It's our Super power!!
So let’s start treating it as such!
What if you started treating your monthly cycle as a gift instead of a curse??
It is a direct connection to our body’s innerworkings. We as women have been given a gift to help guide us through the ebbs and flow of life. Learning to be more comfortable with your body and its phases, you’ll have more control, feel more productive and be able to balance your hormones.
Our period cycle is made up of 4 distinct phases, similar to the 4 seasons of the year.
1. MENSTRUATION- aka - Period // Winter Phase
Day 1-5
Progesterone & estrogen are at their lowest causing lack of energy and fatigue
SUPER POWER : Intuition
Breath is your best friend while on your period. Allow for quiet time, and reflection. Embrace your sensitive nature and listen to your intuition. This is your monthly resting period. Yin dominates the yang.
Follow the sun - early to bed and rising with the sun. Slow down and rest, rejuvenate.
Sleep more, stay warm, minimize intensive workouts, journal.
Nutrition: Eat warm foods- hot cereal, soup, tea. Eat high protein/iron due to blood deficiency. This will also help in sustaining energy. Animal protein, goji berries, mulberries, black sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, eggs, adzuki beans.
2. FOLLICULAR //Spring Phase
Day 6-16
Increase in energy, creativity, & drive
Hormones are low but on the rise, FSH increases to help follicles in the ovaries mature
SUPER POWER: CREATIVITY
Focused,creative,active,social, playful, driven
Energy is on the rise. Set, re-enforce your focus and intention during your Spring phase. There is new found vision and inspiration. You might feel inspired to organize. Continue to nourish yourself and eat a moderate amount of protein. Focus on building energy and hydrating. Increase cardio and intensity in workouts. DANCE
Nutrition: Chicken, eggs, seafood/fish, oats, rye, barley, lentils, beets, leafy greens, citrus, flax seeds, nut butters.
3. OVULATION // Summer
Day 17-22
Estrogen is at its highest level, paired with testosterone and progesterone- this means peaks of mental and physical energy.
Peak energy and movement. Libido increases. Cultivate relationships, and adventure.
Adventure, sensual,playful,flirty, social, giving
SUPER POWER: Strength + Confidence
This is the time to challenge your body. Increase resistance/weight/distance/intensity/time. Recommended workouts: HIIT, spin, run, power/strength training
Nutrition: coconut, figs, chocolate, tomato, lentils, moderate amount of warm food
4. LUTEAL // Autumn
Day 23-29
Letting go.
Ideas, learning, edgy, inward, still, hunger
SUPER POWER: Focus + Resolve
This is a great time to do a detox or cleanse. (easy on the caffeine, fats, and sweets)
Nutrition: FIBER! Eating more fiber will help flush out estrogen. More vegetables than protein, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, leafy greens, sweet potato, squash, mung beans, garlic, leeks, sesame seed, mint
Metabolism is at its highest due to progesterone
Increased appetite
PMS symptoms arrive
Tender breasts
Belly bloat
Uterus swells
Digestion issues
Fluid retention
Body temperature rises
Recommended Workouts: Matwork / Pilates / Yoga / Swimming