Cycle Syncing: Ovulation Phase

This one is short & sweet. The duration of this phase occurs from day 14-18. Ovulation is when a mature egg is released. This window of time is your highest chance of getting pregnant. Since your body is physiologically preparing for the egg to be fertilized, your libido will increase tremendously. Simultaneously, estrogen and testosterone peak, making you feel your most confident and energetic. Your appetite is steady during this phase. since you are getting so much energy from your hormones you may feel satisfied for longer, so it is important to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to your meals.

Here is some of the things ate during this lovely little phase:

Salmon Rice Bowl: Grilled salmon, cabbage, scallions, brown rice, corn, soy sauce, and edamame beans. We all know salmon is amazing for you, but especially during ovulation because it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and support overall health. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which aids in hormone detoxification. Edamame is fiber rich, also helping with detoxification! Scallions contain vitamin C, which helps with the production of these hormones that are flying high. It is really cool that you can eat to help your hormones flourish, but also remain in a healthy balance.

Avocado Toast: With egg, onion and tomato on sourdough. I have been hyper fixated on avocado toast recently, and it just so happens to be perfect for this phase. Avocados are full of wonderful things for your body including: fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and lutein. They help maintain blood sugar levels, improve cognitive function, help strengthen your hair, promote healthy skin, and help with healthy digestion. Eggs are an excelled source of a complete protein and are full of beneficial micronutrients like folate, and choline. Choline is harder to obtain naturally, it supports brain development, muscle contraction, pain responses, and memory.  Pasta and Meat Sauce: with beef, kale, and shallots. Lets hear it for cruciferous vegetables! Kale is also a powerful antioxidant. Beef is iron rich and is high in protein which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Carbs are the body's primary source of energy, and who doesn't love pasta?

MOVEMENT Turn up the heat! Ovulation is your last chance to utilize all of your significant energy spike! You won't feel this pumped up until your next follicular phase, so use this to your advantage. I opted for weight training, core and cardio during my ovulation phase this month. Enjoy this time of being charged up, have fun with it.

ACTIVITIES

You are a social butterfly during ovulation, spread your wings. Embrace the confidence boost and do something out of your comfort zone. Say yes to plans. To set yourself up for success, complete any tasks that are energy draining in preparation for your luteal phase. I like to do a deep clean on my space and check things off my to do list. This is also a great time for intimacy, contrary to what you might think. Obviously this is your fertile window, so make sure to take necessary preventative measures if you are not trying to get pregnant.

CONSENSUS

Oh how I love the ovulation phase. I felt the best I have all month, which is usually the case with this part of my cycle. I noticed that I actually felt better going into my luteal phase, like I rode the estrogen and testosterone high for longer. Normally, my luteal phase tends to hit me like a truck, but this time I was not only physically prepared but also mentally. I knew what was coming next and took advantage of what my body currently had to offer. I think being social before your period of hormonal hibernation is also really important. The energy is all around you and using it to benefit yourself in your inner and outer world is really empowering.

I would like to note that some people experience ovulation pain. This happens to me, but not every cycle. I will say that I did not experience any this time around. If you do experience ovulation pain, walking, stretching and making sure you are properly fueling your body can really help. Also an epsom salt bath never hurt anyone:)