Ladies--how do you handle PMS appetite??
lightenup2016
Posts: 1,055 Member
Hi--I'm sure there are many threads out there about PMS/weight issues, but I wanted to ask how you gals actually handle the bigger appetite that comes with PMS (if you have that issue--maybe not all do)? I've been logging for almost three months now, and paying attention to how my cycle affects my weight and appetite, and I can see that for 5 to 7 days before my period starts, my appetite increases a lot. Particular foods and amounts that normally would fill me up no longer do. I've read recently that we actually do burn more calories during this time, so I'm trying to be kinder to my body and allow myself to eat extra calories during PMS, rather than try to deny it. A couple of months ago I was able to pretty much stick to about 300 cal over my usual calorie limit, but this past month it sure seemed like I needed to eat more than that. Maybe it was because I was doing more exercise at that point? It's just about that time again for me, so I'm curious what will happen now that my exercise level has gone down some due to a foot injury. I'm still going to try to stick to about 300 cal over (so still a little under maintenance).
What do you all do during this time? Do you allow yourself more, or try to curb it but overeat anyway? Or do you actually stick to your regular calorie goal??
I'll add that I don't seem to have much problem with cravings, just a bigger appetite, where it takes more for me to feel full. Thanks!
What do you all do during this time? Do you allow yourself more, or try to curb it but overeat anyway? Or do you actually stick to your regular calorie goal??
I'll add that I don't seem to have much problem with cravings, just a bigger appetite, where it takes more for me to feel full. Thanks!
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Replies
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Okay here goes! I always had terrible PMS binges. My appetite just goes way off the charts about a week before and the first few days of "that". I finally cut my carbs down to around 100 g a day. This considerably helped ease this urge to stuff my face. Also, when It feels unbearable I really just own it. I weigh the bag of chips *or whatever it is* before I eat, then I weigh it when I'm done and log it. I know I'm going to have more than a serving or two, and I know I will go back and dive head first into the stuff so I just eat what I will then account for it later. Thankfully I haven't had that bad of a time the past few months of lowering my carb intake. It is really nice not to have the monkey on my back.3
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I think that eating a bit more (even at maintenance) during the premenstrual period is a great idea. That said, I do not do it because my period is very irregular so I do not know when I am in that phase. If my cycle was regular, I would planning calorie cutting around it.0
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ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »Okay here goes! I always had terrible PMS binges. My appetite just goes way off the charts about a week before and the first few days of "that". I finally cut my carbs down to around 100 g a day. This considerably helped ease this urge to stuff my face. Also, when It feels unbearable I really just own it. I weigh the bag of chips *or whatever it is* before I eat, then I weigh it when I'm done and log it. I know I'm going to have more than a serving or two, and I know I will go back and dive head first into the stuff so I just eat what I will then account for it later. Thankfully I haven't had that bad of a time the past few months of lowering my carb intake. It is really nice not to have the monkey on my back.
Yes that's sort of how I feel--it's easier to handle psychologically if I just allow it to happen (to an extent I guess). I also do log everything during that time. I might try lowering my carbs--I never really pay much attention to carbs, only my protein intake. Thanks!1 -
I let myself eat at maintenance for a couple of days I'd I'm really hungry.1
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By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)5
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just burn off the extra calories crying24
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I just eat at maintenance and even that is not enough sometimes. Also happens around ovulation. I have hormonal issues so the ways it affects my appetite are extreme. I just ride the wave trying to get away with as little damage as possible. It's a bit unsettling, but no big deal. I'm already used to it and I eat lower on days when my appetite is not all that great to try and make my month to month loss somewhat consistent.3
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lightenup2016 wrote: »Hi--I'm sure there are many threads out there about PMS/weight issues, but I wanted to ask how you gals actually handle the bigger appetite that comes with PMS (if you have that issue--maybe not all do)?
When I have been heavier, I had a bigger PMS appetite, but when I'm lighter (like I am now) I don't.
However, I found that a calcium tablet helped.
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I tried potassium and calcium tablets and it didn't help me at all
For me it's definitely refined carbs that make it worse, so I have to try to avoid those during those days (this last week has been a total fail). Delaying breakfast actually helps too because once I start eating, it's harder to resist the hunger for some reason. I ate 4000 calories 2 days ago so yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about (my fault because I made bad choices, but my willpower basically goes away at that time, and I'm way hungrier, so bad choices never fill me up for the calories!).
And yeah, I make sure to eat less and keep a bigger deficit on non PMS/easier days. But when I started having this problem (it started when I was 15 pounds under the normal BMI), I basically stopped losing weight because that week (or 2) wipes off all the deficit I manage to get the rest of the time.1 -
I can feel PMS. The ragey anger that is completely irrational. So, when I eat at maintenance for a few days and ride it out. I kind of watch my fitbit and how many calories it says I have burned and try not to exceed that number.3
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CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.2 -
I am not on the pill, and my appetite varies for PMS and ovulation. Typically, I eat a lot of protein, drink a lot of water, and I have one square of Ghirardelli sea salt soiree chocolate. Lol I haven't been super hungry, but I get serious carb cravings during PMS. I try to ignore them and drink more water or go for a walk.0
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eat at maintenance for a day or two.2
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Funny this topic would come up today, but hormones are odd little demons. I can actually tell with a 100% accuracy when I'm ovulating by the kind of hunger I get. Today was one. Luckily, I emerged with acceptable scars.
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ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Actually it may be helpful for someone who hasn't considered it. In general, policing what's helpful to others is a treacherous path.8 -
I eat at maintenance for a few days. While I am regular, I can tell when I'm premenstrual because my breakfast smoothie, which usually lasts until 2, is gone by noon and I am hungry for lunch hours earlier than usual.0
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I go to maintenance and stick to it.
I eat the foods that I crave, too.0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Actually it may be helpful for someone who hasn't considered it. In general, policing what's helpful to others is a treacherous path.
I am not "policing what is helpful to others." The OP wants to know ways that we deal with these cravings. While menstrual suppression may be helpful for some reason it does not address the actual cravings and binges. That's all I'm saying.0 -
since I had to go low fat(regular and saturated) for health reasons,I havent had the PMS issues.Im not saying go low fat at all but thats what has been working for me.I get plenty of fiber,water and protein though too so that may curb some of the cravings.today is day 2 of my TOM and Im not craving anything at all.0
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With pie. I handle it with pie.16
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CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »since I had to go low fat(regular and saturated) for health reasons,I havent had the PMS issues.Im not saying go low fat at all but thats what has been working for me.I get plenty of fiber,water and protein though too so that may curb some of the cravings.today is day 2 of my TOM and Im not craving anything at all.
My hunger goes away on day 2 of TOM actually. And the hunger I feel is more the hypoglycemia type of hunger - I'm not actually hungry, but I feel that I'm going to pass out if I don't eat.. and usually only carbs help with it. I keep meaning to buy a blood glucose test and forgetting.0 -
With pie. I handle it with pie.
LOL! For me it's dark chocolate!
Thanks ladies! I hadn't thought of the pill, but that's not an option for me anyway. Plus I'd gain weight just going on it! It's interesting that some find carbs helpful, but others find protein to work better. Maybe I should try to figure it out diet-wise.
Keep the posts coming, gals, it's nice to hear how others deal with this issue!
ETA: My appetite just about disappears at some point during my period. I figure that makes up for some of the PMS overages!4 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.6 -
CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.
Get over yourself. I was only pointing out that your solution does not address cravings and the like. No need to get sop offended.0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.
Get over yourself. I was only pointing out that your solution does not address cravings and the like. No need to get sop offended.
Yes, you pointed that out, and I disagree. It does apply here. I also explained why it does. I'm not offended. I just think you're wrong and wanted to explain exactly why.0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.
Get over yourself. I was only pointing out that your solution does not address cravings and the like. No need to get sop offended.
Her advice does address the OP's complete question, though- since period suppression would also stop the cyclical cravings/appetite that OP experiences with PMS.6 -
I take BC
But I had horrible PMS so I needed help with pain and heavy bleeding so the appetite control was just a bonus (I do still experience this just on a MUCH smaller scale). I used to just own up to it like everyone else said. Why make yourself even MORE miserable during that time? Try to set some limits like: one pint of ice cream instead of two lol! 0 -
ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.
Get over yourself. I was only pointing out that your solution does not address cravings and the like. No need to get sop offended.
Her advice does address the OP's complete question, though- since period suppression would also stop the cyclical cravings/appetite that OP experiences with PMS.
Thank you. I wasn't out to take the convo off topic, and I really didn't mean to sound uppity about period skipping, it's not like I don't feel for OP, PMS appetite sucks. I just thought "if it was me" and something was making it harder to lose weight, and someone knew "hey you don't actually have to do that" I'd want them to tell me.2 -
CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »ThatUserNameIsAllReadyTaken wrote: »CoffeeNCardio wrote: »By taking birth control year round and skipping it entirely:):):) (there is no medical or scientific evidence of adverse effects from not having a period, it's all about getting over the idea that it's weird)
Not sure how that helps answer the question as to how we handle when it comes around but ....okay.... Is this a suggestion for the rest of us? Not everyone can or should take the pill. And not everyone want to be stuck remembering to take the thing every. single. day. Glad that works for you, but it really doesn't even apply here.
Are you the OP? Do you know what kind of BC she uses or if she does at all? Me neither! So if, within the realm of possible things, she is on something that has the option to let her skip, I just thought maybe she'd like to know that it's an option. Of course the pill isn't right for everyone, I'm not sure how you even got that from what I said. I myself prefer an IUD, but I'm on the pill cause the IUD's as expensive as all get out. Also, I think considering all the great advice OP had already gotten by the time I posted, it was unnecessary to simply repeat the same stuff other people are saying that also worked for me. Cause then it would just be repetition. Just because my advice/experience sharing didn't apply to you doesn't mean it shouldn't exist anywhere when it may well apply to other people. If even one person, OP or otherwise reads that and goes "Hey I didn't know you could do that, how nice, I will call my Gyno" then it's placement here is justified.
Get over yourself. I was only pointing out that your solution does not address cravings and the like. No need to get sop offended.
Her advice does address the OP's complete question, though- since period suppression would also stop the cyclical cravings/appetite that OP experiences with PMS.
Thank you. I wasn't out to take the convo off topic, and I really didn't mean to sound uppity about period skipping, it's not like I don't feel for OP, PMS appetite sucks. I just thought "if it was me" and something was making it harder to lose weight, and someone knew "hey you don't actually have to do that" I'd want them to tell me.
It made sense. I actually know a handful of lesbians who use birth control that way- but you don't know it's an option until someone gives you the info. (Not me. I'm more of a howl at the moon cycle lesbian.)2
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