Monthly Craving Time

goldiefysh

I have been on MFP for almost a week and doing good. However, I am real close to hitting a wall, so I'm looking for help...it is that dang monthly craving time that happens to us women. I am craving cheese & fried food something fierce.

So how do you handle this time of month & not gain every pound +5 back? I'm looking for some serious guidance.

Thank you all in advance!!

olyrose

I don't have a fool-proof way, but I always give in a little to my cravings (makes that time sooo much easier to deal with). I try to find alternatives that are equally as good as what I'm craving (buy a small bag of chips instead of a big one, jello pudding cups instead of candy bars, skinny cow ice cream instead of ben & jerry's). Also, write down what you want to splurge on in your journal ahead of time (or what you know you'll end up doing), then budget the rest of your calories accordingly).

erzille

Usually I crave chocolate...I allow myself maybe 2 mini snickers, instead of the regular choclate bar. There will be more good days than bad days!

Robyn_T

I think completely denying your cravings may work against you. If you hold out until the craving gets too bad, you may end up binging on it later. Allowing yourself a little bit of what you want would be better than breaking down in a big way later.

If it were me, I'd have a little bit of cheese in or with something that is more nutritious. Maybe a half grilled cheese with tomato on whole wheat bread.

I do completely understand where you're coming from. Yesterday, I wanted to eat all day long. Every time I thought of food, I wanted it NOW.

IslanderLily

It really is a hard time of month and I totally understand what you are going through! I've found that as my choices in food become healthier, the less cravings I have! But sometimes no matter what you do, you just can't help yourself, you just have to have it...so that's okay but...you have to exercise for it! Thats the deal I make with myself! No matter how tired I am, if it's going in my mouth, I had better get myself making up those calories right away!! And during that time of month,I'm usually very tired and cramping and cranky so I think twice about eating the crap. More often than not, I don't deny myself and I go for it, but you better believe my hiney is up on that elliptical machine burning it before I even take a single bite..usually, I don't even want it afterwards or I eat a lot less than I usually would.
Look into cutting sugar, processed food, and caffeine down and adding a lot more fruits and veggies, as your body gets more of the nutrients it craves, you'll find your cravings will lessen too!

goldiefysh

Thanks everyone for your help. I ended up curving my craving a bit by making a small cheese only quesadilla. It was a great breakfast and not many calories since I didn't do a complete 1/3 cup cheese.