The Best Foods For Each Phase Of Your Cycle

Have you ever noticed that your energy levels fluctuate during each month and there always seems to be one week you just feel, well, heavier?  

Each month our body works hard to prepare itself for ovulation and menstruation. During the four phases of your cycle our bodies nutrient needs vary. Nourishing our bodies through food, movement and sleep can look different with each phase of the month.

Providing our bodies with the right nutrients during each phase of our cycle – or cycle syncing –   will help keep energy levels steady, cravings at bay and make PMS symptoms almost nonexistent.  

Week 1 – Menstruation Phase – Its day one of your period – you may feel like you can barely lift your head from your pillow. Estrogen is low at the beginning of this week but will increase as the week goes on and so will your energy.  

Supportive foods to incorporate the first few days of your cycle:  

  • Iron Rich Foods – red meat and dark leafy greens
  • Warming Foods – rich spices that can be used in soups and stews
  • Low Glycemic Foods – choose fruits and veggies that offer a high water content as well as fiber
  • Kale, organ meats and mushrooms are great choices this week.  

Week 2 – Follicular Phase – Energy levels have picked up and light, bright colorful foods will keep you satisfied this week. Salads, stir fry and sautés are a great choice this week.  

  • Lean Proteins – easy to prepare and keep on hand for quick meals.
  • All The Herbs – herbs will offer powerful nutrient boosts while adding color and flare to your meals.  
  • Crispy, Crunchy Veggies – carrots, snap peas and string beans can be easily prepped ahead.
  • Think Simple – easy sautés and stir fry’s are best this week. Use leans meats and lots of colorful veggies to fill your plate.  

Week 3 – Ovulatory Phase – This week estrogen levels are at their highest as well as testosterone levels are beginning to rise. You may notice that you feel more social, positive and frisky this week. With estrogen high your need for carbohydrates will decrease do to estrogens appetite-suppressing effect. Think protein, fat and fiber this week.  

  • Fiber From Greens – choose fibrous greens like asparagus, chard and dandelion greens to help flush the increased levels of hormones from your liver this week.
  • Nuts and Seeds – This is a great week to use nuts, like pecans and pistachios, and seeds, especially sunflower and sesame, as your carbohydrate source.  
  • Antioxidants – increase antioxidants this week by incorporating berries and coconut into a morning smoothies. Antioxidants will help with detoxification this week.  

Week 4 – Luteal Phase – This is the last week of your cycle and you may find yourself dealing with some PMS symptoms. To avoid indulging the entire box of cookies be prepared by having the right foods on-hand. Plan out 3 really nutritious meals that will help keep cravings away. Digestion also slows down this week so opt for foods that are rich in fiber and magnesium.  

  • Roasted Carbohydrates – roasting root veggies like sweet potatoes, pumpkin or squash make digestion easier and offer tons of fiber. This also helps combat sugar cravings!
  • B Vitamin Foods – Foods rich in vitamin B6 can aid in fluid retention as well as continued detoxification and removal of excess hormones from the liver. Awesome meats Include wild caught salmon or lean chicken breast.
  • Prebiotic Foods – Include foods like onion and garlic this week to keep good gut bacteria working hard. This will help with elimination during this week.  

Incorporating cycle syncing foods during each phase of your cycle can offer some great benefits. Keep it simple at first and each month add in something new. Remember, your body’s hormone levels are varying throughout the month, there are many things you can do to work WITH your cycle, rather than fight against it. The right foods can be so supportive and nourishing for your body!  

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Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of  Polycystic Ovary Syndrome  is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging  and that’s why Insulite Health  created the  PCOS 5-Element System.   It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will  transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the  5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

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Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

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Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen