Lets talk about our 28 day cycle! Why? Because it is quite honestly one of the most important conversations on planet earth. There are 4 phases of our cycle and living within each one is vital for woman to maintain good health, mood and energy.
Phase 1- Follicular Phase 🧠
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Ok let’s get right into it! Covering Hormones, energy levels, our brain and creativity, food and exercise ✔️
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▪️Hormones-
Signals are sent to the pituitary gland to send Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to your ovaries to recruit several follicles to mature each month. We can think of this as a race amongst the follicles as to which follicle will result in a mature egg to be released at the time of ovulation. As follicles race to mature, changes are also happening in the lining of your uterus. Increasing amounts of estrogen. This can be thought of as growing a thick, lush lawn, but instead of a lawn, you’re growing a nutrient-rich uterine lining in preparation to receive a fertilized egg.
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▪️Energy
Increase in physical energy here.💃
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▪️Lifestyle
Get creative!! Your brain is feeling super switched on and stimulated 🧠 💡 plan your month ahead while your mind is alert and full of clarity. Plan a fun event and socialise because during this phase you are naturally feeling revitalised and fresh 🤌🏽 socialising will feel nourishing and not depleting. So plan ahead! Know your cycle and say “yes” to the party in advance knowing that phase you are in and no if you know it won’t align
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▪️Food
During this phase all of your hormones are at their lowest. Your body can manage more phytoestrogen because of the increase of estrogen. Think fresh, colourful light food! This is what will naturally absorb better during this phase to nourish you and to fuel that added energy you have ✔️ Salads, fermented foods (sauerkraut) loads of veggies, lean protein, beans, sprouts, seeds and grains, lightly steam or sauté your foods. 🤌🏽 🥗 Think of it as Your summer phase. You are alive and free and full of beans 🤸♂️
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▪️Exercise
New fun movements! Dance, hot yoga, rock climbing!
Follicular is a time to thrive and plan!
Mary x