The Moon Cycle Cookbook

Synopsis

The Moon Cycle Bakery, founded in 2017, creates sweet treats that replenish certain micronutrients women lose during the different stages of their menstrual cycle. In The Moon Cycle Cookbook, bakery founder Devon Loftus and nutritionist Jenna Radomski empower women to nourish themselves with recipes for sweets, savory meals, and snacks, organized around each of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, that can be customized to suit their bodies' fluctuating needs. Every recipe is formulated with the knowledge of what is happening hormonally in a woman's body during each cycle phase, using ingredients that replenish and support essential nutrients. Suffering from cramps? Try adding more cacao to your diet. Mood swings? A sweet-potato brownie can help with that. A happy mix of creativity, self-empowerment, and downright deliciousness, this wellness guide demystifies menstrual health, educating readers about their unique needs and helping them to deepen their self-care regimen. Sidebars feature suggested self-care practices and rituals to enhance a woman's connection to her body and understanding of how to nurture a healthy cycle.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Lunar Cycle and Its Impact on Your Body

* Explains the four phases of the moon cycle and how they align with specific hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle.
* Example: During the Follicular Phase (menstrual period) as estrogen levels rise, you may experience increased energy, mental clarity, and physical endurance.

Chapter 2: Nourishing Your Body During the New Moon Phase

* Focuses on providing nutrients to support hormonal balance and set the foundation for a healthy cycle.
* Example: consuming iron-rich foods (e.g., spinach, lentils) during this phase as estrogen levels are low.

Chapter 3: Enhancing Fertility During the Waxing Crescent Phase

* Emphasizes the importance of supporting progesterone production, which is crucial for ovulation.
* Example: incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6 (e.g., bananas, tuna) to enhance progesterone levels.

Chapter 4: Maximizing Vitality During the First Quarter Moon Phase

* Highlights the need for energy-boosting foods due to rising progesterone levels.
* Example: consuming whole grains (e.g., brown rice, quinoa) and protein sources (e.g., chicken, tofu) to support physical and mental alertness.

Chapter 5: Balancing Hormones During the Waxing Gibbous Phase

* Addresses the hormonal fluctuations that occur towards the end of the follicular phase.
* Example: consuming calming foods (e.g., chamomile tea, dark leafy greens) to manage mood swings and reduce inflammation.

Chapter 6: Preparing for Ovulation During the Full Moon Phase

* Focuses on supporting the body in preparation for the peak of estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation.
* Example: incorporating healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts) and zinc-rich foods (e.g., oysters, pumpkin seeds) to enhance egg quality.

Chapter 7: Supporting the Luteal Phase During the Waning Gibbous Phase

* Details the importance of nourishing the uterine lining and supporting progesterone production.
* Example: consuming foods rich in vitamin E (e.g., almonds, sunflower seeds) and magnesium (e.g., leafy greens, dark chocolate) to promote uterine health.

Chapter 8: Managing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) During the Third Quarter Moon Phase

* Provides dietary strategies to mitigate PMS symptoms, such as bloating, irritability, and breast tenderness.
* Example: consuming natural diuretics (e.g., asparagus, dandelion tea) to reduce water retention and anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., turmeric, ginger) to ease discomfort.

Chapter 9: Embracing the Menstrual Phase During the New Moon Phase

* Explains how to support the body during the menstrual period and reset the cycle for the next month.
* Example: incorporating iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, fortified cereals) to replenish iron levels and consuming warming foods (e.g., soup, ginger tea) to relieve cramps.