Is It Normal to Feel More Hungry Around Your Period?
Red days - the bane of all women. It's the time of the month when chocolates and ice cream turn from an optional treat into a want. The days when we’re irritable, in pain, or both. Why does this happen to us and how we can stay healthy and fit for the duration? Read more below.
Here's Why You Have Cravings and Hunger Before Your Period
During the premenstrual or the luteal phase, the level of your estrogen and progesterone hormones go on a rollercoaster ride. Based on this observation, it can be theorized as the cause of your increased hunger during your premenstrual cycle.
This can also be your body’s coping mechanism for preparing nourishment because of the fluid you’re going to discharge during your period.
Your 6-Step Action Plan to Deal With Period Cravings (to Maintain Your Pro Cheer Health and Fitness
1. Plan ahead on what to eat and do
By planning, I don’t mean hoarding chocolate or gallons of ice cream. You can buy and save for yourself nutritious replenishments such as electrolyte drinks, fruits, and vegetables. Control your eating schedules and tame your hormones.
Sometimes hunger can be associated with boredom. So, if you’re feeling hungry outside your mealtime, drinking water can help in alleviating it.
2. Eat healthy balanced meals and snacks
During meals, remember to eat your healthy main course (protein, iron, and healthy carbs) first before the dessert. As you become satisfied, you’re guaranteed to eat fewer sweets after.
When craving carbohydrates and sweets, choose healthier alternatives. Sweet potatoes or avocado smoothies are wonderful options. For snacks, eat whole grain food or beans. These healthy sugars will prevent blood glucose swings and unnecessary weight gain.
If you crave salty food, substitute your unhealthy chips for dried seaweed as it is high in iron, ideal for keeping your body’s iron level stable. This will help you avoid anemia and weakness during your period. Add some ferrous sulfate to your supplements as well.
Also, eat protein-rich foods. They can keep you full for longer hours. Fish, red meat, and green leafy vegetables are prime examples of protein-rich food with high iron content.
Read more: 6 High-Protein Salad Recipes That Will Fill You Up
3. Don’t skip meals
Even if you’re not starving, don’t skip meals. Your hunger and appetite will just increase, causing you to overeat in the next meal. Like I’ve said before, schedule your meals and snacks then stick to them.
4. Have some gentle exercises
It can be difficult to get off your bed while on your period. Walking or yoga can help you deal with bloating, mood swings, and stress. Exercise promotes the release of dopamine - the happy hormone. Light workouts also reduce bloating and fatigue. Have a specific exercise plan before and during your period. It helps!
5. Treat yourself, but in moderation
Depriving yourself of guilty pleasures can make your period more irritating. So indulge yourself with some ice cream, but don’t go overboard. You can keep a mini cup of Ben & Jerry's for a day’s ration, but leave it that way. One cup for a day okay? And pro cheer tip, have it as your after-dinner dessert so you’ll have something to look forward to at the end of the day.
6. Get stevia-sweetened chocolate
Because it’s hard to stay away from chocolate during our periods. As a bonus, there’s a plant-based sweetener that won’t cause any health problems the same way ordinary sugar does - and it’s called stevia. Chocolates that are sweetened with stevia are absolutely zero-sugar. But that doesn’t mean that you can binge eat on them. Remember, treat yourself moderately.
The Bottom Line
You can keep your pro cheer health intact during your period. Just do some minor modifications to your routine such as lightening your workout and swapping the products you crave for healthy options. If healthy options are unavailable, practice moderation when satisfying your cravings. Don’t forget to have a plan ahead!
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