That time of the month ladies.. lil help?

jlynnmclaughlin

So it is that lovely time of the month for me (insert saracsm here). I have a very painful time each month and I know that working out is not going to be an option for the next 2-3 days when it's at its peek. I'm wondering, if I can do it, should I eat less during those days since I'm not working out? I don't know if this will work since I am hungrier during this time as it is. But if I try and stay well under my calories without working out, will it help with staying on track for these couple days that I can't really workout?

Jackie

tammykoon

I have no advice for you. But I do have sympathy. I am in the same boat today.

srpm

Eating less should help you stay on track but my doctor has suggested to me that I keep my activity up because exercise can help relieve the cramping. Maybe instead of an intense work out you go for a 30 minute walk but at least it is something!

Barneystinson

I take 600 mg of ibuprofen and work through it. Working out actually HELPS ease back pain, cramps.

AHealthierRhonda

DITTO THAT!
For me I have 1-2 days I can't exercise without gushing through everythig I have on and in! I call it quits on those days and have no issues afterwards. I put on 3-5 lbs before I even begin the eating binges and am back to normal once it is over. I try to eat healthy things and not eat the craving foods, not easy as you well know I'm sure. I cut myself some slack and listen to my body. I usually do kick it up a notch the weekdn after things are normal. Makes me feel better! TOM needs to go!

richarni

It's that time for me as well and today I was suppose to hit the gym since I'm on day 2 and feel a little icky but I just popped in an exercise dvd and kept it moving. Tommorrow I'll hit the gym but I didn't want to let a workout go to waste just because aunt flow came to town lol

SarahLovesCheesecake

I get horny after TOM.........


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trdy77

Same problem here today. But I have found that staying active really does help.

TinaDay1114

Eating less should help you stay on track but my doctor has suggested to me that I keep my activity up because exercise can help relieve the cramping. Maybe instead of an intense work out you go for a 30 minute walk but at least it is something!

I agree -- when I pushed through and did a workout (even if it was a light one), I felt tons better afterward.
Aleve works really well, too...

TeeferTiger

I've recently started having these again after being on depo injection for 2 years and I now remember why I went on the injection in the first place!!

I would suggest you keep your fluids up, and consume more iron rich foods to help with blood related issues. Also, exercise does help (although it's the last thing you feel like doing), so a short brisk walk when you're able won't affect "downstairs" if you know what I mean lol Anyway, a walk that raises your pulse rate and gets you a little out of breath is good

TinaDay1114

This video might help you laugh your way out of it, too!! Love this commercial from Kotex:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpypeLL1dAs

blobby10

Same here! For the week before TOTM I get so lethargic (this week!) it's as much as I can do to put one foot in front of the other, never mind run! So I walk - same distance just takes longer. Almost the same calorie burn too. Bear in mind I'm not regular so this COULD go on for a couple of weeks ormore! When 'it' arrives, the first 2 days are so heavy that being away from a toilet for any more than about 45-60 minutes is unwise! I don't do much exercise these days and just push myself a bit more when I feel up to it.

This is how we know God is a man - any woman would have given us girlies an 'off' switch!!!!

Hope you all feel better soon. xx

Darthkrispy

I have the same problem right now too. While a lot of people have told me that exercising makes them feel better, I don't really agree, I think it can depend on the person and it doesn't really for me. I do like to try and stay active though or do something, especially on the last like two days. This is kind of my first time on my period since I started doing MFP but I'm trying to be careful because I crave sweets and food period and I always feel hungry. So for me it's just convincing myself I'm really still not hungry, by eating things high in protein, and limiting my sweets, I always figure it's okay if I have a little more than usual just as long as I don't go overboard. Hope this helps a little.

MissyFit08

I used to have the WOOORST cramps in the world and was dead on my couch for 2 days out of the month...exercising was definitely out for me then. What I did was I nixed dairy as it made me cramp even more and if I wanted carbs, I ate that in the morning or for an early lunch so I could "burn" it off before my metabolism slowed for the day. I think if you stop eating too much before 5:00 pm you really should be fine as long as you don't go over your calories for the day Good luck!

jagh09

Exercise can actually help relieve cramps and bloating. Maybe try doing a lighter activity? Drink lots of water, avoid salt and caffiene, and stay active. It will help you.

Hang in there!

DorkothyParker

My advice is to just drink plenty of water (so you don't bloat and retain so much) and listen to your body. I think walking or yoga would be nice exercise if you are feeling under the weather, but you don't need to overdo it.
As for eating less, again, just eat what feels right. Have a couple pieces of dark chocolate to ward off that chocolate cake. Eat a nice lean steak instead of a double cheeseburger. But don't go without, IMO.
If I don't eat blood when I am on my period, I find I feel weak and unwell.

Everyone is different and this is what works for me. Listen to your body. Really dissect your cravings so you put in precisely what you need. Take care of yourself. ^^

jluthersw

I am with you on today!! My cramps hurt so bad I worry that something has broke in there!! I have heard that exercising helps the cramps but I am not sure I can do ANYTHING while my stomach hurts this bad. I am going to try to take my dog for a short walk or something and maybe that will help!! I hope you feel better soon!!

jlynnmclaughlin

Wow thank you for all the great tips and info... LOVE THAT COMMERCIAL....I have it bookmarked!

I hear a lot of you saying that walking and drinking lots of fluids will help since I can't do the strenuous workout. I like that idea and I think that is what I will do. I'll just try to double the time that I usually walk and try to stay under my calories for these 2-3 days off what I call...hell.

Thanks for all the feedback I really appreciate it and feel for the rest of you today that are going through the same thing.

Jackie

TinaDay1114

LOVE THAT COMMERCIAL....I have it bookmarked!

Jackie

So just think, Jackie -- tomorrow you'll probably be twirling, and in a few days you'll feel like dancing! :bigsmile:

jlynnmclaughlin

If I don't eat blood when I am on my period, I find I feel weak and unwell.

I know exactly what you mean. I do crave steak and red meat during this time. I do feel very weak and unwell if I don't get it. I'm not a big red meat eater, I only crave and need it during this time....so odd.:)

Thanks for sharing and for the info.

jlynnmclaughlin

LOVE THAT COMMERCIAL....I have it bookmarked!

Jackie

So just think, Jackie -- tomorrow you'll probably be twirling, and in a few days you'll feel like dancing! :bigsmile:

lmfaooooo... did you see the other one? I love this one too.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOM4AMV050A&NR=1

Eloveg

I am soooo there with you! In pain...PMSing and bloated! I eat what I crave but try not the eat the whole thing....just some. Drink lots of water....walk a little bit and bask in the glory!!!! (sarcastic )

Don't sweat it!

marilou32

I know exactly how you feel because I get the same exact way. I'm actually like a monster and I want to eat EVERYTHING! It's actually a huge challenge for me. The week prior to my monthly encounter I get all my symptoms...cramps, bloat, and cravings. I usually run to keep active and around this time, it's totally out of the question!!! What has worked for me is drinking lots of water, drinking hot tea. I have a variety of favorite green tea flavors and just drinking a hot beverage really sooths my irritability and relaxes my body. Instead of going for a run, I'll do yoga right in my living room while following an on-demand yoga session. It's great and you feel so great afterwards..try it! Good luck and take it easy

Vhovell

I always feel better after doing exercise when it's TOM so it's worth the little pain to get started when you feel much better afterwards...advise a paracetamol to ease the pain if it's agony.

stephyy4632

I just ease up on my work out a bit during AF (anut flow) example I normaly do 60min work out or more per day on the days AF is here I do only 30-40min and less intense (walking or stationarie bike at the gym). I Also LOVE and could not work threw AF without my Diva cup that thing is a life saver if you have never heard of one google it they are fantastic I will NEVER EVER go back to pads or tampons EVER again

jlynnmclaughlin

I know exactly how you feel because I get the same exact way. I'm actually like a monster and I want to eat EVERYTHING! It's actually a huge challenge for me. The week prior to my monthly encounter I get all my symptoms...cramps, bloat, and cravings. I usually run to keep active and around this time, it's totally out of the question!!! What has worked for me is drinking lots of water, drinking hot tea. I have a variety of favorite green tea flavors and just drinking a hot beverage really sooths my irritability and relaxes my body. Instead of going for a run, I'll do yoga right in my living room while following an on-demand yoga session. It's great and you feel so great afterwards..try it! Good luck and take it easy

Many have said drink lots of water.... I am totally going to do this.

siouxsie212

Working out is actually the best thing you can do. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins. Endorphins act as a natural pain killer and as the endorphin levels elevate, your pain level will lower. Aerobic exercises such as walking, biking, swimming and running can help to raise your endorphin level and reduce your pain. The endorphin benefits may build up with more activity, so instead of exercising only during painful periods, aim to exercise throughout the month.

mycatas

I'm a runner and it definitely DOES NOT help me to exercise when I have cramps. I've thrown up a few times trying to push through the pain, because I've always read it was supposed to help. I think it really varies from person to person.

I recommend keeping moving but do something low key like walking or doing yard work. And take a handful of midol with gallon of water!

blobby10

I just ease up on my work out a bit during AF (anut flow) example I normaly do 60min work out or more per day on the days AF is here I do only 30-40min and less intense (walking or stationarie bike at the gym). I Also LOVE and could not work threw AF without my Diva cup that thing is a life saver if you have never heard of one google it they are fantastic I will NEVER EVER go back to pads or tampons EVER again

Hey Stephi - I 'graduated' to the mooncup last year and also would never go back to pads and tampons. It's a bit icky during the really heavy 48 hours but no worse than changing a super plus tampon every hour! And SO-o-o-o much cheaper! Plus I haven't had thrush at all since using the cup. Feels safer when exercising too.

B x

pjm1806

You should eat the same amount of food you do on a regular day. Don't eat less. Your body is losing blood and is trying to regenerate from the loss - that's why you feel so hungry- I feel the same way. It's kinda like after you donate blood. You are starving bc of blood loss.

And I would recommend to exercise on those days. It will help your body to get rid of the "red stuff" and might even make it shorter. And it does work. I use to have 7-8 days periods. I know terribly long. And know it's down to 6. Which I am really fine with it. And take a notice that I am on the pill. Can you imagine how bad would it be without it?

I know it's hard to make yourself work out on those days. But do something light. Or regular exercises but on lower pace. An I would of course Skip the crunches and make sure to drink to s of water.

Hope it helps

peachNpunkin

Just walk at a moderate pace. It will help releive the pain from the cramps and you will burn some calories in the process.
I use those thermocare heat pads for menstral cramps, they stick on your panties and really do help to relieve the pain from the cramps. Keeps me moving with no problems.