Phase #4: The Menstrual Phase

Luteinizing hormone (LH), Progesterone and Estrogen levels drop off to their lowest point of the month, signalling the uterine lining to shed. A healthy cycle can last anywhere from 3-7 days long.

Your body is in search of foods to provide comfort and soothing. So many of us hear this calling from within and reach for things like cookies, chips, ice cream, chocolate and loads of simple, processed carbs. These foods are a temporary support system that will only end up increasing your cramps, sore boobs, acne, crappy mood, constipation, water retention and weight gain.

Focus on low-glycemic, water-rich fruits and veggies that will keep you hydrated, and provide good fibre to keep elimination pathways moving well. Your body has a lot of internal work going on to help ensure a healthy, efficient shedding of your lining takes pace during your menstrual phase. It’s important to remineralize and restore the blood and kidneys with sea veggies and foods rich in iron and zinc. Think kidney beans, kale, kelp, liquid chlorophyll in your water, greens in your smoothies, mushrooms and beets (cook with sea salt!). See me hugging this Green Smoothie?! I’m loving on it because of how it loves on me during this phase of my cycle.

Supportive Elixirs, warm lemon water, herbal teas, smoothies with berries, kale and flax too, soups, bone broth and roasted, sautéed or stir fried veggies are good choices to keep food simple, digestion supported and you nourished.

Your body is brilliant ladies. It needs you to feed it foods that support you, not foods that fog your system, increase inflammation and cause you distress. Think about this when you shop for, prep and consume the meals going into your body.

You can find loads of food inspiration in my cookbooks The Simplicity Kitchen and The Simplicity Body. I created them for my body, and the women I coach in The Hormone Project; women just like you

Learn more about your cycles & rhythms with my FREE Cycle Syncing Masterclass — Gain a deeper understanding of your monthly cycle, whether you menstruate or not.

~ Jenn xoxo