Nutrition and women's menstrual cycle

This post is about phase 2 of the menstrual cycle and what experts say you should eat during days 13-14 of your cycle to help support the female body. In phase 2, ovulation is triggered and oestrogen and FSH levels drop. The physical changes that occur are FSH and oestrogen levels are sufficiently restored and rebuilt. Foods high in fibre and antioxidants are highly recommended, along with vitamin rich fruits and vegetables. It is also recommended to cut down on meats and dairy products. 

During these two days, I decided to add blueberries and raspberries into my oatmeal along with honey. Berries are very high in antioxidants and fibre. Honey is also high in antioxidants but also anti-inflammatory properties, which is very good for the body. I also added in kale to most of my main meals. It is a very good vegetable and doesn't taste of much, but when you cook it, it shrinks down in size. This means you still eat a lot of it, but it doesn't look so overwhelming. To make the kale taste of something over than greenness, I would lightly fry in it a tiny amount of oil and then add salt, paprika and a small sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it some powerful flavours, and add it on top of whatever I had cooked. 

The only meat I ate during these days was chicken. I stayed away from fish and red meat. With that being said I only ate it twice. Instead I tried other dishes without meat. I made a baked butternut squash dish, which was very tasty and easy to make. My roommate made a chickpea curry, which was delicious. I also didn't really have any dairy products, as I don't drink coffee so I don't have milk unless I'm having cereal. 

Overall, I felt more energised than I normally do, and I think the addition of fruit and honey in my oatmeal was very helpful, and a big factor in boosting my energy levels. I also think that cutting down on dairy and meat products played a part in how I was feeling as well because it has been shown that eating less meat and animal products can be healthier for you and your body. My performances on court and in the gym during these two days were definitely two high performance days. I felt energised and well rested which translated to my playing on court but also my gym sessions. I was lifting more weights in the gym than I normally do, and I was definitely more explosive with my movement around the squash court.