Foods To Eat For OVULATION
Your Body & Hormones During Ovulation
Ovulation typically occurs between days 12-17 of your cycle. It’s referred to as the “summer” phase of your cycle, when your egg is released from the ovary. This phase is short, usually only lasting about two to three days. Right before ovulation, there’s a surge of luteinizing hormone, LH, which causes the dominant follicle to burst open and release its egg into the fallopian tube. The egg will be viable for roughly 12-24 hours, and if it’s not fertilised, it will disintegrate.
The cervix moves up higher so the egg can get the best sperm, meaning the sperm have to swim farther to get to the egg. Only the fittest sperm will survive this seemingly long journey up the cervix, through the uterus, and up one of the fallopian tubes. Additionally, the cervix will become soft and open. The cervical fluid is considered to be fertile during this phase.
Levels of oestrogen and testosterone are at their peak during the ovulatory phase. Women often report looking and feeling more attractive during this time, and their sex drive tends to be at its highest. After all, the body is programmed to maximise genetic potential, so naturally it will get you in the mood to get it on during your window for fertility.
Optimal Foods To Incorporate During Your Ovulation
Because your oestrogen is at its peak, it’s helpful to eat foods that will support liver detoxification of potentially harmful excess oestrogen. Cruciferous veggies like brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, turnips, cauliflower, bok choy and broccoli are all awesome choices for this time of the cycle.
Light but nourishing (vitamin and mineral-rich) options such as quinoa + brown rice, leafy greens, nutrient-rich veggies and cold-water fish are also great go-to’s during this time, as our appetite tends to be suppressed (due to our hormones shifting from “feeding and foraging” mode to sexual desire mode, oooh la LA).
Recipe + Meal Ideas To Eat During Your Ovulation
+ Green Detox Omelette (Available in The Yoga Kitchen Recipe Book)
+ Courgette Puttanesca
+ Papaya & Raspberry Smoothie Bowl with passion fruit curd (Available in The Yoga Kitchen Plan Recipe Book)