Nothing makes us happier than the traction that cycle syncing has received in the last 5 years. Nothing. That said, is it really accessible to the average Jane with a full calendar and priorities outside of meal prepping and executing a perfectly curated workout regimen? Probably not. So, as always, let’s simplify.
Cycle Syncing 101
I think part of the issue with cycle syncing today is that women try to go from 0-100 real quick. One day you don’t know what ovulation means and the next you’re making sure to eat sweet potatoes before your period, pumpkin seeds for the first 14 days of your cycle, and aligning your workout classes to your cycle day. It’s a lot. And if done too quickly, with two many layers, the burnout can be real and all the benefits you were after fall by the wayside as stress takes over.
Syncing your movement, mindset, and meals with your menstrual cycle should eliminate stress, not increase it.
Instead of building Rome in a day, let’s look at the map first.
Start by tracking your cycle and building a keen awareness of what you feel each day- from day 1 of your bleed until the next one starts. Write down your
energy, sleep, cravings, sex drive, and anything else that comes up. This alone is cycle syncing.
Then, when you have a few cycles under your belt, start to take some action. Think of your cycle in two halves- preparing for ovulation and then preparing for your bleed. What does that entail? Prioritizing foods that reduce inflammation, leaning more on fat before ovulation and more on complex carbs after, and pushing your limits before ovulation while dialing it all back leading up to your period.
So the key = simplicity.
And then if you want to dial it up, we’d recommend working with an expert- where we come in. To keep it simple while inching closer and closer to full intuition. Imagine a world where you never have to wonder if your diet, lifestyle, or movement routine is “working”. It looks like a peaceful place to be.
CITATIONS
Avila-Varela, D.S., Hidalgo-Lopez, E., Dagnino, P.C. et al. Whole-brain dynamics across the menstrual cycle: the role of hormonal fluctuations and age in healthy women. npj Womens Health 2, 8 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00012-4
McNulty KL, Elliott-Sale KJ, Dolan E, Swinton PA, Ansdell P, Goodall S, Thomas K, Hicks KM. The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med. 2020 Oct;50(10):1813-1827. doi: 10.1007/s40279-020-01319-3. PMID: 32661839; PMCID: PMC7497427.
Souza LB, Martins KA, Cordeiro MM, Rodrigues YS, Rafacho BPM, Bomfim RA. Do Food Intake and Food Cravings Change during the Menstrual Cycle of Young Women? Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2018 Nov;40(11):686-692. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1675831.
Epub 2018 Nov 28. PMID: 30485899; PMCID: PMC10316899.
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