Women’s Health: Days 11-15

Welcome to the second part of learning little snippets about your cycle and what’s going on in the female body (if you have a cycle). I’ve really been tuning into my body over the last few weeks since I’ve been swotting up on what I should be expecting, and wow how much more empowered I feel, knowing what’s happening and what we as females can actually do to make ourselves either feel better or simply acknowledge what’s happening. I want to reiterate again that I am not an expert in this knowledge, I have simply been doing my own research and hope by conveying over small points, that it might just take you more aware and maybe even pick up a book or listen to a podcast yourself.

So, lets get to it…

DAYS 11-15, AKA The Manifestation Phase

What actually happens?
So, after the menstrual and first half of the follicular phase of days 1-10, we move into the second half of the follicular phase where ovulation occurs. All 3 hormones (oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone) all come out to play here, but the main two are oestrogen and testosterone. The combination of the extrovert oestrogen and confident testosterone, makes for a phase of feeling strong, confident and powerful. You might feel in this phase, is where you are super motivated and want to get everything done! Go do it, make the most of these ‘go get ‘em’ days.

How should I eat?

• During this phase, the body focuses on metabolising hormones, so aiming for foods that help to detoxify the gut and liver will be helpful. Focusing on cruciferous vegetables (broccoli/cauliflower etc), green leafy veg, sesame and flaxseeds, fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut,, salmon, berries, spices such as turmeric etc - will help your body at this time. Carbs can be increased a little here.

• Fasting wise (if you fast), the duration of fasts should be shortened to under 15 hours.

• Dr Mindy recommends what she has named ‘Hormone feasting’ type foods. They are all listed in her book, but ensure to keep protein intake good, healthy fats and good carbs in the system!
  
  How should I train?

• Like I said last time, go by how you feel. But, with higher levels of testosterone and oestrogen, you should be feeling pretty strong and it’s a good time to make the most of strength and HIIT workouts.

• Due to the increase and high levels of oestrogen - this can make you a little more injury prone (making joints a little more lax) - so just ensure you warm up properly before workouts if you don’t already!

• Go get all the fitness gains if you feel good!
  
  Again, I hope this provided some sort of information to this part of the cycle. Isn’t the female body just amazing?!