Yes please! Oh wait, no. I'll go for a run instead.
It’s hard to write this post without giving out too much information, but suffice it to say, I have destroyed my healthy eating plans many times over my pending period. I get the munchies, I crave sugar, and then I just keep going, sometimes for a few weeks, before I get back on the wagon of lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies. I love my starches, especially sugar starches, and it can be hard to stop once I get started.
Believe it or not, I only just realized this in the past year. As I’ve been following “The Smarter Science of Slim” plan, I kept getting knocked off course and then struggling to get back on track again. I finally figured out it was that time of the month that was usually the initial trigger.
Sugar Cravings Causes
According to one report, low blood sugar is more common during your period due to hormonal fluctuations. This can lead to … you guessed it … sugar cravings. You might also feel fatigue or headache-y. If this is the case, go for natural sugars like tea with honey or perhaps an orange. This will keep you on track and help fight off the cravings. Even better, combine some sweetness with some fiber and protein to help you feel sated and to keep your body in balance.
Your Mental State Doesn’t Help
For me when I was little, comfort food was cookies and cupcakes. So when I’m feeling off during that time of the month, I’m more likely to reach for a treat to make myself feel better. This is psychological but can be really hard to overcome! Who doesn’t want to snuggle under a blanket and give themselves a treat or two when they’re feeling low? Be aware of your trigger foods and get them out of the house so you can’t indulge.
Exercise Helps Cravings
Exercise helps just about everything, doesn’t it? By doing a workout, even a moderate one, you’ll boost serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and help ease yourself out of those cravings. Plus doing the workout will remind you of your long-term goals so you don’t get knocked off track by a wayward cookie.
In the end a little planning will go a long way when your cravings hit. Keep trigger foods out of the house, make sure you stick to your regular exercise routine, and be aware that your feelings are temporary and will pass. By the way, indulging in a bite or two won’t kill you; just get back to healthy eating as quickly as possible and don’t let it turn into the first step of a backslide.
Cheers,
Lisa
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I usually crave salt. Which is weird because sugar is what my downfall is. I give in to my cravings during that time but I don’t go crazy! Sometimes just having a few bites of something is enough.
Lisa that’s always my goal, give in a little bit but don’t go nuts about it. LOL … some months more successful than others. :)
I eat EVERYTHING during my monthly visits from Aunt Flo. My appetite becomes ravenous. Healthy good foods and the junk food alike it’s all going down. She is actually here now. Last night I ate an entire container of sweet and sour shrimp from the local Chinese spot. It’s enough for 2!!! Washed that down with 2 cans of Zevia. 3 hours later I went to Whole Foods made a huge kale and spinach salad with sun dried tomatoes, edamame, olives, shredded beets and baked salmon. Washed that down with a liter of 365 spring water. I eat way more than normal, then I sleep like a log, wake up like I’m starving. As soon as she is gone things return to normal. I did notice the more I work out regularly the less intense the cramps are.