One of the best things about social media is that it has effectively given a voice to the voiceless, the underrepresented, and the underserved. This rings especially true for the plus-size community. Now, more than ever before, the inclusion of plus sizes bodies is finally being given the platform they deserve—and that has a lot to do with fashion influencers, such as the uber-popular GabiFresh (real name Gabi Gregg.)
In a relatively short time, GabiFresh has become one of the leading faces and influential voices of the plus-size and body-positive communities…and with good reason. She's released multiple swimwear collections for plus size women through a partnership with Swimsuits For All, is the co-founder of her own plus size line PREMME and she just launched her latest lingerie collection with Playful Promises, which is available in sizes US 12-24 and bra sizes US 36-38B-I 40-44C-I.
To say she's a busy woman is an understatement.
In celebration of her new lingerie collection, she recently revealed the inspiration behind the line, some of her favorite pieces, why listening to what her fans want is important, how she overcame her own struggles with confidence, and more.
Detailing how this lingerie collection differs from her first, Gabi explained:
"It's similar in that I tried to create statement pieces that are hard to find in my size range, but I tried to push things even further by including really unique details and fabrics, like velvet and embellishment. I was going for sultry yet fun, and I think we achieved that. I added new styles like bralettes and basques, and also made sure to inject more color into the collection."
Photo Credit: Michael Kelly
She continued by describing how and where she receives inspiration for her designs, stressing the importance of listening to the wants, needs, and concerns of her customers. She states:
"I try to find ways to translate those street style and celebrity fashion trends into lingerie. I previously didn't own many bralettes because I love structured support, but the comments from my followers about wanting bralettes were overwhelming."
This approach is essential for plus size figures because body types differ so greatly across the spectrum of women.
Photo Credit: Michael Kelly
Most importantly, Gabi opened up about her reason for being committed to supplying plus size women with lingerie that not only celebrate their curves, but also gives them the confidence to love themselves despite the often-harsh criticisms the world bestows upon them. She also discussed how she uses her platform to do the exact same thing:
"Things have definitely improved overall when it comes to representation, but it still feels like being my size and both designing and modeling lingerie is pioneering. I never imagined my career would bring me here, but I'm so grateful it has. Feeling liberated and empowered through clothing, swimwear, and lingerie has been such a huge part of my story and being on the other side and giving that opportunity to other women is really exciting and humbling.'
Despite her encouraging success and influence, Gabi didn't hesitate to open up regarding her own struggles with self-confidence throughout her life and how she was finally able to overcome them courtesy of the body positive movement that has also helped many other women:
"I think every woman has struggled with feeling body confident. I definitely went through a period through high school and college of wishing I was thinner and assuming if I lost weight my life would magically improve because that's the idea we're sold. I was never directly bullied, but it's the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) messaging we get as girls growing up in a society with no positive representation… it's feeling left out of cliques or ignored by your crushes because of your size. I gained confidence by finding the body positive movement online in college and seeing other women who looked like me who rejected diet culture. That totally changed my life."
Her new lingerie collection sold out in a mere 48 hours and is currently being restocked, so if you missed your first chance to snag some new, sexy lingerie to highlight your curves, you're getting a second chance.
- Gabi Gregg Plus-Size Lingerie Collection - Fashionista ›
- Gabi Fresh Strappy Bra | Simply Be USA ›
- Gabi (@gabifresh) • Instagram photos and videos ›
- V-Day Ready | Gabifresh ›
- Gabi Gregg Designed a Line of Affordable Plus-Size Lingerie ... ›
- Gabi Fresh lingerie - Essence ›
- Influencer GabiFresh on Her Lingerie Collection, Sexy Tips ›
- Gabi Fresh x Playful Promises | Plus Sizes | Forever 21 ›
- Gabi Fresh's Playful Promises Lingerie Collab Is So Good - Racked ›
- Gabi Fresh x Playful Promises ›
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Anyway, one of them was recently expressing in the chat that, although, according to her doctor, her hormone levels seemed to be fine, she felt like certain perimenopause symptoms were telling her otherwise. She’s probably right because the reality is you can be in a state of perimenopause — the transitional phase that comes right before menopause — anywhere from 4-10 years (keep in mind that the average age for entering menopause is 51).
And so, after hearing about some of what she was experiencing and recommending things like evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea, it reminded me that I should also pen an article on seed cycling — a practice that is gaining more traction when it comes to all-natural ways of keeping certain hormones in balance.
If you’re curious about what seed cycling is all about, I’ve got a few details that may interest you — and might provide you with some perimenopausal relief — below.
What Is Seed Cycling and Why Is It Becoming More Popular?
GiphyProbably the easiest way to define seed cycling is it’s all about consuming certain seeds during certain times of the month in order to balance out your hormones — well, not only balance hormones but boost fertility and also decrease symptoms that are directly related to menopause.
The thought process of seed cycling is if you consume certain seeds during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it will help to balance out your estrogen levels; then if you consume certain seeds during the other half of your menstrual cycle, it will balance out your progesterone levels.
So, which seeds are you supposed to take?
Flax and pumpkin seeds during the first 14 days of your cycle and then sesame and sunflower seeds during the last 14 days. And what if your period isn’t on a 28-day cycle? Well, then what you would do is take flax and pumpkin seeds during your follicular phase (the first day that you start your period through the day that you ovulate) and sesame and sunflower seeds during your luteal phase (the time that happens right after your ovulate and ends once your period starts). And why these seeds in particular? Were they just pulled out of thin air? Nope.
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogenswhich is a form of plant-based estrogen. Estrogen is low at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, so phytoestrogens can help your body build up your uterine lining. When you are going through the latter stages of perimenopause/menopause, estrogen levels can significantly decrease; phytoestrogens can help to bring your levels back up. That said, as far as periods are concerned, flaxseeds can help to regulate your cycle (which can also make it easier for you to conceive, if that is something that you are trying to do). As far as perimenopause and menopause are concerned, they can help to make their symptoms more bearable.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium and manganese which help to ease PMS symptoms and reduce menstrual discomfort. When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, magnesium can reduce anxiety and depression and help you to sleep better which can reduce symptoms that are associated with both conditions. And manganese? Manganese helps to regulate blood levels and improve bone density. Pumpkin seeds also contain a considerable amount of zinc that helps to regulate hormones. Fertility-wise, pumpkin seeds can increase testosterone levels and they can help you to have a healthier pregnancy.
Sesame seeds also have phytoestrogens in them; however, the reason why sesame seeds are recommended for seed cycling is because the zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and fatty acids in them are what help to give your progesterone levels a boost during the second half of your menstrual cycle. Progesterone not only creates a healthy uterine lining, if an egg isn’t fertilized, but it also helps your body to shed the lining. When it comes to perimenopause/menopause, progesterone is needed because it can help reduce the impact of hot flashes and menopause-related insomnia. When it comes to conceiving, sesame seeds can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity — making it easier for your body to get pregnant.
Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin Eand that alone makes them great when it comes to your menstrual cycle and dealing with perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms. That’s because vitamin E helps to reduce period discomfort and, if you happen to have heavy cycles, it can help to decrease the amount of blood that you lose during your cycle as well. For those dealing with perimenopause and menopause, vitamin E helps to bring relief to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Sunflower seeds can also aid in fertility, thanks to the fatty acids in them that can make it easier to conceive.
So, as you can see, there is a method to the madness when it comes to the seeds that are selected for seed cycling. Okay, but how do you actually incorporate seed cycling into your lifestyle? Good question.
How to Do Seed Cycling in Order to Receive the Most Optimal Results
GiphyIf you want to try seed cycling in order to see if it helps you and your hormones out, this is what you will need to do:
During days 1-14 (again, your follicular phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and one tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds.
During days 15-28 (again, your luteal phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground sesame seeds and one tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds.
The strategy here is if you do this consistently for 3-4 months, you should start to see an improvement when it comes to the imbalance of your hormones. It should also go on record that some health experts recommend adding 1200-1500 mg EPA/DHA to the follicular phase of seed cycling and evening primrose oil to the luteal phase. That’s because EPA/DHA are fatty acids that help to reduce bodily inflammation and evening primrose oil helps to decrease PMS symptoms as well as hot flashes.
As far as side effects go, there currently aren’t any drastic ones that have been reported. The main thing to keep in mind is that you may experience some gas, bloating, or changes in your bowel movement patterns for a moment. That’s because certain seeds are filled with fiber.
How These Seeds Will Benefit Your Health Regardless
GiphyNow that you know more of what seed cycling is all about, you might be wondering if it’s truly worth your while. The truth is that research is still being conducted which means that there are articles out in cyberspace that tend to Elmo shrug seed cycling more than anything else. My two cents? I mean, the fact that the four seeds listed have other health benefits, if you’re someone who prefers to take all-natural approaches to your health, it can’t hurt to up your intake of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds anyway. Here are a few (additional) reasons why.
Flaxseeds. Aside from the fact that flaxseeds are a beneficial source of fiber and protein, they are also good for you because they are rich in omega-3s (which reduce inflammation and decrease cholesterol levels), they can help to keep your blood sugar levels in check, they are good at assisting with weight management and they can strengthen your digestive system.
Pumpkin seeds. If you’re currently trying to eat less meat yet you don’t want to do it at the sacrifice of your daily protein needs, pumpkin seeds are the answer to your prayers. They are off-the-charts when it comes to how much protein is in them (almost nine grams per serving), plus they contain a solid amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants. If you want to improve your bladder health, pumpkin seeds can help to make that happen. If you want a stronger heart, pumpkin seeds offer support in that department.
Something else to keep in mind is, that since pumpkin seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-ulcerative properties in them, they can also help your body to heal from minor issues and wounds faster — which is always a good thing.
Sesame seeds. If you are looking to get more fiber and protein in, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, keep your bones in good shape, uptick your vitamin B intake, and/or strengthen your immune system, these are the areas where sesame seeds can be of great assistance. Something else that’s cool about sesame seeds is they have a reputation for helping to keep your liver and kidneys in peak condition as well.
Sunflower seeds. As far as snacking goes, probably the most popular seeds (on this list, anyway) are sunflower seeds. If they are something that you enjoy indulging in, you can feel good about that since they contain properties that fight cancer, help to regulate your thyroid, assist with preventing muscle cramps, provide you an energy boost, reduce your blood sugar levels, and make your gut (where 80 percent of your immunity resides) healthier.
Hmph. Looks to me that if you take these seeds in, your health is only going to improve — if that includes when it comes to your hormones, then that is just a bonus.
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Now that you know more about seed cycling, of course, it is totally up to you if you want to give it a shot. Again, though — since all of these seeds are good for you, what do you have to lose in trying it?
I don’t see one damn thing, y’all. Not one.
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