How to Deal with Cravings Before Your Period
Are you wanting to eat everything and lots of it just before your period comes? That’s because our hormones cause cravings. The changes in levels of hormones oestrogen and progesterone cause cravings for high-carb and sweet foods before our period.
Eating all the foods can help combat all the emotions that accompany the premenstrual stage of your cycle.
Our bodies release serotonin when we eat starchy foods and sweets, which boosts happiness. This in turn helps us feel better when we have PMS.
Compulsive eating and food cravings before a period may also be signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS.
If you’re one of the 14% who has irregular periods, you may be more prone to binge eating, according to research.
Period-related cravings usually start around 7-10 days before your period starts. This is also when other PMS symptoms tend to start, like changes in bowel movements, headaches, acne, and bloating.
It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to its needs. Certain cravings may be happening for a reason, and your body may need more calories.
If the foods you crave make you feel worse, it may be because they are high in refined sugar, salt, and carbs.
Swapping out what you’re craving for healthier alternatives or limiting portions can help give your body what it’s craving without making you feel worse. For example, if you’re craving carbs, swap out simple carbs like chips, bread, and pasta for complex carbs like beans, lentils, brown rice, and oats. These can increase serotonin and make you feel better for longer.
Instead of sweets laden with sugar, opt for a healthy nutritious alternative such as smoothies, fruit, and yoghurt. You can always add cocoa or cacao to your smoothies if you are craving chocolate!
Chocolate is the hard one to say no to. Reach for dark chocolate instead, it is high in antioxidants and minerals. Just one square or two can curb your craving.
Try foods high in essential fatty acids, such as salmon or safflower or canola oil mayonnaise, slow absorption of carbs, stabilize the blood sugar, and stop cravings in their tracks.
Avoid fat as it slows down digestion and absorption of carbs and you won’t feel better until your body absorbs the carbs and turns them into serotonin.
Cutting meals in half by eating up to six small meals a day instead of three larger meals can help keep blood sugar more stable, which will cut back on cravings.
If you’re feeling rubbish, it can be easy to wolf down a bag of sweets, but your body will appreciate activities that have been proven to increase your body’s happy hormones: endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine.
To help improve your mood and increase your energy, you can:
· Take a walk
· Watch a funny movie
· Talk to a friend
· Cuddle your pet
Drink plenty of water, get lots of sleep and have a routine of regular meals and exercise will help. Remember to listen to your body and give it what it needs!