Fudgy Hormone-Balancing Brownies from A Hormone Balance Nutritionist (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free Dessert Recipe)

Why Chocolate is Secretly GOOD  for your Hormones

By guest blogger: Renata Trebing, Women’s Nutrition & Hormone Coach 

As a Women’s Nutrition and Hormone Coach, I like to shock women when I tell them what my favorite food is: CHOCOLATE.

But there is a great reason for this. 

Chocolate, specifically good quality dark chocolate, can be so supportive for your hormones. 

Dark chocolate contains several incredible compounds that help support women’s hormones, especially in the Luteal phase aka the week to 2 weeks before your period begins. 

During the Luteal phase is when many women experience big shifts in mood, everything from frustration to rage and even increasing anxiety or depressive type symptoms. 

The cause of this is due to rapidly dropping progesterone levels. Progesterone is an important hormone for women for a couple of reasons:

1. it can help to hold onto pregnancy if a woman is pregnant 

2. Progesterone acts as an anti-anxiety hormone 

   
   

If a woman is not pregnant, progesterone should slowly decline during the luteal phase until it gets to its lowest level, and a period should begin. 

However, if progesterone drops too rapidly, or there is a massive difference between estrogen and progesterone in the body, those mood related PMS symptoms will increase. 

What food does is provide the nutrients our bodies need to ensure progesterone levels stay as high as possible, until it needs to reduce for the period to begin. 

That’s where chocolate comes in. 

Good quality dark chocolate contains magnesium, a fantastic mineral that supports progesterone levels. In addition to dark chocolate, you can get magnesium from nuts and seeds, dark leafy greens and sweet potatoes, or of course, a high quality supplement. 

One of my favorite magnesium rich recipes are these Fudgy Hormone-Balancing Brownies. It contains dark chocolate in the form of dark cocoa or you can also melt your favorite dark chocolate too. There’s also tahini, a sesame seed paste, that contains up to 28% of your daily recommended intake of magnesium in just 2 tablespoons. 

But even better than that:  this Healthy Protein Brownie recipe is absolutely delicious! 

(It’s also enjoyed by many picky eaters and they love it!) 

For more nutrition and hormone support, contact Renata for your 1:1 consultation.

My Well-Loved Fudgy Hormone-Balancing Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup tahini

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/2 cup vegan vanilla protein powder

• 1/3 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

3. Make the chia egg: In a small bowl, mix together the chia seeds and water. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes until it thickens.

4. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine:

   • tahini

   • maple syrup

   • vanilla protein powder

   • cocoa powder

   • coconut milk

   • baking powder

   • salt

   Stir until fully combined. The mixture will be thick.

5. Add chia mixture: Fold the thickened chia mixture into the batter until thoroughly combined.

6. Adjust texture if needed: If the batter seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen slightly.

7. Transfer to pan: Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and level the top so the brownie layer is even.

8. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until:

   • the edges are set and pulling away from the pan

   • a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs

9. Cool before slicing: Allow brownies to cool completely to room temperature before cutting into 16 squares.

10. Store: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Important Texture Tip

For the best rich, fudgy texture, pour the batter at least 1 inch thick in the pan. A thicker layer helps these brownies stay soft and decadent rather than dry.