The 4 phases of your menstrual Cycle

Just like the moon we go through phases. Each month our wombs go through 4 seasons.

🩸Menstrual phase (winter)

You can think of your period as the end or the beginning but like winter menstruation is a time that you may feel like hibernating. This is your actual period. During this time both progesterone and estrogen are low. When you bleed you are shedding the lining that has developed from your cycle but you are also releasing emotional and spiritual energy that has built up in the uterus.

Stay hydrated is important during your period. As well as eating nourishing foods that can warm the womb and since iron, an essential mineral, is lost along with that blood during the menstrual phase it’s important to eat foods rich in iron, such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, beef, chicken, dark chocolate and herbs like nettles, dandelion.

🩸Follicular phase (spring)

During the follicular phase it’s kind of like a rebirth we literally just went though winter and shedded what no longer serves us. The spring of your menstrual. The time between the 1st day of your period and ovulation. During this time estrogen rises as an egg prepares to be released. Your follicular phases is a wonderful time to tap into your creative energy, work on creative projects, visit friends and of course contemplate your dreams. During this phase your pms has subsided, your skin is clearing you may feel more social it’s like you just got your mojo back. This is a great time to network and start new projects.

During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, your body tends to rely more on carbohydrates for energy versus fat or protein. You may crave more bread and pasta during this time, so listen to your body and increase carbs a bit. Try to stick with complex carbs like fruit, whole grains and starchy vegetables like potatoes. And don’t forget to stay hydrated. Elevated hormone levels can influence your body’s hydration levels, so it’s important to drink plenty of water.

🩸Ovulation phase (summer)

During the ovulation phase this is when our wombs energetically switch from yin to Yang energy this is why when we ovulate or when we are trying to get pregnant we are taught to test our temperature because we literally get hot which is Yang energy this energy lets us know if we’d like to, now is the time to make a baby or even birth something new. Just as spring leads to summer, the follicular phase of your cycle leads to ovulation. Egg is released from the ovaries mid cycle making this the ONLY time you can get pregnant. Many women have more physical, sexual, and creative enrgy as they reach ovulation making them more outgoing and confident.

Our dietary choices can have influence on ovulation. Antioxidant-rich foods and foods with vitamin D and folic acid. Foods such as salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts are all rich in essential fatty acids, while foods like blueberries, blackberries and dark leafy greens are rich in antioxidants.

During this phase women need carbohydrates that’s are low glycemic. Carbs, such as most fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, minimally processed grains and low-fat dairy products, are generally considered low-glycemic index foods and great to eat during the ovulation phase.

🩸Luteal phase (fall)

The luteal phase is the fall season. In this season we maybe a little more aggy than normal this is when the pms starts kicking in, it’s a time for us to start to tune inward and get ready for the winter. Our periods characterized by an energetic shift from creative and outgoing to somber and introspective. Fall has a certain calmness to it as the hustle and bustle of summer ends. This is the time before ovulation and before the start of menstruation. When the body prepares for a possible pregnancy.

During the luteal phase when your body is busy working to prepare for a potential pregnancy, you tend to use more fat for energy and protein is broken down at a higher rate. It’s important to focus on getting healthy fats from foods like fish, nuts and avocado and have an extra protein-rich snack each day during this phase. While you are navigating through food cravings, try to include foods that are nutrient-dense—add calcium rich foods like tofu, white beans and dark leafy greens and magnesium rich foods like dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds and cashews or a magnesium supplement. Eating foods rich in iron are also essential at this time.