(Part 1 of 2) Eating Around The Female Cycle (Days 1-14)

Eating Around The Female Cycle (Days 1-14)

DURING YOUR PERIOD

You will crave more “comfort foods” Low blood sugar may accentuate this, making you feel more irritable and a little “hangry.” This is due to a decrease in estrogen and the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin.

Despite your body craving these extra sugar and carbs, this is actually a time to nourish your body with healthy food. Adding a SMALLER AMOUNT of slow-digesting carbohydrates like oatmeal, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables is much better than eating sugar or white bread. You will want to eat higher protein and fats during this phase to stabilize blood sugar and lower your chance of fat gain. Good dark chocolate (70-100%) is fair game and may also ease the period lows you experience.

SUPPLEMENT SUPPORT: (ADD ALL EXCEPT THE IRON DAYS 1-14)

*We carry all these at our Success Fitness Gyms and Health Centers so you can pick them up.

1.) The right type of Iron (Only five days or so starting the first day of bleed) - Most iron supplements provide metallic forms that can oxidize and introduce free radicals. A product I recommend is “Iron Response.” It is a robust supplement derived entirely from food. LINK: https://equi.life/products/iron-response?irad=909158&irmp=3160169

2.) Extra B-vitamins (Always look for a methylated B-Complex). LINK: https://equi.life/products/activated-b-complex?irad=909023&irmp=3160169

3.) Omega-3 Fish Oil (You want a 1g/1,000mg + dose and a 2 or 3  -1 EPA to DHA ratio). LINK: https://nuethix.com/products/fatty-acids-pro?_pos=1&_psq=FATTY&_ss=e&_v=1.0

4.) Digestive Enzymes (HCL with pepsin is all most people need). 

DURING THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

Your insulin sensitivity levels will be higher during this phase, so focus on higher carbs or more refeeds. You might add in 20-40% more carbs during this time.

Hormonal changes make your sense of smell and taste especially sensitive. Cravings and appetite typically subside as you head towards ovulation, so it’s common to feel more at home in your body.

Your body will be more prone to using carbs to fuel muscle gains. More intense workouts, plus metabolism-enhancing refeeds, can also help to counteract the decline in your resting metabolic rate during this time.

Digestive health is essential in this stage to support the production of hormones. *Assuming your gut is in an excellent place to begin with. This would be a great time to add probiotics and extra digestive enzymes, ensure you are not combining fruits and vegetables in large quantities within the same meal, and eat foods that agree with your system and gut.

I would also highly recommend reading my blog on seed cycles: https://www.successfitnessandtraining.com/2023/07/14/seed-cycling-a-natural-approach-for-balancing-female-hormones-and-restoring-cycle-harmony/

In conclusion

Understanding your body and providing nourishment tailored to your female cycle can significantly benefit your overall well-being. While menstruating, it is common to crave comforting foods due to a reduction in estrogen and serotonin levels. Nevertheless, selecting healthier options such as slow-digesting carbs, higher protein intake, and wholesome fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and decrease the likelihood of accumulating fat. It is also worth noting that indulging in high-quality dark chocolate can offer solace during this time.