Dr. Anna Cabeca’s book “The Hormone Fix” introduces a unique approach to women’s health combining ketogenic eating with alkaline foods to balance hormones and improve overall well-being. This diet is similar to our Keto Vitality diet that we teach in our Hormone Reset Bootcamps with an added emphasis on alkalizing foods. We always suggest getting fruits and veggies in abundance, but adding them with the intention of alkalizing our bodies takes the Keto Vitality diet to the next level!
Why Alkalizing Matters
An alkaline diet can have numerous benefits for your body. Dr. Cabeca explains that alkalizing foods help balance cortisol and reduce insulin output, which are hormones responsible for belly fat and weight gain. Additionally, this approach may increase oxytocin, often called the “love and happiness” hormone.
Alkalizing for Your Hormones
An alkalizing diet can have several positive effects on hormone balance:
- Cortisol Reduction: By promoting an alkaline state, this diet can help balance cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain, particularly belly fat.
- Oxytocin Increase: An alkaline lifestyle, which includes positive relationships and emotional connections, can promote alkalinity by increasing oxytocin levels. Oxytocin counteracts the stress hormone cortisol.
- Insulin Regulation: An alkaline diet may help reduce insulin output, which is another hormone responsible for weight gain.
- Bone Health: Some research suggests that an alkaline diet rich in fruits and vegetables may support bone health by balancing minerals important for bone structure and lean muscle mass, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.
Alkalizing Food Examples
Some alkaline-forming foods to include in your diet are:
Fruits
- Avocado
- Lemon
- Lime
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Apples
- Pineapple
- Cherries
- Banana
- Mango
- Medjool dates
- Peach
- Pear
- Raspberry
Vegetables
- Kale
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Beets
- Garlic
- Onions
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Legumes
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
Nuts and Seeds
- Almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
Herbs and Spices
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Ginger
Other
- Coconut (fresh and milk)
- Dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa)
- Herbal teas
Sample Meal Ideas
Quick Breakfast Options
- Kale Smoothie: Blend kale, apple, banana, strawberries, almond milk, and a touch of ginger for a nutrient-packed morning drink
- Vegan Breakfast Toasts: Top bread or lettuce with chickpeas, spinach, and artichokes
Simple Lunch Recipes
- Quinoa Lettuce Wraps: Light, easy-to-make wraps packed with flavor
- Detox Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad with quinoa, herbs like parsley and basil, onions, and olives
- Tomato Avocado Arugula Salad: A fresh combination of cucumbers, avocado, and tomatoes
Easy Dinner Ideas
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls: Combine spicy roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and avocado mash
- Sautéed Mushrooms with Quinoa and Kale: A nutritious fall-inspired dinner that’s both delicious and alkalizing
- Zucchini Pizza Boats: A creative way to enjoy pizza flavors with a healthy twist
Snack Options
- Fresh fruits
- Raw vegetables with hummus
- Handful of nuts
- Cucumber slices
- Avocado
Pro Tip: When preparing meals, aim to include a variety of alkaline-forming foods like kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, sweet potatoes, bananas, and herbs. Balance protein-rich meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain an alkaline diet.
By following this alkalizing approach, Dr. Cabeca suggests you can “expect to trim down, tap into new and unexpected energy levels, and completely revitalize your life”.
