The Hormone Reset Diet (8 page)

Coconut aminos.
These add a lot of flavor to steamed vegetables and soups. Find them online or at your local health food store.

Apple cider vinegar and red wine vinegar.

Fresh and dried herbs and spices.
All herbs and spices are allowed, as long as they don’t contain sugar or additives. Examples include tarragon, basil, thyme, parsley, cilantro, ginger, shiso leaf, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, and onion.

Extra-dark chocolate.
Purchase 80 percent cacao or higher. Omit if it’s an avalanche food that you can’t stop eating.

Filtered water.
Use water for smoothies, and drink a large glass (8 to 12 ounces) with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and/or toss in pieces of fresh vegetables or fruit (lemon, lime, berries).

Sparkling water.
Sparkling water with fresh lemon, mint, or a small amount of frozen berries is a great alternative to soda or sugary juices.

Unsweetened almond, coconut, or hemp milk.
Use these milks for smoothies.

Hot water with lemon and cayenne.
You’ll be drinking hot water with cayenne daily, first thing in the morning, during your Hormone Reset. It will alkalinize your body, and you may be surprised to find that this morning ritual is enough to replace your usual morning cup o’ joe (or tea).

Hydrosols.
I love to drink hydrosols that combine small amounts of plant extract, at low concentrations, in sparkling water. I make my own by adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, mint, or rose, to my water.

Coconut kefir.
Buy it online or make it yourself (see Resources). Coconut kefir is a nondairy combination of coconut water, a small amount of sugar (to feed the cultures), and a “starter” kit to inoculate with healthy bacteria.

Herbal teas.
Some of my favorites are ayurvedic teas. Choose from the large selection of herbal teas that help you with balancing your hormones or sleep. I love licorice tea. Aveda’s Comforting Tea is my preferred iced tea. I brew it double strength and serve it over ice. Hands down, my favorite hot tea is organic chocolate herbal tea. Search online or go to your local health food store. I like Tisano and Republic of Tea brands.

It’s easy to rush into things, but rushing doesn’t usually lead to changes that stick. It’s a more advanced practice to take things slowly and tethered to your intention. That’s what prep is all about. It’s about honoring your choice to create your personal Hormone Reset and making sure that you are preparing yourself for success. Now that you know how the Hormone Reset works—what to measure, what to buy, what to eat and not eat, what to do and not do—you’re prepared for the first reset. Remember, this is not a restrictive diet. We are going to address the root causes of why you can’t lose weight by correcting your hormonal misfires. It’s an innovative way to totally transform your body from the inside out. Let’s fix your broken metabolism and burn fat so you can get lean and healthy again, starting with Meatless, the three-day reset for estrogen!