Cycle Syncing 101

Happy Tuesday, girlies!! As Violetas para Todas takes off, I want to ensure we cover the essentials first. So, let's talk about cycle syncing. I will provide a rundown of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, something I strongly believe should be incorporated into elementary teachings.

Here is an explanation of what happens in each phase and what it means for our hormones:

• Menstrual phase: Begins the day you start bleeding due to your uterine lining shedding. Progesterone and estrogen decrease and are at their lowest point. Your hormone and energy levels are also at their lowest.

Ideals: warm foods, yoga, high-protein meals, walks, self-care, caffeine-free, stretching, heating pad, Pilates.

• Follicular phase: Begins the day you stop bleeding. Progesterone stays low, and estrogen begins to rise. Hormone and energy levels are still low but starting to increase.

Ideals: strength training, hiking, more salads, high fiber, fresh fruits, flax & pumpkin seeds.

• Ovulatory phase: Occurs a few days at the end of your follicular phase when the egg is released and begins moving towards your uterus. Your estrogen and energy levels are at their peak.

Ideals: all of the follicular phase ideals + HIIT workouts, maca, date nights.

• Luteal phase: The last two weeks before your period when hormone levels begin to decline again if your egg is not fertilized, preparing you for your uterine lining to shed and the menstrual phase to begin. Your progesterone levels peak, and energy levels start to decrease.

Ideals: Epsom salt baths, dark chocolate, less caffeine, Pilates, low-impact strength training.

Understanding our bodies' natural rhythm allows us to live in harmony with our cycles. Previously, I ignored my body's signals, but now, everything makes sense. Since embracing cycle syncing, I've gained insight into my energy fluctuations and cravings.

It's fascinating to consider that while a man's cycle is 24 hours, ours is 28 days. So, the hormonal changes a man lives through in one day, we experience in the span of a month. I’ll delve deeper into cycle syncing in upcoming posts. By becoming experts in how our bodies work, we empower ourselves to feel our best consistently.