I’m 42 and I Had Never Heard This Before
I’m 42 years old, and until recently, no one had ever explained to me that women shouldn’t be eating the same way every single day of the month.
Not doctors.
Not health class.
Not magazines.
Not even most “wellness” conversations.
I knew what a period was. I knew how to track it. I knew when to expect it.
But no one ever explained that the weeks leading up to it, the days during it, and the days after it all require different things from your body — especially when it comes to food.
And once I learned that, so many things clicked.
Why some weeks I felt amazing and energized.
Why other weeks I felt emotional, hungry, bloated, or just… off.
Why cravings seemed to come out of nowhere.
Turns out, they weren’t random.
Your Cycle Isn’t Just “On” or “Off”
We’re taught to think of our cycle as two options:
On your period
Not on your period
But your body actually moves through four phases every month, driven by hormone changes that affect energy, mood, digestion, and appetite.
This isn’t about dieting or “cycle syncing perfection.”
It’s about understanding what your body is asking for.
Before Your Period (Late Luteal Phase)
This is the phase no one warns you about.
Your metabolism actually increases here. Your body needs more fuel, not less — yet this is when most women try to eat lighter, cut back, or “be good.”
That’s usually when:
Cravings hit
Mood dips
PMS shows up
What your body needs here is steady food, protein, carbs, and minerals. Skipping meals or under-eating during this phase often backfires.
During Your Period (Menstrual Phase)
Your hormones are at their lowest, and your body is doing real work internally.
This isn’t the time to power through, fast, or live on coffee.
This is the time for:
Warm food
Easy digestion
Nourishment
Think comforting meals, soups, broths, and rest.
Not restriction.
After Your Period (Follicular Phase)
This is when things start to feel easier.
Energy comes back.
Motivation returns.
Digestion often improves.
This is a great phase for lighter, balanced meals — still eating enough, just without the heaviness that feels better later in the cycle.
The Biggest Shift for Me
The biggest change wasn’t cutting foods or adding rules.
It was eating more before and during my period instead of fighting my body.
Once I stopped treating hunger like a problem to fix, my cycle felt calmer, more predictable, and less dramatic overall.
Your body isn’t broken.
It’s communicating.
Why I’m Sharing This
I don’t think women are failing at food or hormones.
I think we were never taught how our bodies actually work.
And if you’re reading this thinking, “Why have I never heard this before?”
Same.
You’re not behind.
You’re just finally being informed.
