“Getting to know your cycle better means getting to know yourself better. And there’s a great deal of power in that.” – Olivia Salter taken from Your Menstrual Cycle Seasons Explained
I’ve learned about the different phases of our cycle in health class, but I never learned about them being called seasons. I also didn’t learn how to eat for each phase. I was just told to eat lots of dark leafy greens and drink water, but isn’t that all the time? I’m going to create a meal plan and workout routine based around the different phases. Yesterday I mentioned the phases, which were referred to as Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Today, I wanted to give a little more detail.
Winter – This is the start of your cycle.
Most articles suggest this is the time to skip plans, rest, and get plenty of complex carbs and lean proteins.
Spring – The follicular phase, once the winter phase is over, the inner spring phase begins!
It’s suggested that this is a great time to catch up with friends and make sure you eat foods such as beans, eggs, grass-fed meat, oily fish, and fermented foods like kimchi. These things help you better metabolize estrogen.
Summer – Everyone loves summer. This is the ovulation phase. This season sees oestrogen peaking as you ovulate, so you’ll be looking and feeling your best with glowing skin, high libido, and abounding confidence. I can’t think of anything better than that! To buffer against PMS symptoms, try to include more sources of fiber to remove excess oestrogen. Think of all things plant-related: fruits, veggies, legumes, pulses, nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs.
Fall – The luteal phase. During this phase, energy levels fall; it is common to feel sluggish or forgetful. Before hibernation, animals increase their food intake. And you should feel inspired to do the same. Choose healthy, nourishing, whole-food options to sustain your energy levels. Some other suggestions were Brazil nuts, shellfish, and broccoli for the chromium. Go for dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa for the magnesium.
Here’s some links where I found the information in case you’d like to explore with me!
https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/our-blog/understanding-the-seasons-of-your-menstrual-cycle/
Jayne.press 