WOMEN ONLY!!

TiffanyV25

What do you ladies do to say NO to BAD food when it's "that time of the month"? I have been doing rrrrrrreally good with working out and eating, but now that it's that time I can already feel myself getting weak... I WILL BE STRONG, I WILL BE STRONG!!!!

HELP!!

juliesauber13

I feel your pain! I've been pretty good my last few cycles with eating junk. Every time I want to grab junk when I'm PMSing now, I remind myself that sugar, salt, and other junk food will only make my symptoms WORSE! It's been scientifically proven that even though we are craving sweet and salty foods, it's really water, exercise, and vitamins/minerals we need to fulfill those cravings!

So. I'd say try this at least once: When you start getting those familiar urges to splurge on junk food, ask yourself if the food is worth it to make your PMS even worse after your done. Usually, when I tell myself that, I look for other healthier choices. Also, look for recipes for "healthy" desserts -- like chocolate chip cookies made with applesauce or even black bean brownies! You can also find savory recipes like sweet potato "fries" and stuff like that. Here are some links. You can get really creative with healthy foods that are disguised as desserts!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-bean-brownies/

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/puffed-up-chocolate-chip-cookies-10000000223436/

Last but not least, if you are going to give in to temptation, set some limits. Eat a small part of the junk food, and then pour salt or hot sauce on the rest IMMEDIATELY, so you won't be tempted to eat the whole thing!

Good luck!

danyamichele

I am using the GNC lean shakes and added fruit or peanut butter with ice before blending. Tastes like a chocolate shake and helps me with the cravings!

Ameaks

Bump. Good advice. I'm the same boat right now and wanting to eat everything in sight. Hang in there!!

CourtneyA1

My trainer suggested a bit of dark dark chocolate. The 70-85% dark chocolate. It's helped me. I also try and anticipate it, so I know if I'm craving something, I know why.

Msjat

I try to fill up on crystal light and fat free pretzels

HotBodUnderConstruction

Have you looked at Chocolites? It's 35-40 calorie pieces of chocolate. Comes in a pack of two:

http://www6.netrition.com/chocolite_bars_page.html

TiffanyV25

Thanks Ladies!

GretaJane

Low calorie hot chocolate "Options" brand in the UK is really yummy and warm and 40 cals. Kellogs Chocolate and almond fibre bars are really tasty, too. Or rice cakes or popcorn if you want something salty and low cal.

Exercise really is good for you when pms-ing. If you don't feel like going crazy walk on a treadmill on an incline, it will warm up your body and you will have some extra calories for that kit-kat? =P

Or just do something else to help you relax. Light some candles and read or give yourself a pedicure. If you have a gym membership just go for the sauna or hot tub. Some of those cravings might be stress-related (they are for me!) Hope this helps!

marji4x

I actually just let it go for a bit. I try not to go TOO over the top but I am a little more lax. I do however, continue to workout since I'm just as strong just "whiny" XD

I try to spend a few days eating well and then let myself go too far one a couple days (the worst ones). I might eat a little less on the days leading up to it or afterwards, to even things out a bit, but overall a few extra calories isn't going to kill me

anubis609

When my fiancee has her period, I sympathize with her cravings and join her in food excursions, without guilt. I'm a great guy.

CDresp

Keep repeating to yourself "Do something today that your future self will thank you for."

TheFitHooker

That time of month, my cravings are chocolate and lots and lots of chocolate! My doctor has told me if I crave something to take a nibble to just satisfy the craving, however I do not do that. For me when I crave it, I look in the mirror and ask myself if I should just give up now because of 1 week or should I ignore it and keep working hard? I also go back and read about my success and see how far I've come. That always motivates me to keep going. I only find that I really crave things when my mind is free to think about things. When I'm bored, so I find something to keep my busy. I'm a busy person anyway, have 2 kids a husband, a house that needs to be cleaned all the time, I crochet orders, and now about to get a job.

suzieq5688

i always just go for it...lol its ok to treat yourself once in awhile...(if you dont youll lose your mind and fall off the deep end one day)
and p.s. i ate a little bit of chocolate everyday and still managed to loe 40 lbs thats the one thing i couldnt cut out completely lol

just workout etra hard tomorrow!

lillsmitty

sugar free chocolate pudding is my addiction, I get my chocolate fix with very limited calories

missiontofitness

Two words: Skinny. Cow.
My mom just bought these Skinny Cow "Heavenly Delight" bars. They're 110 calories, and if they can satisfy the chocolate lover in me, they'll do the trick for you! They keep me from overindulging in bad foods!

pokerbarbie13

Honestly, I don't say "No." I think of it like when I was in Catholic school...when they tell you you can't do it, it's all you want to do. So, I give in but in very small amounts so I never feel deprived or have the cravings. I love dark chocolate, so I buy the expensive kind that tastes wonderful and keep it in my fridge. When a craving hits, I break off a square. It's very rich so I don't feel the need to eat the whole thing and the small amount is worth the 60 calories to satisfy me. Because it's more expensive, I savor it and enjoy my treat. The key is moderation with everything. So far, I'm down 50lbs. The rest will be easy because it is a lifestyle change that is truly liveable!

shipwreck3

sugar free chocolate pudding is my addiction, I get my chocolate fix with very limited calories

and fat free pretzel sticks. I guess they taste pretty good cause the kids often steal my little pretzels.LOL

PrincessLou71186

Cravings only last for a few minutes at a time, so if you can distract yourself for those few minutes then you should be fine.

That being said, I'm realistic and know that as soon as I decide I want something it won't change until I have had it.

At the end of the day though, by denying yourself your craving you are more likely to fail. Everything in moderation. Rather than eating the whole bar of chocolate, have a few pieces. Just try not to do something that you will feel guilty for afterwards.

Also, look for alternatives. Someone mentioned Skinny Cow. I haven't had the bars but I know the hot chocolate is tasty.

smlamb33

Ok, I'm a chocaholic! So I eat chocolate everyday! I eat 90 calorie fiber one bars - chocolate and chocolate peanut butter and they are awesome! I also enjoy Atkins Dark Chocolate shakes. I don't know if you have a DQ near you but they have an awesome fat free fudge bar that's only 50 calories! Fat free chocolate pudding for 60 calories is also a great option too! Also, if you have a craving for something salty, Light Lays at great (75 calories a serving) or Rold Gold pretzel sticks (100 calories for 53 sticks)!

mistersmithsbox

Milk. I go thru milk like a fiend when it's cycle time. All the calcium helps, I suppose. Choco-milk powder also helps when cravings are really bad.

inammorata

Oh man, I know exactly what you mean! Damn those pre-menstural cravings control me!
I've discovered Smart Ones desserts, sundaes that are 140 calories! I also keep rice krispie treats around the house (90 calories) or Nabisco 100 calorie snack packs.

ishnite

For me, dark chocolate (love the kinds from Trader Joes). I can't eat too much dark chocolate and it kills the cravings quick. They say dark chocolate is good for you too. I nibble on that while doing some journalling and it helps. I can't do most low calorie bars or snacks because most of them have gluten (I'm gluten intolerant) or taste horrible. So I treat myself to the all natural best! Because gosh, darnnit, I deserve it, especially during that week.

sullivann

I like to have extra fruits. Or make a low calorie "Cheesecake stuffed strawberry" and eat that slowly over the course of the week. (Actually, someone posted a really awesome recipe the other day! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/396253-cheesecake-stuffed-strawberries-79-calories)

If you give in to a binge, just step back and tell yourself tomorrow is a new day!

Dauntlessness

Here are some foods that I use.

My Candy Craving List:

Blow pop minis
Only 8 calories a piece

Lifesavers sugar free hard candy
7.5 calories a piece

Jolly Rancher sugar free hard candy
9 calories a piece

Haviland Dark chocolate thin mints
27 calories a piece

Lemonheads
5 calories a piece

Hersheys Kisses
22 calories a piece

Tootsie roll (midgets)
23 calories a piece

Tic Tacs
1.9 calories a piece

Watermelon flavored raisins. They a very sour and yummy
130 cals a serving

Drinks:
I LOVE Crystal Light Fruit Punch
I drink Powerade Zero at the gym
Water
Great Value Coffee Creamer 30 Calories Per Serving

Sweet:
Nabsico 100 calorie Mr. Salty Pretzels are awesome.
Breyers Fat Free Chocolate Ice Cream 90 calories per serving
Fudgicles are 60 calories per serving
Fat free pudding 60 calories per serving
Skinny Cow Ice Cream sandwiches 140 calories per.
Watermelon under 50 calories for 1 cup chopped. 2.5 cups is a large bowl mounded over for 125 calories.
Kiwi, around 50 calories per.
Red grapes are 100 calories per cup
Strawberries are really low in calories 1 cup (halved) is only 49 calories
Chocolate Cheerios are about 122 calories per 1 cup and tastes kind of like cocoa puffs
*Ciao Bella Blood Orange sorbet is 60 calories per serving and is very flavorful. It tips the money scale at almost $5.00 a quart but it is sooo worth it.
The Chips Ahoy Chocolate drizzle chocolate cookies 100 calorie packs is a great snack that is super chocolaty.
Minute Maid Juice Bars=awesome 60 calories a piece
Dannon fit and light yogurt 80 calories
Edys frozen fruit bars 60-100ish calories
Delmonte light fruit cocktail 60 calories per 1/2 cup
Banana 80-120 calories
Quaker 90 calories snacky thingys the chocolate and the caramel are great!
Keebler 100 calorie cookies and cream snacky thingys
Lindt 50% Dark Chocolate 50 calories per square
Believe it or not... Hershey's Chocolate Bar, half a bar is only 105 calories
M+M's are only 3.4 Calories per piece
Orange Dream Bar 70 calories

Savory/Salty
Reduced Fat Ritz Cracker 70 calories per 5 crackers with Laughing Cow garlic and herb swiss cheese 35 calories per wedge
Rold Gold Pretzel sticks 100 calories for 48 sticks
Popcorn. Smartpop has 100 calories bags or even some butter popcorn is 25 calories per cup.
Salsa and chips are a great option for snacking. 140 calories per 7 large chips and only around 15 calories per 2 tablespoons on salsa.
Borden String Cheese is 70 calories
*I have been addicted to fried green peas (not wasabi) They are not that low in calories. it is about 130 per 1/2 cup. The good thing about it is that they are very crunchy and it takes you a long time to eat so it is a great diet food. If you like sunflower seeds you will probably like peas. I get them at the Natural living center for only like $2.00 a pound. It is very cheap. Makes sure you get scoops with enough salt.
1/2 cup carrots 35 calories
1 cucumber sliced in vinegar, salt and pepper 45 calories
Mini babybell light cheese 50 calories
Pringles Light 70 calories per 14 chips.