PMS Binging -- How to avoid?

cherapple

I wrote recently about being on a diet roller coaster, and I think I've discovered why: PMS. I do great about half of the month, and then the other half I do terrible (there are about three days to a week that are the worst), so I'm constantly spiraling between diet success and "disaster." Lately I'm on the disaster end. It doesn't help that, due to several injuries this year, I am not running, and I think the running was keeping me on more of an even keel as far as PMS. I'm doing other forms of exercise -- mostly elliptical and weight training -- but they don't have quite the same antidepressant drug effect for me that running has (had). I don't think I'll be running again until spring, so I'm wondering what I can do in the meantime to get through these horrible PMS swings every month?

I've been eating everything in sight and I have no willpower. Every day I get up with such good intentions, track my food diligently, at least in the beginning of the day. Around afternoon or dinnertime, it all goes to h*ll. :devil:

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for dealing with the binging associated with monthly emotional swings?

Thanks.
Cheryl

cherapple

I wrote recently about being on a diet roller coaster, and I think I've discovered why: PMS. I do great about half of the month, and then the other half I do terrible (there are about three days to a week that are the worst), so I'm constantly spiraling between diet success and "disaster." Lately I'm on the disaster end. It doesn't help that, due to several injuries this year, I am not running, and I think the running was keeping me on more of an even keel as far as PMS. I'm doing other forms of exercise -- mostly elliptical and weight training -- but they don't have quite the same antidepressant drug effect for me that running has (had). I don't think I'll be running again until spring, so I'm wondering what I can do in the meantime to get through these horrible PMS swings every month?

I've been eating everything in sight and I have no willpower. Every day I get up with such good intentions, track my food diligently, at least in the beginning of the day. Around afternoon or dinnertime, it all goes to h*ll. :devil:

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for dealing with the binging associated with monthly emotional swings?

Thanks.
Cheryl

Renae_Nae

Ok....here's what I've heard/done....

studies show that you burn 300-500 calories more during that time, so don't ignore when your body is telling you your hungry. Just stick to healthy foods and stay away from the junk...Stock up on fruits and veggies.

I know it SUCKS...but go for a walk if you feel like you can't do anything else...even short walks around the block helps me feel better.

Also, forget the scale! I ALWAYS go up at least two pounds (due to your body holding on more water weight) but if I stick to eating healthy (even if I can only walk for exercise) I usually lose 3-5 pounds afterwards (the water weight, plus a couple pounds.)

Girlmom282109

I know what helps for me. I always log what I'm going to eat for the day like lunch and dinner so I know how much I have for snacks. Then if I get close to my calorie intake and I'm still feeling like I need to binge I exercise so I can have a couple more snacks. it seems to be working for me I have lost about 3 pounds a week so far.

Good Luck to you!!:flowerforyou:

songbyrdsweet

Ok....here's what I've heard/done....

studies show that you burn 300-500 calories more during that time, so don't ignore when your body is telling you your hungry. Just stick to healthy foods and stay away from the junk...Stock up on fruits and veggies.

I know it SUCKS...but go for a walk if you feel like you can't do anything else...even short walks around the block helps me feel better.

Also, forget the scale! I ALWAYS go up at least two pounds (due to your body holding on more water weight) but if I stick to eating healthy (even if I can only walk for exercise) I usually lose 3-5 pounds afterwards (the water weight, plus a couple pounds.)

I actually have yet to read a study that states that BMR increases during menstruation. In fact, I've only seen the opposite. Are you sure you're not thinking of lactation?

Renae_Nae

Ok....here's what I've heard/done....

studies show that you burn 300-500 calories more during that time, so don't ignore when your body is telling you your hungry. Just stick to healthy foods and stay away from the junk...Stock up on fruits and veggies.

I know it SUCKS...but go for a walk if you feel like you can't do anything else...even short walks around the block helps me feel better.

Also, forget the scale! I ALWAYS go up at least two pounds (due to your body holding on more water weight) but if I stick to eating healthy (even if I can only walk for exercise) I usually lose 3-5 pounds afterwards (the water weight, plus a couple pounds.)

I actually have yet to read a study that states that BMR increases during menstruation. In fact, I've only seen the opposite. Are you sure you're not thinking of lactation?

During menstruation it is the lowest...but the few days before it's the highest. Most people get PMS a day or two before and the first few days of. If you're not eating some extra calories right before, then your body is going to want them those first few days (does that make sense?) But as a rule of thumb...if your body is craving something or you feel like you are starving, then you are lacking something. That's why the trick is to go for healthy foods...if you are just craving that snickers bar, then maybe you aren't really hungry, you body doesn't need it.

cherapple

Thank you, Renae! It helps to know that there's a real reason for my body being so much more hungry during this time (and then NOT hungry during my period).

I read this morning that fat and sugar release the same chemicals in the body for many people as exercise does:

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"Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (UK) claim the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA) to be a byproduct of exercise and the cause of the euphoric mood called "runner’s high." The researchers measured PEA levels in 20 men before and after exercise and discovered all but two had increased levels 24 hours later. The study’s author, Ellen Billett DPhil says that endorphins, previously thought to cause runner’s high, don’t penetrate the brain as easily as PEA does, though endorphins may still play a role. According to Hector Sabelli, MD, PhD of Rush University in an article in WebMD: "What we have seen is that PEA metabolism is reduced in people who are depressed. If you give PEA to people with depression, about 60 percent show an immediate recovery - very fast, a matter of half an hour."

Significantly, PEA is a key ingredient in chocolate, which along with fat and sugar is thought to account for the treat's feel-good effect. One can easily imagine humankind divided into two poles, all based on how we seek our PEA fix."

http://www.mcmanweb.com/exercise.html
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My reasons for craving fat, sugar, and chocolate -- and running -- make sense! I need that PEA fix. Unfortunately, high calorie food cravings, PMS, and not being able to run are NOT the best mix as far as keeping my weight down.

Cheryl

Ok....here's what I've heard/done....

studies show that you burn 300-500 calories more during that time, so don't ignore when your body is telling you your hungry. Just stick to healthy foods and stay away from the junk...Stock up on fruits and veggies.

I know it SUCKS...but go for a walk if you feel like you can't do anything else...even short walks around the block helps me feel better.

Also, forget the scale! I ALWAYS go up at least two pounds (due to your body holding on more water weight) but if I stick to eating healthy (even if I can only walk for exercise) I usually lose 3-5 pounds afterwards (the water weight, plus a couple pounds.)