Food for Glow: Ancient Wisdom + Modern Science
Living in Rhythm: How Your Body Works in Every Phase
Your body isn’t random—it’s rhythmic.
Each phase of your moon cycle brings real shifts in hormones, mood, energy, and cravings.This series breaks it down simply—so you can understand what’s happening and support your body with food, lifestyle, and flow.
Because when you know your rhythm, you thrive with it.
Your follicular phase is your body’s reset window—the week right after your period when estrogen starts to rise and everything feels lighter, clearer, and more energized.
It’s also your skin’s golden hour—a perfect time to eat in ways that restore, replenish, and unlock your natural glow.
In this post, we’re blending ancient beauty rituals with modern nutritional science to spotlight the best foods and herbs for skin, hair, and hormone health—especially during the follicular phase.
Ancient Beauty Rituals Around the World
Across cultures, women have always understood that beauty begins within. Here’s how women from ancient civilizations nourished their glow, long before influencers and filters.
🇬🇷 Greece + 🇫🇷 Old Europe:
Olive Oil: Consumed and used topically to nourish skin and reduce inflammation.
Herbal Vinegars + Tonics: Infused with rosemary, nettle, or rose to support circulation and detox.
Broths + Bone Marrow: Consumed for skin-plumping collagen and nutrient density.
Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurts were staples for digestion and gut-skin health.
🇨🇳 China:
Goji Berries: Known to nourish blood and improve skin tone.
Red Dates (Jujube): Used post-menstruation to replenish qi and blood.
Rose Buds: Moved liver qi, supported circulation, and brightened complexion.
White Fungus + Pear Soup: Believed to nourish lung yin and keep skin hydrated.
Pearl Powder: Used internally and topically to brighten complexion and support collagen.
Sparrow Nest (Bird’s Nest): Traditionally consumed for skin elasticity, hydration, and youthfulness.
🇯🇵 Japan:
Seaweed: Rich in iodine and minerals that support the thyroid and skin elasticity.
Fish (like salmon): Natural source of omega-3s for skin moisture and glow.
Matcha: High in antioxidants for clear, bright skin.
🇮🇳 India:
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): A potent source of vitamin C to build collagen.
Shatavari: Supports hormonal harmony and reproductive health.
Mung Dal Soups: Gentle on digestion and detoxifying.
🇪🇬 Egypt:
Milk + Honey: Used both topically and internally for hydration and glow.
Dates + Figs: Iron-rich and deeply nourishing for blood and skin.
The Follicular Phase—Why This Is Your Glow Window
Now you're ready for real food—gently.
What to Eat:
Soft scrambled eggs with greens
Chia pudding with stewed berries
Cooked quinoa, sweet potato, or a little hummus
Coconut yogurt with banana or pear
Herbal Support – Sip These:
Lemon balm + peppermint tea to ease digestion and support calm
Coconut water for hydration + minerals
Avoid:
Red meat
Processed sugar
Cheese
Cold raw salads (save them for later)
Science-Backed Glow Foods
Let’s bring it into modern science. Here’s what nutritional experts and studies tell us about glow-enhancing foods during the follicular phase:
Omega-3s (salmon, sardines, chia): Shown in clinical trials to reduce skin inflammation and improve barrier function.
Vitamin C (amla, berries, citrus): Essential for collagen synthesis and skin healing.
Vitamin A (pumpkin, sweet potato, liver): Supports skin cell turnover and reduces acne.
Zinc (pumpkin seeds, oysters): Helps regulate oil production and skin repair.
Protein (eggs, legumes, fish): Provides the amino acids needed for skin structure, hair growth, and hormone production.
Probiotic Foods (kimchi, yogurt, miso): Improve gut health, which is directly linked to clearer skin via the gut-skin axis.
Sources:
Harvard Health, Linus Pauling Institute (OSU), British Journal of Dermatology, Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Healthline Nutrition articles reviewed by MDs.
Moon Affair Curated Glow-Up Menu (Follicular + Post-Period)
Some meals and teas inspired by both traditions and science:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with avocado + matcha latte or banana smoothie
Drink: Electrolyte water
Lunch: Grilled miso salmon rice bowl with cucumber, seaweed, kimchi, and sesame
Drink: Coconut waterSnack: Coconut chia pudding with berries + flax seeds
Afternoon Drink: Black sesame latte
Dinner: Chicken bone broth with tofu, steamed greens, mashed sweet potato, and grilled fish
Herbal Add-ons:
Moon Affair special Follicular + Ovulation Tea (Goji berries, chrysanthemum, rose buds) — supports liver detox, circulation, and emotional clarity.
Glow is built daily—with every bite. So eat like your skin depends on it.
You cleansed. Now rebuild. This isn’t about restriction—it’s about rhythm. Your body doesn’t want to bounce back. It wants to elevate.
Start syncing with your cycle today:
Track where you are in your cycle right now
Adjust your meals, movement, and mindset with each phase
Follow us on TIktok @moonaffair and IG @mymoonaffair for more education and daily tips
Your rhythm is wisdom. Own it. Explore it. Thrive with it.