Blaming TOM (please stop)

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Replies

  • LolasEpicJourney
    LolasEpicJourney Posts: 1,010 Member
    LOL love this

    I can see having issues on the scale due to water retention - but agreed - PMS doesnt force you to eat bad food.

    Im pregnant - and I refuse to use pregnancy as an excuse to over eat and eat tonnes of junk food either.
  • opuntia
    opuntia Posts: 860 Member
    It used to be much worse (unable to move, sweating a river, etc), but it's slightly better through the power of Yaz. However, I do still experience some extreme symptoms that are exacerbated by my regular exercise regimen. So, I honestly don't get where some women here get off generalizing simply because their period is clearly filled with will power and awesomeness.

    Hehe - I think there a few women in the thread who genuinely don't realise that some women have disorders where their periods make them ill (like, OMG, how dare they blame their TOMs for making them ill! Being ill is clearly a sign of weakness and lack of will powerz!!), and that unfortunately going to the doctor won't necessarily fix it and make everything a-okay. But in reality, I've found that most women in the real world are aware that periods can be very different for different people, and that healthy eating and body building don't miraculously heal everything!

    Personally, I find it much more helpful to listen to my body than listen to my 'will power' - it's always important to be flexible in what you've willed yourself to do, so that you're able to adapt to changes in your body. It's never worth making yourself ill. I am always rather glad when people on my friends list decide to have a rest day - it's good to know they're looking after themselves. I find people on this site are generally more inclined to push themselves too hard than to go the opposite extreme.
  • TyFit08
    TyFit08 Posts: 799 Member
    It used to be much worse (unable to move, sweating a river, etc), but it's slightly better through the power of Yaz. However, I do still experience some extreme symptoms that are exacerbated by my regular exercise regimen. So, I honestly don't get where some women here get off generalizing simply because their period is clearly filled with will power and awesomeness.

    Hehe - I think there a few women in the thread who genuinely don't realise that some women have disorders where their periods make them ill (like, OMG, how dare they blame their TOMs for making them ill! Being ill is clearly a sign of weakness and lack of will powerz!!), and that unfortunately going to the doctor won't necessarily fix it and make everything a-okay. But in reality, I've found that most women in the real world are aware that periods can be very different for different people, and that healthy eating and body building don't miraculously heal everything!

    Personally, I find it much more helpful to listen to my body than listen to my 'will power' - it's always important to be flexible in what you've willed yourself to do, so that you're able to adapt to changes in your body. It's never worth making yourself ill. I am always rather glad when people on my friends list decide to have a rest day - it's good to know they're looking after themselves. I find people on this site are generally more inclined to push themselves too hard than to go the opposite extreme.

    Couldn't agree More
  • Wow. Some of you ladies...

    I think some of us need to look up at the name of this website and be a "pal". Quit bullying, judging, generalizing, and trying to look more badass than the next girl. It's really not as impressive as you seem to think it is.

    I completely agree.

    I also think more damage is done by women sniping at each other than anything any so called 'TOM' post could achieve. Well done 'ladies'.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member


    Hehe - I think there a few women in the thread who genuinely don't realise that some women have disorders where their periods make them ill (like, OMG, how dare they blame their TOMs for making them ill! Being ill is clearly a sign of weakness and lack of will powerz!!), and that unfortunately going to the doctor won't necessarily fix it and make everything a-okay. But in reality, I've found that most women in the real world are aware that periods can be very different for different people, and that healthy eating and body building don't miraculously heal everything!

    Personally, I find it much more helpful to listen to my body than listen to my 'will power' - it's always important to be flexible in what you've willed yourself to do, so that you're able to adapt to changes in your body. It's never worth making yourself ill. I am always rather glad when people on my friends list decide to have a rest day - it's good to know they're looking after themselves. I find people on this site are generally more inclined to push themselves too hard than to go the opposite extreme.
    Completely agree.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Does TOM drive anyone else to drink?

    You mean drink water? *wink* I do fine myself more thirsty.

    No it doesn't drive me to alcohol just french fries and brownies. LOL

    Yeah, I was just joking around. I don't actually drink. I do start to question my whole life's purpose, though. :wink: But, then I realize it's just TOM and decide I will wait a couple days on making major decisions about the course I should next take in life. But, again, I'm just joking around. I do remember feeling that way sometimes when I was younger.
  • albayin
    albayin Posts: 2,524 Member
    Does TOM drive anyone else to drink?

    You mean drink water? *wink* I do fine myself more thirsty.

    No it doesn't drive me to alcohol just french fries and brownies. LOL

    Yeah, I was just joking around. I don't actually drink. I do start to question my whole life's purpose, though. :wink:
    Talking about whole life's purpose...I was going to rant about some people around me. :( Trust me I have been much stronger than I first started the journey but once in a while comment like "if I eat like this everyday, I would rather die" or "I don't see the purpose of living to eat like this"...still gets into me. I know I shouldn't let this bother me. But you know from time to time they do make you feel a bit ...like "man, am I really a freak?"
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    It used to be much worse (unable to move, sweating a river, etc), but it's slightly better through the power of Yaz. However, I do still experience some extreme symptoms that are exacerbated by my regular exercise regimen. So, I honestly don't get where some women here get off generalizing simply because their period is clearly filled with will power and awesomeness.

    Hehe - I think there a few women in the thread who genuinely don't realise that some women have disorders where their periods make them ill (like, OMG, how dare they blame their TOMs for making them ill! Being ill is clearly a sign of weakness and lack of will powerz!!), and that unfortunately going to the doctor won't necessarily fix it and make everything a-okay. But in reality, I've found that most women in the real world are aware that periods can be very different for different people, and that healthy eating and body building don't miraculously heal everything!

    Personally, I find it much more helpful to listen to my body than listen to my 'will power' - it's always important to be flexible in what you've willed yourself to do, so that you're able to adapt to changes in your body. It's never worth making yourself ill. I am always rather glad when people on my friends list decide to have a rest day - it's good to know they're looking after themselves. I find people on this site are generally more inclined to push themselves too hard than to go the opposite extreme.

    Yeah, I agree with this also. Especially with weight lifting, you need to take regular rest days (sometimes 2 in a row), so why not take it during TOM. Why does everyone here think people need to exercise every single day. Nothing horrible will happen if once a month you take off a day or two (lots of people do that weekly).
  • Imagine a watermelon - now imagine a bloated watermelon - those would be my boobs during TOM - and I DO blame TOM :noway:

    But seriously - It's hard to talk yourself out of cravings but it can be done with some serious commitment. Some women have horrible periods that come with emotional issues and physical issues which can in turn cause more emotions, and yeah, some like to just use it as an excuse to over eat - I used to fall in the category of the latter.

    I was on vaca last week and I had TOM (sucked to be me) and the scale stuck to the number from the week before - because I constantly talked myself out of eating bad stuff. It was HARD but I felt SO much better when it was over that I didn't let it win! This week - I'm down 2lbs. So yeah, you may not lose that week but it regulates after a few days.
  • brandipoo
    brandipoo Posts: 58 Member
    I see what you're trying to say, but the delivery was not effective. Your body runs on hormones, and sex hormones are very powerful. This seems to be more shaming than empowering.
  • Some people just need an excuse to pig out. If they just ate in moderation instead of starving themselves of the foods they like, they wouldn't need to.

    People are freaking stuuuupid and people who over-eat clearly constantly do not want to lose weight badly enough.

    Also...Yeah, $4 tampons, haven't seen those. More like $8!

    Not cool
  • AndreaDaPrincess
    AndreaDaPrincess Posts: 58 Member
    I am a hyster-sister.......Tom is no longer is a threat to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!! :laugh:
  • I understand the basic gripe of the OP. However, it could have been worded more tactfully with a generally more positive and proactive approach to the subject, but how could the OP have known she was going to set off such a $h!t storm of negativity. MFP forums have such a toxic culture.

    But this:
    "People are freaking stuuuupid and people who over-eat clearly constantly do not want to lose weight badly enough."

    That was just uncalled for. Unmitigated ignorance. Hurtful. The absolute opposite of what a supportive environment is supposed to be about.
  • LeggyAmericanGirl
    LeggyAmericanGirl Posts: 285 Member
    Every cycle is different and causes a different set of reactions. This post is pointless and sad coming a female. Isnt there enough bashing on this forum already?
  • amberaz
    amberaz Posts: 328 Member
    Seriously...what does it matter what women use as an "excuse" to make poor health choices? Men will come up with different and equally as pointless excuses to make their own poor choices. People should really stop giving so many fuks about what others choose to do. OTOH, if I am starving and my stomachs is growling because TOM starts tomorrow and I need to eat, you can surely bet I will eat something regardless f if I am at my "calorie limit" or not. Additionally, if I have cramps and bloating so bad that I feel like my insides are being extracted with a tow chain, I am sure as hell not gonna go jump around for an hour to get my cardio in.
  • LeggyAmericanGirl
    LeggyAmericanGirl Posts: 285 Member
    I understand the basic gripe of the OP. However, it could have been worded more tactfully with a generally more positive and proactive approach to the subject, but how could the OP have known she was going to set off such a $h!t storm of negativity. MFP forums have such a toxic culture.

    But this:
    "People are freaking stuuuupid and people who over-eat clearly constantly do not want to lose weight badly enough."

    That was just uncalled for. Unmitigated ignorance. Hurtful. The absolute opposite of what a supportive environment is supposed to be about.

    AMEN this isnt a griping place its support/motivation. Maybe her TOM is bothering her.
  • Kenzietea2
    Kenzietea2 Posts: 1,132 Member
    LOL I agree partially with you, OP. I do think the extra craving are very real during TOM, but I also agree we should have more than enough self control not to indulge in them. I have heard you burn a little bit more calories during TOM, and I do notice my appetite increases, so usually I will allow for a bit more wiggle room... but I certainly do not eat 1000 extra calories and then wonder why I take a step backwards on the scale that week (not including the water weight.. I always jump up the week during my period by 5-7lbs, so I just don't weigh until the next week)
  • juli_jones
    juli_jones Posts: 101 Member
    for me....when TOM leaves, he usually takes a little weight with him.....so I don't totally HATE him, just mostly!! :-)
  • This thread makes me think of one of my favourite quotes:

    "Your body doesn't care if your mind isn't motivated. Results are the same with or without it. JUST SHOW UP!"
    This is a great quote! Stealing it!!
  • cindyhoney2
    cindyhoney2 Posts: 603 Member
    Every cycle is different and causes a different set of reactions. This post is pointless and sad coming a female. Isnt there enough bashing on this forum already?

    Tell em leggy!
  • SpazzyMal
    SpazzyMal Posts: 276 Member
    Sometimes, I get cramps so bad I can barely stand to get out of bed to go pee. This isn't an "excuse" not to work out. It's a legitimate time where I should rest for my wellbeing, and I refuse to be thought of negatively for that. If I have some damned cramps, it's my right to cite them as my reason why I didn't do my freaking cardio today, and nobody else needs to judge me for it.

    As for cravings, women do crave things while on their periods, and giving into a craving by having a small treat isn't really that horrible. I think that the women who use this desire for a treat turn into the belief they need an entire cake need to work on moderation, surely, but that is not something to judge so much as something people should be offering support over so they can work through it to make healthier decisions which will help them lose weight.

    What is this forum for if not support instead of judgment?
  • sarafit926
    sarafit926 Posts: 62 Member
    Certainly didn't mean to create such a mess, but I resent those who say that "as a female" I shouldn't be saying such things. How about AS A FEMALE, I think we should more often propound our incredible strength (we bleed monthly? and live to tell about it? how cool is that!) rather than admit defeat every time our hormones flip out and our bodies rebel against us.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    Certainly didn't mean to create such a mess, but I resent those who say that "as a female" I shouldn't be saying such things. How about AS A FEMALE, I think we should more often propound our incredible strength (we bleed monthly? and live to tell about it? how cool is that!) rather than admit defeat every time our hormones flip out and our bodies rebel against us.
    How about we each respond to that Time of the Month as we see fit?
  • MizzTweezy
    MizzTweezy Posts: 250 Member
    Who's TOM?
  • MariaMariaM
    MariaMariaM Posts: 1,322 Member
    I was just thinking about that today. In all fairness I get hungrier than normal when I get my period and gravitate more towards carbs. Having said this, I still try to make good choices. I just eat more!

    I also workout whether I feel like it or not. I just take some advil and head to the gym.
  • veganbaum
    veganbaum Posts: 1,865 Member
    Certainly didn't mean to create such a mess, but I resent those who say that "as a female" I shouldn't be saying such things. How about AS A FEMALE, I think we should more often propound our incredible strength (we bleed monthly? and live to tell about it? how cool is that!) rather than admit defeat every time our hormones flip out and our bodies rebel against us.

    Maybe we should accept the fact that each woman's cycle varies, not just from woman to woman but sometimes for each individual as well. Maybe we shouldn't impose our experience of our own cycle onto others. And maybe we should find power in making a CHOICE to indulge a bit during this time. Because consciously making that choice might occasionally be more empowering than ignoring cravings altogether. It shows that you really are in control. You can make a choice to indulge, not overindulge, and go right back to "normal," no damage done.

    Why not offer advice to others, instead of telling them to exhibit more willpower? Have you ever suggested that a woman look at the types of food she is eating near her cycle, for instance, as that can affect cravings? These are real things, not imagined. So maybe the sharing of strategies is in order.

    Regardless, if you think "blaming" one's cycle makes "women" look pathetic, it could just as easily be argued that your post demonstrates the stereotypical acrimonious behavior that women are often accused of displaying towards each other.
  • ang3h
    ang3h Posts: 185 Member
    Women can be so catty.

    I blame TOM.
  • TyFit08
    TyFit08 Posts: 799 Member
    Certainly didn't mean to create such a mess, but I resent those who say that "as a female" I shouldn't be saying such things. How about AS A FEMALE, I think we should more often propound our incredible strength (we bleed monthly? and live to tell about it? how cool is that!) rather than admit defeat every time our hormones flip out and our bodies rebel against us.

    Maybe we should accept the fact that each woman's cycle varies, not just from woman to woman but sometimes for each individual as well. Maybe we shouldn't impose our experience of our own cycle onto others. And maybe we should find power in making a CHOICE to indulge a bit during this time. Because consciously making that choice might occasionally be more empowering than ignoring cravings altogether. It shows that you really are in control. You can make a choice to indulge, not overindulge, and go right back to "normal," no damage done.

    Why not offer advice to others, instead of telling them to exhibit more willpower? Have you ever suggested that a woman look at the types of food she is eating near her cycle, for instance, as that can affect cravings? These are real things, not imagined. So maybe the sharing of strategies is in order.

    Regardless, if you think "blaming" one's cycle makes "women" look pathetic, it could just as easily be argued that your post demonstrates the stereotypical acrimonious behavior that women are often accused of displaying towards each other.

    Well said!!!! From reading some of these posts, I can't help but be envious of some women with mild periods that don't seem to affect them. I wish that was the case for me, never thought I would be judged by other women for it.
  • I don't know about ya'll, but I am a woman. I do not have a friend named "TOM", an "Aunt Flo", a "shark week" or any of the above any more than I have "lady bits" or a "vajayjay".

    I'm a woman. I MENSTRUATE. Thank you.

    PS: Please keep your concerns off of my hormonal cycles, because they're not yours nor are they even slightly similar. They're mine.
  • anaboneana
    anaboneana Posts: 195 Member
    *kitten* that. if my TOM says i want chocolate, then i'm going to have chocolate. usually if i eat a little more, it helps with my gnarly cramps. and, hell, i'll be bloated for a day -maybe *gasp* two days!- but i'm all fine and dandy and back to my weight loss journey after my cycle. forget all that stupid feminist crap.
    as a side note, which i feel somewhat relates: today, in my anthropology club meeting we had a discussion about how a couple of fem-bot liberals got on our club president's case because we host bake sales! -because bake sales are a -girl- thing and the -girls- of our club were contributing most of the baked goods-
    hells bells.. most -about 75%- of the anthro students at my university are female. and about 80% of our club is female -there are only 3 dudes-.

    my goodness, embrace being a woman! embrace getting a TOM and having that as a good enough reason to scream and shout and shove cookies into your mouth, dammit! it's one of the fun perks of being a lady.
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