During the luteal phase of our cycle, cravings for creamy, indulgent foods can hit hard. This season, my go-to comfort meal was a creamy and satisfying Chicken Alfredo. I made a batch of crispy breaded chicken cutlets—easy to prepare in bulk, especially when you have a toddler! You can also opt for grilled chicken if that’s more your style. The key is to enjoy these cravings in a way that supports your body’s needs, making them both guilt-free and productive for your health.
Making Your Indulgent Cravings Work for You
Instead of viewing cravings as something to resist, consider how you can optimize them for nourishment. Here’s how I turned my creamy Alfredo craving into a nutrient-packed meal:
Protein is Essential: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, hormonal balance, and overall energy levels. Whether you choose grilled or breaded chicken, you’re giving your body what it needs.
Quality Ingredients Matter: If you’re making Alfredo sauce from scratch, using fresh cream and grass-fed milk can enhance the nutritional value. This time, however, I kept things simple with jarred Prego—because let’s be real, sometimes we just don’t feel like cooking! And there is nothing wrong with that! Time is a valuable resource, and respecting it — guilt-free — is as critical to your health as your nutrition.
Pasta Choices: Opting for imported, high-quality, or even homemade pasta can elevate the nutritional profile of your meal. That said, regular pasta is perfectly fine too—there’s no reason to feel guilty about enjoying a reasonable serving!
Healthy Fats for Brain and Gut Health: Adding grass-fed or cultured butter introduces essential fatty acids that benefit both brain function and gut health.
Fiber Boost: Tossing in some greens like spinach, broccoli, or even green peas is an easy way to add fiber, which is especially helpful if you experience irregular digestion.
Probiotic Support: Following your meal with probiotics helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is key for overall health and hormonal balance. Try a glass of kefir, kombucha, or my latest discovery—Culture Pop sodas with live probiotics. We love this brand because they are one of the only of these soda brands that don’t use any sweeteners. This is purely a taste preference!
Why Gut Health Matters More Than Calorie Counting
For women, gut health plays a significant role in reproductive and overall well-being. Instead of obsessing over cutting carbs or tracking every calorie, focus on nurturing your body with whole, high-quality foods and probiotic-rich additions. The luteal phase is a time when our bodies crave comfort—so let’s embrace it with meals that are both satisfying and beneficial!
What are your favorite luteal phase cravings? Share your go-to meals in the comments!
