menstruation- inner winter
Inner Winter marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle, when the endometrial lining sheds and releases what is no longer needed. This phase typically lasts 3–7 days and is characterized by low levels of progesterone, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone. During this time, the body begins recruiting a follicle—the home for a developing egg—that will mature over the course of the cycle.
This phase is often likened to winter. Energy naturally turns inward, and you may feel drawn to warmth, rest, solitude, and reflection. Just as the land appears bare in winter, there is quiet activity beneath the surface—soil warming, roots resting, and new life beginning to stir. Supporting the body with deep nourishment during this phase helps replenish what has been shed and lays a strong foundation not only for your bleed, but for the entire cycle ahead
Kale
Kelp/seaweed
collard greens
mushrooms
sweet potato
Parsnip
Spinach
carrot
blackberry
cranberry
flax seed
pepitas
kidney beans
duck
Shellfish
Grass fed red meat
liver
miso
TURMERIC
red raspberry leaf
Warm Kale & Bean Salad
Method
Toss cubed sweet potato with melted butter or EVOO and salt, pepper, turmeric and chilli powder to taste. Roast or airfry @ 400 degrees F for approx 20 minutes until golden brown and soft. Set aside.
Heat butter or EVOO in a pan over medium high heat and add onion, tomato, jalapeno and salt to taste and saute until soft.
Add sausages to pan and fry until cooked(approx 8-10 minutes depending on meat) If sausages start to char, turn heat down. *Tip: I usually cut up the sausages in the pan to ensure they are completely cooked
Rinse beans in a colander and add to pan with veggies and sausages. Add turmeric and chilli powder to taste. Add salt to taste.
Add kale to pan and cook until wilted but not soggy(approx 1 minute)
Remove from heat and plate mixture in a bowl with sweet potato and avocado. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale washed and torn into bite sized pieces
1 small yellow onion diced
1 medium tomato diced
1 can of mixed beans
1 sweet potato cubed
4 sausage links of choice(pork, turkey, lamb etc)
1 jalapeno diced (optional)
1/2 avocado(optional)
turmeric
chilli powder
salt & pepper
butter or EVOO
Why This Helps:
Menstruation is the time marked by blood loss, lower energy levels, and increased inflammatory activity. Iron- and mineral-rich greens, legumes, and quality protein support iron repletion and tissue repair, while complex carbohydrates from sweet potato and healthy fats help stabilize blood sugar and support sustained energy. Warming vegetables and spices(turmeric) may promote circulation and help alleviate menstrual cramping, and anti-inflammatory ingredients support the body’s natural recovery processes. Together, these components provide targeted nourishment that supports physiological restoration during menstruation.