Menstrual Cycle Nutrition & Activity Plan Template

Based on the physiological characteristics of the four menstrual cycle phases, provides personalized dietary nutrition recommendations and exercise activity plans

periodhub.health | Women's Health Management Tools

🌙 Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological process that typically lasts 21-35 days, with an average of 28 days. It is precisely regulated by various hormones and mainly goes through four phases. Understanding these phases and their accompanying hormonal changes can help us understand the body's characteristics and needs at different times, allowing for more personalized dietary and activity adjustments.

🩸 Menstrual Phase

Days 1-5
Low estrogen and progesterone levels
Body needs rest and recovery

🌱 Follicular Phase

Days 1-13
Estrogen levels gradually increase
Energy gradually builds up

🌟 Ovulatory Phase

Around day 14
Estrogen peaks
Physical performance at its highest

🌙 Luteal Phase

Days 15-28
Progesterone levels rise
PMS symptoms may appear

1

Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

Body characteristics: Fatigue, weakness, prone to menstrual cramps, bloating. Mood may be low or unstable.

🍎 Recommended Foods

  • 🥩Iron-rich: Lean red meat, liver, spinach
  • 🐟Anti-inflammatory: Deep-sea fish, flaxseed, walnuts
  • 🥣Easy to digest: Hot porridge, soups, cooked vegetables
  • 🥬Magnesium & calcium: Dark leafy greens, nuts, soy products

🏃‍♀️ Recommended Activities

  • 🚶‍♀️Gentle & soothing: Walking, slow walking, gentle stretching
  • 🧘‍♀️Restorative exercise: Yin yoga, restorative yoga
  • 🫁Deep breathing: Relaxation practices
  • 😴Adequate rest: Ensure sufficient sleep
Time Meal Plan Activity Plan
Breakfast Oatmeal + dates + walnuts + warm soy milk Gentle stretching 10 minutes
Lunch Lean meat soup + spinach + brown rice Post-meal walk 15 minutes
Dinner Salmon + steamed vegetables + small portion of grains Yin yoga 20 minutes
Snacks Ginger tea, brown sugar water, nuts Deep breathing 5 minutes
2

Follicular Phase (Days 6-13)

Body characteristics: Estrogen levels gradually increase, body begins to recover, energy gradually builds up, physical fitness and recovery improve.

🍎 Recommended Foods

  • 🥩Quality protein: Chicken breast, fish, lean beef, eggs
  • 🌾Complex carbs: Brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread, sweet potato
  • 🥗Rich fruits & vegetables: Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
  • 🫘Soy products: Tofu, soy milk, quinoa

🏃‍♀️ Recommended Activities

  • 🏋️‍♀️Strength training: Weight training, resistance exercises
  • 🏃‍♀️Aerobic exercise: Running, swimming, cycling
  • High-intensity intervals: HIIT training
  • Ball sports: Tennis, badminton
Time Meal Plan Activity Plan
Breakfast Whole wheat toast + eggs + avocado + protein powder Strength training 30 minutes
Lunch Chicken breast + quinoa + colorful vegetable salad Aerobic exercise 40 minutes
Dinner Fish + sweet potato + steamed vegetables Stretching relaxation 15 minutes
Snacks Nuts, yogurt, fruits HIIT training 20 minutes
3

Ovulatory Phase (Around Day 14)

Body characteristics: Estrogen peaks, physical fitness and energy usually at their highest. May be emotionally sensitive but also confident and energetic.

🍎 Recommended Foods

  • 🥩Continue high protein: Support body functions
  • 🥗Easy to digest: Prepare for high-intensity exercise
  • 💧Adequate hydration: Maintain normal body functions
  • 🫐Antioxidants: Combat exercise stress

🏃‍♀️ Recommended Activities

  • 🏃‍♀️High-intensity training: Sprints, jumping exercises
  • 🏋️‍♀️Heavy load strength: Squats, deadlifts, compound movements
  • 🏆Challenge limits: Push personal best records
  • 🎯Skill training: Learn new exercise skills
Time Meal Plan Activity Plan
Pre-workout Banana + oats + adequate hydration Thorough warm-up 15 minutes
During workout Electrolyte drinks, moderate hydration High-intensity training 45-60 minutes
Post-workout Protein + carbohydrate recovery meal Stretching recovery 20 minutes
All day High-protein diet + adequate hydration Adequate rest and recovery
4

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

Body characteristics: Progesterone levels rise, prone to edema, breast tenderness, increased appetite, fatigue. PMS symptoms may be prominent.

🍎 Recommended Foods

  • 🌾Blood sugar stabilizing: Sweet potato, brown rice, oats, whole grains
  • 🥑Healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, olive oil, deep-sea fish
  • 🥬Magnesium & calcium rich: Relieve PMS symptoms
  • 🥕High fiber: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes

🏃‍♀️ Recommended Activities

  • 🚶‍♀️Low-moderate intensity: Jogging, swimming, brisk walking
  • 🧘‍♀️Relaxing & soothing: Pilates, yoga, stretching
  • 🧠Stress-reducing activities: Meditation, mindful walking
  • 😌Mood regulation: Music, reading, art
Time Meal Plan Activity Plan
Breakfast Oats + nuts + berries + yogurt Gentle yoga 20 minutes
Lunch Sweet potato + chicken + plenty of vegetables Slow walk 30 minutes
Dinner Salmon + brown rice + leafy greens Pilates 25 minutes
Snacks Small amount of dark chocolate, herbal tea Meditation 10 minutes

💡 Personalized Usage Tips