The Highlight Issue 13 'Spring into Summer'

“Day one of your cycle is the first day of your flow,” says Nicki, explaining that this starts the follicular phase of your cycle. “As your uterine lining sheds, your oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels. You may feel tired, withdrawn and emotionally fragile,” she adds. Diet “Focus on warming soups, dark leafy greens and root vegetables. Foods rich in iron will help to replace any iron lost during your period.” Exercise “Your energy may be low so don’t overdo things in this phase. Focus on gentle walks, yoga and stretching.” Skincare “Your skin might be dry due to lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Use a very gentle cleanser and extra moisturiser during this phase.” Menstruation WOMEN’S HEALTH N icki Williams, nutritionist, founder of Happy Hormones For Life and author of It’s Not You, It’s Your Hormones , shares her expert advice on how to sync your cycle to your diet, workouts and beauty routine to work with the natural rhythm of your body.