| OWL Venice
Cycle Syncing on the OWL Reset
The OWL Reset is great seasonally or whenever you feel called to give your body a reset both physically and mentally. However, have you ever thought about the optimal time to do the reset based on your female hormonal cycle? Male hormones fluctuate less on their 24 hour circadian cycle compared to women’s 28 day infradian cycle. Therefore, it is useful for women to be informed on how to best time the OWL Reset to support their cycle in the most nourishing way.
A woman's hormonal fluctuations can influence how their bodies respond to changes in their nutrition intake throughout the 4 phases of the hormonal cycle. However, it's important to note that there is no universally agreed-upon "best" day to do a cleanse, detox or reset during the menstrual cycle, as individual responses to the OWL Reset can vary widely. Additionally, research in this area is still evolving and recommendations may change as new information emerges.
That being said, some proponents of syncing the OWL Reset with the menstrual cycle suggest the following general approach for optimizing your hormones.
- Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): This is the phase that starts on the first day of your menstruation period day 1 through ~day 5 and lasts until ovulation between day ~12-14. Some women might find it more comfortable to engage in nutritional changes or start a new physical program during this phase since estrogen levels are generally rising, which can support energy and metabolic processes. Listen to your body and use the suggested anti-inflammatory food list we provide in our OWL Reset guide as needed during this time.
- We suggest reducing vigorous physical activity any time you do the OWL Reset for maximum restful healing, however, during this phase, your body has more energy and may be able to maintain more physical activity especially during the last few days of your period leading into the ovulation period. During your ovulatory phase, testosterone is higher within the 5-6 day ovulation window. This means you can be more active at this time than other times of the month and feel energetically more supported. Please make sure you are fueling properly with the approved foods list to support your ovulation before and, especially, after any fitness activity. Listen to your body and drink your daily water intake each day anytime you do the OWL Reset.
- Luteal Phase (Days ~15-28): This phase occurs after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next menstrual period. During this phase, progesterone levels increase. Some women might find that adjusting intake or type of food during this phase is more challenging due to potential fluctuations in energy levels and mood as women produce calming hormones during this time that are supported by more caloric intake of progesterone building foods. If you are timing your OWL Reset to happen during the second half of your cycle, we recommend pairing your broth elixirs and mylkshakes with our approved anti-inflammatory foods list, reducing any fitness routines to low to moderate activity. Listen to your body and focus on rest and nourishment.
- It's important to emphasize that individual responses to the OWL Reset can vary. Some women might feel great doing the OWL Reset during the luteal phase, while others might prefer the OWL Reset during the follicular phase. Additional, factors such as overall health, stress levels and individual goals should be considered. This is something great to discuss with your health coach during your complimentary 15 minute consult that comes with your Reset program.
It's also crucial to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Ultimately, the decision to do the OWL Reset and the timing of the program should be made based on your individual preferences, health considerations, and how your body responds. Always prioritize your overall wellbeing and consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your nutrition, fitness and supplement routine.
Pro Tip: Use our OWL Reset Food guide for healthy swaps using anti-inflammatory whole foods during your reset prep days, during your 4-Day Reset and post-Reset period for long-term success and an overall healthy lifestyle shift.
Avonne is a certified integrative health coach, registered yoga 200hr teacher and National Board Certified Health & Wellness and Hormone Health Specialist in training.
Avonne used her passion for functional medicine and holistic health to heal herself from chronic acne, leaky gut and Hashimoto's AutoImmune Disease. Avonne shares her anti-inflammatory lifestyle, love of travel and yoga with her husband and their two cats in Orange County, CA.
Avonne uses food/herbs as medicine, movement and cycle syncing as well as non tox living to support clients in her health coaching practice.
Avonne also manages the OWL Community and Partnerships Department to help build the OWL community and brand spreading the message of One Whole Life's motto, "when you know better you do better".