girl products. These are not new to me, but not here on the blog (except for here). The ingredients are on point as well as the flavor options! From BBQ Sauce to Salad Dressings to spice mixes and marinades, Simple Girl is a great vegan brand that tends to be much lower in sugar, fat and carbs than any other I’ve seen. I almost always add in some type of fat to my meals, but I just love this brand for a quick dressing. Plus, both of the the bbq sauce’s are AMAZING.
4. Period Repair Manual
Since I’m still doing hormone research while working on my plant based vegan hormone meal plan (for each phase of our cycle – YAY!!!), I’ve been looking to other books besides Woman Code for different perspectives and more insight. As mentioned above (about the iodine) I came across Period Repair Manual, written by Lara Briden, and it’s been super insightful and helpful! While many of the food and supplement suggestions are similar to Woman Code, Lara goes into more detail strictly about period problems using certain protocols. It’s a different take on using natural treatments and I highly recommend it, if you’re into all the hormone stuff like I am!
If you have any other book suggestions, do leave me a comment below!!
That’s all for now. What wellness products or trends have you been loving lately?! Leave us a comment below!
Love hearing from you.
XOXO,
Shannon
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I read both book recommendations, and I’ve learned so much. I’m so grateful to these authors and to you! Your summary of all this great information has really helped in figuring out what I need to do to get my hormones back on track:) It’s been really helpful to see how you’ve incorporated these changes into your diet and daily life. Your supplement recommendations have been especially helpful. I’m also super excited about the meal plan!
Thank you so much for this post!
I feel like the work you are doing here is so important and I just love how you manage to bring so many easy to implement tips into one great article. Keep it up!
I’m loving this post! I wanted to try the aloha brand for some time and I wasn’t sure.. I think I might give it a try Do you put extra bananas y the banana flavour?
Hi Ashley! You definitely should try it 🙂 if I’m making a smoothie with the protein powder and add banana, I’ll usually add one half. Hope that helps!