Have you ever felt like shedding away those pounds leave you in a vicous cycle and weight loss always becomes a rollercoaster ride? Some days you feel full of energy to hit the gym and the other days you are just sitting there feeling sluggish and just not in the mood to even move your body? It’s not just your brain doing tricks or your tummy wanting to eat another bag of chips, your menstrual cycle may have something to do with it. Cravings bit you already know about but how can tracking your period help in losing the weight?

Let’s break it down.

Your menstrual cycle is made up of four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase is driven by hormonal shifts that influence your mood, energy, metabolism, and even how your body responds to food and exercise.

Here’s how syncing your lifestyle with your cycle can help:

This is your period week. The energy is low, you are bleeding and cravings are absolutely real. This is your body’s way of asking you to rest and reset. During this time you should consider light movement like walking, stretching, and yoga as these can also help ease out muscle cramps. During this week you should also focus on nourishing yourself with iron-rich foods and hydrate like a queen.

Estrogen starts rising, bringing your energy and motivation up with it. This is prime time to hit those workouts hard. You can opt for strength training, HIIT, or cardio. Your body is more insulin sensitive now, meaning it uses carbs more efficiently. Fuel up and go!

This is the phase where you are glowing, socializing and at your peak energy. Your estrogen and testosterone levels spike and you are showing off that superwoman vibe! You go all-in for workouts and are able to perform your best, trying out new routines and pushing your limits. You might even notice a suppressed appetite, so it’s a good time to focus on clean eating.

Progesterone takes over, slowing things down. You might feel hungrier, more emotional, and less motivated. Instead of fighting it, adjust. Try moderate workouts like Pilates or swimming, and focus on complex carbs and magnesium-rich foods to ease PMS.

By tracking your cycle and all its steps, you are not just sitting like a couch potato but you are making informed decisions and driving action wherever required. You’ll start to understand when your body craves rest, when it's ready to crush goals, and when it just needs a little extra chocolate (no shame!).

So next time you think of a fitness plan, don’t forget to invite your period to the party. Because when you work with your hormones, not against them, your body listens—and transforms.