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Should You Fast During Your Period? Understanding Your Menstrual Phase
In this episode, we explore one of the most sacred parts of your cycle: the shedding phase. Also knows as the menstrual phase, this is your body's natural time to release, rest, and renew.
Together, we'll walk through how to support yourself through gentle fasting, nourishing foods, restorative movement, and mindful reflection so you can move through this phase feeling grounded, cared for, and aligned with your body's rhythm.
Take a deep breath, slow down, and let your body lead the way.
References & Resources
1. Hormonal Shifts & Performance:
Dewey, R., et al. Effects of the menstrual cycle phase on exercise performance in eumenorrheic women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 2020. PMC7497427
– Research shows that while hormonal changes can slightly influence performance metrics, the overall impact is small. Listening to your body and adjusting intensity is far more beneficial than pushing through fatigue.
2. Gentle Fasting & Stress Response:
Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism, 2016. PMC4551691
– Short, overnight fasts (12–14 hours) may support metabolic balance and parasympathetic recovery when approached gently.
3. Fasting During Menstruation:
Australian MindBody (2023). Cycle syncing and fasting: When to fast and when to fuel.
– Suggests beginning gentle fasting around days 3–5 of menstruation, allowing the body time to honor early shedding before reintroducing fasting windows.
4. Nourishment & Menstrual Health:
Cleveland Clinic (2024). What to Eat During Your Period: Foods That Help Ease Symptoms.
– Highlights the role of anti-inflammatory foods, stable blood sugar, and hydration in supporting menstrual health and energy during the shedding phase.
5. Movement & Cycle Awareness:
Rupa Health (2023). Cycle Syncing Workouts: How to Move in Harmony with Your Hormones.
– Encourages restorative movement (walking, yoga, stretching) during the menstrual phase to support circulation, lymphatic flow, and emotional release.
Follow The Kimberly Thornton Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!
💌 Connect with me on Facebook & Substack (Kimberly Thornton), Instagram, TikTok, and Lemon8 (@momof_thor_boys) to learn more about The BLOOM + Balance Method.
✨ Take a breath, root into your body, and rise into your best self!
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By KimberlyIn this episode, we explore one of the most sacred parts of your cycle: the shedding phase. Also knows as the menstrual phase, this is your body's natural time to release, rest, and renew.
Together, we'll walk through how to support yourself through gentle fasting, nourishing foods, restorative movement, and mindful reflection so you can move through this phase feeling grounded, cared for, and aligned with your body's rhythm.
Take a deep breath, slow down, and let your body lead the way.
References & Resources
1. Hormonal Shifts & Performance:
Dewey, R., et al. Effects of the menstrual cycle phase on exercise performance in eumenorrheic women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 2020. PMC7497427
– Research shows that while hormonal changes can slightly influence performance metrics, the overall impact is small. Listening to your body and adjusting intensity is far more beneficial than pushing through fatigue.
2. Gentle Fasting & Stress Response:
Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism, 2016. PMC4551691
– Short, overnight fasts (12–14 hours) may support metabolic balance and parasympathetic recovery when approached gently.
3. Fasting During Menstruation:
Australian MindBody (2023). Cycle syncing and fasting: When to fast and when to fuel.
– Suggests beginning gentle fasting around days 3–5 of menstruation, allowing the body time to honor early shedding before reintroducing fasting windows.
4. Nourishment & Menstrual Health:
Cleveland Clinic (2024). What to Eat During Your Period: Foods That Help Ease Symptoms.
– Highlights the role of anti-inflammatory foods, stable blood sugar, and hydration in supporting menstrual health and energy during the shedding phase.
5. Movement & Cycle Awareness:
Rupa Health (2023). Cycle Syncing Workouts: How to Move in Harmony with Your Hormones.
– Encourages restorative movement (walking, yoga, stretching) during the menstrual phase to support circulation, lymphatic flow, and emotional release.
Follow The Kimberly Thornton Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!
💌 Connect with me on Facebook & Substack (Kimberly Thornton), Instagram, TikTok, and Lemon8 (@momof_thor_boys) to learn more about The BLOOM + Balance Method.
✨ Take a breath, root into your body, and rise into your best self!