Here is the last recipe in the series of what to eat during each phase of your menstrual cycle. I have to confess it has taken me much longer than planned to finish this series. I had trouble with finding dried Shiitake mushrooms (which are usually found in my local Holland and Barratt) but that’s only a small part of my procrastination.
Menstruation is a good time to go internal and spend less time with others. Obviously most women can’t do this completely as we all have work and other commitments but if this is the case try incorporating more self care instead. Maybe spend an evening having a magnesium salt bath with essential oils. That’s my go to and perfect for cramps.
Comforting foods are also important but I’m sure you’ll already be reaching out for them anyway. All we really want to do is snuggle in our beds with a hot water bottle and chocolate. The cramps are there to remind you that rest is needed, to apply some heat and withdraw from others. This withdrawal allows women to think more deeply and listen to any inner wisdom that arises. Historically Red tents were created for this experience and it was believed that women would have shamanic or prophetic dreams within them during this important phase. When they appeared from their tents the men were waiting for news of what was to come.
It’s time to remineralize, restore iron and zinc levels from blood loss. This is why sea vegetables like nori are important. The miso in this recipe also contains many probiotics which replenishes minerals through your gut. Furthermore I added turmeric powder for it’s grounding effect as well as the anti inflammatory properties for those cramps. It also gives everything a lovely yellow glow – positive colours for emotional times.
When it comes to exercise take it slow. What I found interesting is that men have a 24 hour cycle whereas we have a 28 day cycle. So while men can work out intensively daily it is suggested that it is not so beneficial for woman to work out the same way. Types of exercise such as weight lifting or cardio are more effective at different times of the month when you’re more likely to gain muscle mass or lose weight. Therefore during menstruation you want to be doing restorative yoga and nothing vigorous such as walking. An easy going amount of exercise to lower cortisol will make you feel better. Once you hit the Follicular stage again you can go hard with all that new found energy and start cardio workouts.
There’s a lot going on during menstruation so listen to your body, rest easy and make sure to look after yourself with comforting and recuperative foods. Many that are included in this recipe.
Recipe
Miso paste (vegan)
Curry powder teaspoon
Turmeric teaspoon
Soy Sauce
Udon Noodles
Shitake dried mushrooms & broth
Mushrooms
Kelp / Nori sheets
Kale
- Soak the dried Shitake mushrooms for 20 minutes in enough boiling water to create the broth for your soup
- Cut up your vegetables and tear up your nori sheet into small pieces.
- Fry the normal mushrooms with the kale (I suggest to massage the leaves before adding to make them more digestible) then add the curry powder and turmeric to activate the spices fragrance and taste.
- Once the vegetables are fried add the noodles, nori and the Shitake mushrooms including the broth and allow this to boil for a few minutes (Until your Udon noodles are complete).
- Turn off the heat and add the miso paste. The nutrients in this disappear with heat and therefore is more beneficial to dissolve into the broth once everything else is cooked.
- Add soy sauce, Serve and enjoy!
Earthly Luna Wellbeing 