The Moon Cycle Cookbook

August 16, 2021
“Whether your period aligns with the moon phases is neither here nor there... what matters most... is that you feel empowered to reclaim your cycle,” write Loftus and Radomski in this eye-opening guide to mindful eating during one’s menstrual cycle. In 2017, Loftus founded her Moon Cycle Bakery in an effort to “nourish women from the inside out.” Here, she teams up with Radomski, a nutritionist, to recommend foods that support the “hormonal fluctuations” during women’s menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases, and the seasons that correspond to them (based on traditional Chinese medicine). Their goal: “to share the science of what happens physiologically during this time and give you choices for how to respond... choose the best ways to nourish yourself.” Chocolate-avocado mousse and hazelnut brownies, for instance, contain magnesium and healthful fats to support the production of progesterone during menstruation, while roasted brussels sprouts and a citrus breakfast salad help to detoxify estrogen during ovulation. Interspersed among the recipes are nuggets of helpful nutrition info and ideas for activities (such as gardening) to increase energy when estrogen levels decrease. This will fascinate those who’ve never thought to connect hormonal, mental, and emotional changes with the foods they consume. Agent: Michelle Tessler, Tessler Literary.