Balance Your Hormones Naturally with Dr. Anna Cabeca

Dr. Anna Cabeca, triple board-certified, Emory University-trained physician and hormone expert, has helped countless women heal the nine most common symptoms of menopause with natural, safe solutions. In her new book, “The Hormone Fix,” Cabeca helps women utilize the Keto Green diet to tap into unimagined energy sources, burn fat naturally, and more.

In this installment of our That Sounds Delicious series, we’re diving into the Keto Green diet and what it specifically entails for women. Plus, we’ll dive into the pantry staples and kitchen ingredients Cabeca recommends for women looking to balance their hormones.

Tell us about yourself. Where does this passion to help women better understand their bodies come from?

I have had a passion for women’s health since I was a teenager and my mother was suffering with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which required a cardiac bypass surgery at age 52. I was only 16 and remember looking at research and studies. At the time, I realized that there weren’t many studies done on women’s health, but all the findings from men were applied to women. So that started my life as a researcher, and then into medicine as an advocate for women’s health and becoming a gynecologist and obstetrician.

Your new book, “The Hormone Fix,” recommends a Keto Green diet. What is that exactly, and how did you discover/create it?

[The Keto Green diet] is all about combining the best of ketosis—getting your body into the fat-burning stage of ketosis and ketogenic principles with healthy fats [and] good quality, free-range organic proteins. Adding in intermittent fasting will also help reach a ketogenic state. The greens are for alkalinization, which is important for detoxification and metabolism and hormonal balance, as well as stabilization of cortisol. One thing I have my clients do is check his or her pH level for ketones, as well as for alkalinity. I encourage getting a urinary pH test that shows above seven on a regular basis, all prior to coaching their body into ketosis. My clients have seen significant results with this recommendation.

My process of discovering the Keto Green diet came from my own journey. At age 48, I was noticing the five, ten, and 20 pounds weight gain that I would typically hear my clients complain about, particularly around the time of perimenopause. The ketogenic diet in and of itself did not make me feel well. I was checking my urinary pH and it was consistently at a pH of five. Remember: We want a pH level of seven. So I began adding in more greens, as well as new lifestyle factors that I discuss in my book. Getting that urinary pH above seven and then getting it to ketosis—it was like magic. And that’s when I took it to other clients. Some of my most difficult menopausal clients, particularly those who struggled with weight loss and are over the age of 40, were quite successful with this method.

To your knowledge, how does the Keto Green diet help balance hormones?

It balances our major hormones, such as insulin, cortisol, and oxytocin.

What products have you eliminated from your diet as part of the transition to Keto Green?

I don’t vilify any specific food, but [focus on] the quantities of the food. So there are no grains or gluten or dairy in my recipes. However, they’re not forbidden [when] being Keto Green. You just want to watch what you’re doing and be conscientious of what’s working for you versus what’s working against you.

What are your personal favorite products that you order, and how do you use them?

I love the selection of teas that I can get, as well as herbs and spices that are organic and from a variety of sources. Seasoning our food is a key to optimal health.

What is your secret kitchen weapon, and how do you use it?

My NutriBullet is absolutely my secret kitchen weapon. It is so fast and easy to clean, so I love that. From smoothies to soups, it can handle it all.

What Keto Green-approved products are available at Thrive Market?

Everything from frozen meat and seafood to superfoods—free-range, grass-fed meat, chicken, fish, as well as MCT oil. And the herbs and spices are fabulous.

What simple recipes follow the Keto Green diet that our readers can try at home?

Basic Keto-Green Shake

• 1 scoop of Dr. Anna’s Keto-Green Protein* Shake powder (or other 0g sugar, high-quality protein shake, such as Vega Protein and Greens protein powder
• 1 tablespoon MCT or coconut oil
• 2 scoops of Dr. Anna’s green powdered supplement Mighty Maca Plus (a great alkalinity booster) or Thrive Market Maca
• 8 ounces of water

Blend well. You’re good to go!

Keto-Green Smoothie

• 1 handful kale
• 1/4 cup sprouts (broccoli preferred, but any will do)
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1 teaspoon chia and/or flax seeds
• Slice of fresh ginger, peeled
• 8 ounces of water

Blend well with ice, if desired.