Food for easy periods

Ahealthy diet can go a long way in reducing cramps as well as the slump in energy levels during periods. Pallavi Srivastava, fitness nutritionist and proprietor, Q- Slim Fitness Studio, Andheri (W), shares a few recipes for painless menses.

PINA COLADA TWIST Ingredients

1 cup fresh pineapple 6-7 leaves of spinach 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1tsp of pumpkin seeds 3/4 cup milk

6-7 ice cubes

Method

Put all ingredients in blender Blend until smooth Serve chilled.

Health Benefits

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and contains high content of moisture. Coconut flakes are a good source of fibre. Pumpkin seeds are incredibly high in fibre and contain a good amount of magnesium, iron, calcium and other minerals.

MASHED CAULIFLOWER WITH HINT OF ROASTED GARLIC Ingredients

1 cauliflower head 3 medium cloves of garlic, roasted 2tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tbsp of ground black pepper 1/2 tbsp paprika, powdered 2 or 3 sprigs of parsley salt to taste

Method

Wash and clean the cauliflower head, cutting out any sections that have turned brown

Chop the cauliflower into small pieces

Steam the cauliflower for 10 minutes and then let it cool. The cauliflower should be completely soft when finished so that a fork or knife goes right through it without resistance

Roast the garlic cloves

Drain excess water from the cauliflower, then blend it with the garlic cloves, the olive oil, and the salt and pepper, until the mixture is uniform, creamy, and smooth

Serve in a medium serving bowl. Dust the surface with paprika and garnish with chopped parsley as desired.

Health Benefits

This recipe helps to balance the hormones naturally. Olive oil is rich in unsaturated fats and garlic is rich in antioxidants as well.

BANANA SPINACH SMOOTHIE Ingredients

1 banana 5-6 leaves of spinach 1tsp peanut butter

1tbsp flax seeds 3/4 cup low fat or skimmed milk

5 ice cubes

Method

Put all the ingredients in a blender.

Blend until smooth. Serve chilled.

Health Benefits

Flax seeds are high in fibre. Bananas are a good source of magnesium and vitamin B6. Magnesium works by soothing and regulating the nerves and muscle functioning.