Experimenting with Maca
As I mentioned yesterday, my sleep patterns have been a little off. I decided to give maca a try, because I’ve heard it helps balance hormones. I happened to have a hemp protein, maca, and E3 algae powder blend for smoothies.
I began using the powder yesterday, and tried it again today. Strangely, I feel subpar after drinking one of these smoothies. Maybe my body is simply adjusting? I’m going to continue to give it a chance for another week.
Flavor? What flavor?
These smoothies have been some of the worst I’ve tasted! This protein mix powder is gritty, and has a bitter taste. It doesn’t help that Phase I
of Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine doesn’t allow fruit. I miss my green smoothies with fruit! In one more week I’ll be adding blueberries to my smoothies. I can’t wait!
Meanwhile, I’ve been further researching the benefits of maca.
Benefits of Maca
Maca is a Peruvian tuburous perennial plant with a 5,000+ yr history. Maca is best known for improving sexual health (often called “nature’s Viagra”), providing energy and clarity of mind, and balancing hormones. Studies have shown no toxicity or adverse pharmalogic effects.
Nutritionally, maca has high amounts of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes, including calcium, magnesium, and B12.
Maca balances hormones by working as an adaptogen. It doesn’t provide hormones to the body, but rather regulates over or under production where needed.
Hormones influence virtually everthing within our bodies, such as mood, growth, sexual function, metabolism, sleep patterns, and diegestion. Hormonal imbalance can also contribute to disease.
I’m hoping to find increased clarity of mind, energy, improved sleep, balanced hormones evidenced by an even mood, and mellower menstrual symptoms.
Stay tuned as I continue to update my findings on the benefits of including maca in my diet!
Today’s Food on the Trial
For breakfast, my Kitchen Sink crackers w/ almond spread (oops, pic is a bit blurry)
Snack
Green smoothie with above mentioned hemp/maca/E3 protein powder, almond spread (to create an almond milk base), 1 Tbsp chia seeds, small handful spinach, stevia drops. Pretty gross tasting. Need fruit asap!
Lunch
A whole avocado with sea salt and a romaine with red pepper salad.
Snack
Coconut oil on crackers
Dinner
Between feeling lousy this evening, and a massive rain storm, I was craving some warm food. I relied on my standby of blanched broccoli, olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt (again, only blanching for 10 seconds to retain as many nutrients as possible). Forgot to snap a photo (oops)!
Following the delicious broccoli, I munched on some of my remaining onion flax crackers with sugar plum tomatoes.
Fitness & pH
During my run today (1 1/2 miles) I felt very sluggish, which has been a recurring issue. I have a feeling that it’s due to my diet, but I’m not sure why. I think I have been heavily detoxing this whole month. I’ve been testing my body pH (with urine test strips) and it remains steady at 5.5, considered too acidic. The strange thing is, that before this trial, it was 6.5-7.0, the desired range. My only explanation is detoxing. I’m looking forward to what the ongoing tests reveal.
Sleep
I’ve been having some disrupted sleep patterns the past few nights (difficulty falling asleep and waking throughout the night). I started taking melatonin, and will report the results tomorrow. My sleep was slightly improved from the previous night.
I’ve been learning so much, and hopefully you have too!
