At 51, I’ve learned that supporting my hormones isn’t about restriction—it’s about nourishment. I’m always trying to make simple, grounding meals that help my body detoxify gently while helping my hormones thrive. This warm cabbage slaw is one of those go-to recipes I return to, especially when I want something quick, healing, savory, and satisfying.
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage are powerful anti-inflammatory detox supporters for women in midlife. They contain compounds that support healthy estrogen metabolism and liver detoxification—essential during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are shifting. Cabbage is also packed with fiber that feeds the gut microbiome, a key player in hormone balance.
To make life easy, I often buy a pre-shredded bag of organic purple and green cabbage. If you can’t find this, no problem—it’s simple to buy a whole head of cabbage and slice it into thin ribbons yourself. We’re also big fans of cabbage because it keeps well in the fridge, making it a practical staple for busy weeks.
Next comes the power of organic seeds, which I always keep stocked in my pantry. Hemp, sesame, flax, and pumpkin seeds work together to support hormone balance and overall wellness. Hemp seeds provide plant-based protein and essential fatty acids, flax and sesame seeds supply lignans that help modulate estrogen and are packed with fiber, and pumpkin seeds deliver protein, magnesium, and zinc to support mood, metabolism, and immune health. Together, these seeds offer fiber and healthy fats that nourish the gut and help maintain steady blood sugar. Pro tip: Buy ground flax seeds; they are easier to digest than whole flax seeds.
Also, if you don’t have all the seeds, no worries; the dish will still be delicious.
Adding one to two eggs provides high-quality protein and choline, which supports liver function and methylation—another essential detox pathway. I typically add two eggs to boost protein intake, which becomes increasingly important as we age.
Even the garnish of cilantro has functional purposes—it adds flavor and extra anti-inflammatory support.
The result is a simple skillet meal that takes just minutes to make and checks all the boxes: hormone support, detoxification, gut health, and lasting satiety. In my 50s, I truly believe that our bodies are always working toward balance when we give them the right support.
Hormone-Happy Cabbage Slaw
Serves: 1
- 2 1/2 cups of organic shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup of carrot ribbons
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground flax seeds
- Small handful of pumpkin seeds
- Sea salt to your liking
For Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
Sauté the veggies with extra-virgin olive oil for a few minutes, then crack 1 or 2 eggs on top of all and mix well. Add your seeds and sea salt after all is cooked and plated. Mix well. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Christine Beal Dunst is the CEO of Embody Wellness Co. and creator of The Embody Wellness Method™ Online Course for Women Over 40: 12-Step Nutrition & Lifestyle Roadmap to Transform Your Body, Hormones, and Metabolism at EmbodyWellnessMethod.com. Follow @EmbodyWellnessCompany for healthy recipes and practical wellness tools. For one-on-one support, go to EmbodyWellnessCompany.com.
