That time of month

I need some input/advice on how to cope with the cravings associated with my menstrual cycle. All month long I do very well in my eating and my exercise program. But as soon as I start feeling that "bitchiness", stress and sleepiness the cravings for sweets set in BIG TIME! I try to head them off with sugar free fudgesicles or some sugar free hot chocolate. But sometimes the only thing that will do is REAL chocolate.
I am for the most part a clean eater. I do not normally eat sugar.
Why do I crave it so badly on my period?
Any advice? It is so frustrating for me. Because of the cramping and just the general feeling of being bloated, feeling lousy and tired I skip my workouts.
I bounced back quickly when it's over but how does everyone else cope with this?

Wed. Sep 2, 1:28pm

I can only speak for myself, but I know that when I have that crap feeling of tiredness, bloating, etc. I just want comfort and certain foods = comfort. For me it's more a psychological craving.

If flat out denying the craving and not feeding it isn't a desirable option for you, I say ditch the fat free, sugar free faux foods and go straight for the good stuff - the real, good quality chocolate - in small amounts, mind you.

And continue exercising! Even if it's just going for a refreshing walk. It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but it's such a good way to deal with those annoying symptoms and sometimes it can be enough to distract you from the cravings and help you avoid giving in!

HTH!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 3:49 PM

Thanks

I am with you on the real chocolate. I do not normally eat sugar free foods either as the artificial sweetner bothers me. So, that is not a satisfying option for me either! Just wondered what other women did in this situation.. I appreciate your advice!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 4:03 PM

This may not be the PT correct thing to say (yes, I meant PT), but I honestly just let myself have what I'm craving during that week. My cals end up being about 300-600 cals over, but the following week I hardly have an appetite at all and eat about 300-400 cals under, so it just about evens out. I've read somewhere that most women burn an extra 200-300 cals a day during PMS time, so maybe that's why I'm still losing (slowly, but I haven't seen the scale go up in some time now).
Good luck, it's a crazy place to be in! I'm right in the thick of it now, ROOAAARRRR

Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 6:10 PM

Boy is suck to be a girls sometimes! I am with the real deal chocolate too! I don't know if you have ever had dark caco chocolate the darker the better in small quantities its great. For me it satisfiys my craving and the calories are lower then milk chocolate. I will be getting mine soon enough right now is my one skinny week a month I think all ya gals know what I am talking about the week where you get to wear your skinny jeans with out feeling bloated!!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 10:35 PM

As someone who had to cut sugar from her diet entirely, I'm always suspicious of anyone who says they don't usually have sugar. Do you only drink water or homemade beverages? Do you only eat meats bought raw and packaged without seasoning? Do you ever use ketchup? Salad dressing? Sauces?

There's a difference between avoiding sugar and sweets.

Thursday, September 03, 2009, 12:22 AM

actually, yes I only drink water and iced tea unsweetened or with Agave nectar or Xylitol. I pretty much eat fish and chicken, all natural and hormone free. I do get sugar from fruit I suppose but other than that NO I dnot eat sugar. I make my own salad dressings and ketchup!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 3:21 PM

agave is essentially sugar. No, it's not refined sugar, but it's sugar, it's a sweetener, and it's not a sugar alcohol (like xylitol).

If you want sweet, whip up some whipping cream with xylitol and have it with some mixed berries. OR add cocao to the whipping cream and have it with pecans. Given that xylitol subs perfectly in baking for sugar, then just whip up something "sweet" with xylitol and indulge to your heart's content.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009, 4:18 PM

Thanks! Great ideas! Anything will help at that time of month. It is so frustrating, I am usually ok on the craving thing until about one week before I start my period. I do need to find some other alternatives, I really appreciate your input and will try these suggestions :)

Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11:14 AM

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