The truth is, there are times when your body seems to be up to some sort of conspiracy against you. At one moment you are an incredible and unstoppable force, the next even getting off the couch seems like a marathon run. If this is your case, then worry not; you are not lonely. The solution? A clever diet plan based on the menstrual cycle that is in tune with your body. Look upon it as your ticket for living through the month wonderfully.
1. Menstrual Phase: Cry, Nap, and Actually Eat Something
Ah, the lovely onset of your period. You’ve got cramps and bloating, and mood swings that would put any telenovela to shame. Here’s the thing: your body is losing iron quicker than you demolish snacks while binge-watching Netflix. Instead of reaching for more chips (we all know how that will go, anyway), reach for spinach, lentils, or some lean red meat. Oh, and some vitamin C helps (like orange juice), because that will help with absorption of iron.
Don’t forget warm teas or broths, read: Hot liquids are little hugs for your womb. Dark chocolate? Sure, think of it as a medicine. This phase is not about burning through calories; it’s simply about surviving and staying sane while your body is a hormonal mess!
2. Follicular Phase: Time to Pretend You’re Organized
With the end of your period, the energy levels bounce back at last, the miracle has happened! Your body is still able to be active and your brain is clear during the follicular phase. Having access to this advantage is no doubt a good opportunity to eat fuel your body needs like protein and healthy carbs. Some quinoa… [and eggs] and Greek yogurt come from the perfect list of foods!
A smoothie bowl with numerous berries, chia seeds, and nut butter, perhaps? Why not? Your Instagram might thank you, but even more significantly, it will be your body that benefits the most. Entering this phase of the menstrual cycle with a properly planned diet will prevent you from having cravings and will also make you feel like a normal and productive person once again.
3. Ovulatory Phase: Highest Energy (and Highest Attitude)
During the middle of your cycle is when your hormones are most elevated, and you may become irrationally confident. Your metabolism will also get a slight bump during this time (how nice). Eat foods high in zinc (nuts, seeds, salmon, whole grains) in order to keep your brain sharp and your immune function well-supported.
Keep in mind most likely your appetite will hit reality TV show levels of sudden craziness, and instead of fulfilling it by inhaling cookies, try snacking on hummus and veggies or almonds. A proper nutrition plan corresponding to the menstrual cycle will aid in maintaining high energy, good concentration, and almost no hangriness.
4. Luteal Phase: Prepare for Food Cravings
It’s the countdown to the final stage. The luteal phase is almost a challenge of self-control. Mood fluctuations, hunger for specific tastes, and swelling all join forces to make you doubt your decisions in life. Don’t panic, you just need magnesium, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. My meals of choice for the day are sweet potatoes, dark green veggies & some oats, and avocado too.
Keep chugging your water. Add some herbal teas for a while. Turmeric or ginger also work well as anti-inflammatory whole foods. They help calm your angry uterus. Staying on a menstrual cycle diet plan during this phase supports PMS and stops it from turning into full-blown drama.
Best Diet Plan to Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind
Here’s the great news: eating according to your cycle will not only improve your mood but also help you keep your weight under control. Lean protein, healthy fats, and whole carbohydrate foods should be included in your diet., and fill half your plate with colorful, fresh, whole foods. At this point, you can add in some light activity and a bit of self-love. Your best diet plan for weight loss will not be torture.
In closing: survive, laugh, rinse, and repeat.
Let’s face it, your body can be a little…drama queen. But when you learn to eat in sync with your cycle, you’re practically giving yourself a superpower bringing a whole new meaning to a menstrual cycle diet plan. You will decrease and/or eliminate PMS, and improve energy; you might even feel human again.
Let me tell you again, the proper era of eating has come and the proper food has come. Use it cleverly, do not feel the heat of your hormones, and no one will blame you if you consume a whole bar of chocolates at once!