What to Eat During the Ovulation Phase of Your Cycle

What to Eat During the Ovulation Phase of Your Cycle

Ovulation generally takes place within the range of days 12-17 of your menstrual cycle and is a relatively brief phase, typically lasting around two to three days. Women often report looking and feeling more attractive, with higher sex drive and overall sociability increases during this time. However, it's also worth noting that some women also report feeling ovulation pain (similar to period cramps) and a dip in mood.

What Happens To Hormones During Ovulation

Just prior to ovulation, there is an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers the opening of the dominant follicle and allows an egg to be released into the fallopian tube. An egg remains viable for approximately 12-24 hours after which time if unfertilized it will disintegrate and may lead to its own destruction. Levels of estrogen and testosterone are at their peak during the ovulatory phase.  

menstrual phases diagram

This article will give you insights into what to eat during the ovulation phase of your menstrual cycle.

What to Eat During the Ovulation Phase of Your Cycle

Increase healthy fats, vitamin B6, folate & choline

With high estrogen, you will want to eat foods that support your liver, as these offer health benefits that can protect against environmental toxins known to impact hormones.

Anti-inflammatory foods such as whole foods, berries, dark chocolate, vegetables, fatty fish, garlic, and almonds are great options.

This is the part of your menstrual cycle when you are most fertile, so if you are looking to encourage a pregnancy during this time, there are a few things you can look to add to your diet that are thought to help with this such as leafy green veggies, peas, kidney beans, and a high-quality folate supplement.

Shopping list for your Ovulation Phase

  • Organic Salmon
  • Sardines
  • Organic Eggs
  • Organic Red Meat
  • Pumpkin
  • Sunflower and Sesame Seeds
  • Ginger
  • Seafood (Oysters)

For more information on what to eat in the different phases of the menstrual cycle check out our complete article:

Nutrition for the Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle | Elara Care
In this post, we will cover how our nutrition should change at different stages of the menstrual cycle and other supporting topics.

Article reviewed by stephanie baker, head nutritionist at elara care

Read our article on “NUTRITION DURING YOUR MENSTRUAL/FOLLICULAR PHASE”
Read our article on “NUTRITION DURING YOUR LUTEAL PHASE”

Reference