The third instalment, the autumnal phase, the starting to wind down getting ready for a winter hibernation part. You’ve just had your summer of ovulation now it’s time to snuggle down. I like to relate things to seasonal change as it’s a very easy way to think about human cycles. Just think about other mammals and what naturally happens. The bear finishes nourishing herself during autumn so she can sleep soundly and survive the winter. Instead we finish eating what we need nutritionally so our periods are fuss free. Of course unlike bears we will be eating during our blood shed but to replenish what is lost and stop those moments of hanger. I can’t think of anything worse than not having some comfort food in the menstruation phase but maybe once I’m in balance these cravings will subside.
The best types of meals you want to make for this phase include roasted veggies which are filling and carby. You want to help fuel /stop those cravings. Eat complex carbs which slowly digests in the stomach and keeps you fuller for longer as well as help with mood swings. I like to eat comforting foods towards the end of this phase so I’m ready for much of the same during menstruation.
Now a little science lesson for all those who are interested. In the luteal phase our progesterone rises and causes the mucus in the cervix to thicken and if the fertilized egg does not implant up to 14 days after ovulation the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, and a new menstrual cycle begins.
Something else I have just been introduced to is seed cycling. During the luteal and ovulation stage the suggested seeds are sunflower and sesame seeds as they are are great for boosting progesterone. Pumpkin seeds and ground flaxseeds are for menstruation and follicular. Personally sunflower seeds are a new snack I have been enjoying and there’s something great about cracking open the hull to the edible part. I made the mistake of trying to eat a mouthful of the whole seed and felt like I was chewing on dry weetabix.. turns out the inside has the goodies. Thankfully you can get them de hulled but where’s the fun in that.
Speaking of goodies here comes the recipe I’ve created for this phase.
Roasted Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe – approx 45mins
1 Pumpkin
2 cloves Garlic
1 thumb Ginger
Soy Sauce
1 stem of Celery
1 Carrot
1 Leek
1 Sweet Potato
Mixed herbs
Salt
Brown Rice (3 servings filled my pumpkin)
Handful chopped Walnuts
1/4 cup Sesame seeds
Olive oil or Sesame oil
- Set the oven to 190 degrees in a fan assisted oven.
- While this is happening cut the lid off your pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Next lightly glaze the inside with oil and put the lid back on ,placing into the oven on a baking tray. This requires around 45 minutes or until the inside is soft.
- While you are waiting cut up the sweet potato into cubes and once pumpkin has been in oven for 20-25mins add them to the baking tray with salt and mixed herbs for seasoning and drizzle with oil.
- Start boiling the rice for required amount of time.
- Next cut up the rest of the vegetables then add the Garlic , ginger and celery to a pan with the oil frying for about 1 minute.
- Add the carrots, leeks, sesame seeds and walnuts. Fry for 3 minutes
- You then want to drain the rice, add this to the pan and add the sweet potatoes. Season with soy sauce for about 1 more minute.
- By this time the pumpkin should be roasted and this is when you stuff it.
Earthly Luna Wellbeing 