The week after your period
Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop off during your period, so you can experience low energy levels during this, the follicular, phase.13 Focus on foods that are rich in iron – to help replace the iron you’ve just lost – and vitamin B2, known as the ‘energy vitamin’. Spinach, wholegrains, and nuts and seeds are good sources of both nutrients.
Your oestrogen levels begin to rise towards the end of the follicular phase, so it’s important to eat foods to help rebalance your hormones. Go for those high in fibre, such as dried fruit, and cruciferous veggies – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage – that can have an anti-oestrogenic effect on your body.14