Now that December is here, it's officially the most wonderful time of the year. But sadly, not for your hormones. With Christmas celebrations seeming to start earlier with every coming year it means more time to indulge in mountains of mince pies, raucous festive parties, and a few two many glasses of bubbly (It’s not called the silly season for no reason). However, all this festive fun takes a toll on your hormones and your sex drive - not to mention all the added stress that comes from planning the perfect Christmas.
But don't fear, as at Hormones + You, we've got your back. We've put together a collection of four delicious Christmas recipes that will keep you fueled throughout the season and boost your libido in the process. These mouth-watering recipes are filled to the brim with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that will make your hormones and (sex life) better than ever over the holidays.
For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth and boost libido this decadent dark chocolate bark is sure to do the trick. Dark chocolate is a well-known aphrodisiac and packed full of flavonoids which are amazing for hormone regulation to help get you in the mood. While the pomegranate seed gives you an extra antioxidant hit which helps keep your cortisol levels in check.
Makes 4 servings
What you’ll need:
250 g or one large bar of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
A handful of pomegranate seeds
2–3 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped (optional, for a more festive look)
How to make it:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt in a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water stirring as you go and until the chocolate is completely melted.
3. Stir the pomegranate seeds into the melted chocolate making sure they are mixed through well.
4. Pour the melted chocolate and pomegranate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer (about ¼-inch thick) using a spatula. Scatter chopped pistachios over the top for a green festive flair.
5. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens completely.
6. Once set, break the bark into pieces using your hands or a knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Sweet potatoes are the ultimate snack or side dish – not only delicious but packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which play an important role in supporting progesterone production. The cinnamon not only adds a festive touch but helps to stabilise your blood sugar, making it a perfect choice for balancing your hormones and helping you to feel more frisky.
Makes 1 - 2 servings
What you’ll need:
1 large sweet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for added sweetness
How to make it:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into wedges.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, cinnamon, and sea salt until evenly coated.
4. Spread the wedges out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
6. Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup for extra flavor before serving. Serve as a snack or side dish.
Nothing screams Christmas more than cosying up on the sofa with an eggnog in hand. But we all know that overindulging on alcohol is one of the main ways to mess with your hormones. While we are not saying you have to be completely sober, this smoothie has all the traditional taste of your favourite festive drink minus the alcohol and dairy.
Packed with bananas for a boost of mood-enhancing vitamin B6, plus healthy fats and warming spices, it’s a delicious, hormone-friendly way to get you in the mood for Christmas and boost libido.
Makes 1 serving
What you’ll need:
250ml almond milk (or oat milk)
1 banana (preferably frozen)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla-flavoured works best)
1–2 tbsp almond butter for added creaminess (optional)
How to make it:
1. Add almond milk, banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, protein powder, and almond butter into a blender.
2. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
3. Add more almond milk if the smoothie is too thick, or a few ice cubes for a colder, thicker consistency.
4. Pour into your best glass and sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish.
Loaded with festive flavour and anti-inflammatory properties these gingerbread bites will make you feel warm and cosy inside. The protein powder helps keep your blood sugar steady, while the healthy fats not only support hormone balance but also your gut health. So you can feel your very best.
Makes 10 - 12 balls
What you’’ll need:
1 cup almond flour
2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1–2 tbsp water (for consistency)
1 tbsp chia seeds or hemp seeds for added texture and nutrition (optional)
How to make it:
1. In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, ground flaxseeds, protein powder, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Stir in almond butter, maple syrup (or honey), and 1 tbsp water. Add more water if needed to get a dough-like consistency.
3. Once the mixture is well-combined, roll into small bite-sized balls.
4. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
You can store these delicious bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Ideal for when you need a quick Christmas snack.
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