Advice on losing weight while on your period?

laydee_ke
laydee_ke Posts: 14 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm having trouble dieting and exercising on my period? I've caved in once already today for some bread and now I feel sick and sleepy. HELLLLPPPPP.!!!!!

Replies

  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Just yesterday I checled checked my maintenance level and chose to change my goals to be less aggressive.

    What I had been doing simply wasn't sustainable with ym body screaming for more. I did stick with the same kinds of foods I have been eating, but my impetus for that was diabetes control, not weight loss.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I have no trouble. If I have bad cramps, I'll take some ibuprofen before hand.
  • M3lma3
    M3lma3 Posts: 23 Member
    Try taking a magnesium supplement, going for a protein snack, drinking more water.

    Here is an article with some tips, maybe it will help you:

    "From chocolatey treats to salty snacks, many women experience intense cravings and ravenous appetites a week or two before their periods. Experts have their theories on what causes these monthly hankerings.

    For one, scientists believe low progesterone and high estrogen levels generate a drop in blood sugar levels, which leads to sugar cravings. Eating sugary treats will raise blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, the quick fix is followed by sharp blood sugar declines, creating a roller coaster of irritability, anxiety, and more sugar cravings.

    Another cause of cravings may be due to serotonin levels, which are generally lower during PMS. Serotonin is the feel-good chemical in your brain. When levels are low we crave sugars and especially other carbohydrates like potato chips. That's because the body uses carbs to make serotonin.

    One thing's for sure, cravings can occur like clockwork and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Because they're practically predictable, women can take several positive measures to prevent monthly pig-outs. Here are the top ways to curb those inevitable cravings.

    Eat six mini meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps cravings from becoming binges. Try eating six smaller meals instead of the usual three bigger ones. Space them out about every three hours to give your body constant fuel.

    Choose complex carbs. Fiber-rich foods are complex carbs that take longer for your body to break down and absorb, further curbing your cravings. Eat more whole-grain breads and cereals, and produce like legumes, fruit, and starchy veggies, which are on the complex-carb list.

    Go for protein. By including protein at every meal or snack you help moderate blood sugar imbalances and slow the digestive process to keep from feeling hungry. Choose better-for-you protein options like eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, even peanut butter.

    Maintain magnesium intake. Research indicates women can experience low levels of magnesium during PMS. Peanut butter, almonds, cashews, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and most beans are great sources of magnesium. It should be noted that chocolate is also rich in magnesium (which may further explain the cravings), but it's also high in fat. If you simply must have chocolate, try to make it a small piece of high-quality, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate, which typically has more calories and fat.

    Relax and take a deep breath. Cravings can worsen in times of stress. By learning relaxation techniques and practicing them whenever you feel anxious or stressed, you can curtail the snack attacks.

    Bring on the sunshine. The lack of sun can reduce serotonin levels, which leads to increased appetite and cravings. Get outdoors or let the sunshine in to raise serotonin levels and reduce sugar and carb cravings.

    Get moving. Exercise boosts endorphins and decreases the appetite, but it's not just scheduled exercise that can help. Being more physically active throughout your daily routine can also make a difference. Walk the dog, vacuum the floor, take the stairs, and simply keep moving.

    Take heart. Cravings aren't the only thing on the premenstrual rise. The female metabolism also increases a week before menstruation. So if you cave in to a craving you'll be happy to know our bodies may burn an additional 100 calories a day during this time. It's a small way of counteracting extra eating!"
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Hannahwalksfar wrote: »
    DancingMoosie wrote: »
    I have no trouble. If I have bad cramps, I'll take some ibuprofen before hand.

    To be able to pop a pill and then workout would be a dream lol. Pill popping simply blunts the knife that is ripping my uterus out. I can’t move for the first day let alone consider exercise lol. I call it my monthly torture session

    A friend once referred to the men dancing in cleats and I was like "Ah, yes, that is a perfect description!"

    However, I find if I can make myself at least go for a walk, the back pain is less, even if the cramps are no different.
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Hannahwalksfar wrote: »
    concordancia wrote: »
    Hannahwalksfar wrote: »
    DancingMoosie wrote: »
    I have no trouble. If I have bad cramps, I'll take some ibuprofen before hand.

    To be able to pop a pill and then workout would be a dream lol. Pill popping simply blunts the knife that is ripping my uterus out. I can’t move for the first day let alone consider exercise lol. I call it my monthly torture session

    A friend once referred to the men dancing in cleats and I was like "Ah, yes, that is a perfect description!"

    However, I find if I can make myself at least go for a walk, the back pain is less, even if the cramps are no different.

    I find that if I can manage to walk around the house without throwing up I’m doing well lol. After the first day I’m fine. Periods suck

    I only threw up for the first decade or so. It really sucks.

Categories