Period

xveer22

When I'm on my period, I'm much more hungry. Is this just because of a hormone or something or do you really need more food those days?

anemoneprose

Hormones + your body's doing more work! (more cals)

annams76

I was just thinking about the same thing. For me it is not so much that I eat but I want junk food more when I am on my period. I am not a typical chocolate eater but during this time of the month I cannot get enough of it. I am definitely struggling in this area.

vonnywaft

I think it's both. You crave comfort foods probably because your hormones make you feel rubbish but there is an increase in your calorie requirement also, you use up more cals on your period. For me the hunger problem only lasts a couple of days so I cheat and eat more those days, (no point being even more miserable!) and then try and get back to the diet when I feel better, usually a day or two into my period.

theWinchester

Hormones + your body's doing more work! (more cals)

^ yep, and because we are not getting enough calories we start to binge. (usually on junk) Keep it healthy, go for the real dark chocolate, and it should be ok

johloz

I definitely understand the feeling of needing to binge during my period as well, and I usually do. Sure, it's horomones and generally feeling like crap and needing a pick-me-up, but let's stop kidding ourselves that you're really burning that many more calories. Even if your uterus is busy growing a baby you are generally recommended to eat only an extra 300 cals per day, and that's to GAIN weight.

If you want some more food, eat it -- don't be miserable. But let's not kid ourselves and act like we're burning a ton of calories because of a natural body function.

Oh, and I have the flu right now, and since my body's hard at work fighting it I should probably eat a couple hundred extra calories today, right? Nope.

BernadetteChurch

I would like to announce that over the last few days, even though at times I've felt like I could eat my desk, I've stuck to my calorie goals, drunk all my water and not used the pain and misery as an excuse to stop my exercise.

It can - and should - be done.

emily_bird

Definitely hormones. Depending on your body, you might need more iron (e.g. eat raisins) because you lose some during your periods etc You can gain up to 3kgs in a week during your period. Personally, I'm not a big meat eater at all - I eat it and make sure that I get my protein in, but I really prefer veg.... yet, during the fist 3 days of my period I crave red meat and chocolate. I'm not a "cliche female chocolate addict at all" .


Basically, if you feel weak ,tired etc, have your supplement, drink a glass of milk or have some raisins. Don't binge every day. One or two days or some snacking isn't going to kill you if you're a healthy eater and exercise the rest of the time.

Matt_Wild

Changing blood sugar levels as your body repairs itself and hormones level fluctuate (estrogen is well known to make people to retain extra weight).

annams76

During my period I gain at least 3 - 5lbs during the time frame and about a day or 2 after I finish that weight is gone. It is very frustrating and discouraging sometimes. I have gotten to the point that I don't even get on the scale anymore while I am on my period.

metalloz

I gain about 3-4 pounds for about a few days before my period. It is really discouraging.

apocalypsepwnie

Omg half my friends list is on their period or at least pmsing right now. I play roller derby so I'm guessing half my league is too. That synching up thing must spread like bloody wildfire lol.

I want to eat all the things. Particularly those that are really processed carbs. ALL THE BREAD! ALL THE PASTA! ALL THE BAKERY TREATS!
For the 3 months I've been here I've managed to not have a cheat day during this week just to show I really can do this. And if I do give into my cravings it'll be all shot to the crapper and I'll eat... all. the. things.
I do find though I'm more likely to go harder in exercise but that might be the painkillers I take.... stopping me from owing so much.

apocalypsepwnie

I made the mistake of weighing today. No gain. But no loss I'm bloated too so no measurements!

ElleEmmeKay

grehlin - the hormone that tells you your hungry. leptin - the hormone that tells you your full. and insulin - the hormone that helps control sugar and the craving of it are all part of your endocrine system just like your "girlie" hormone... so yes there is a chance they are out of wack a bit during your period but problem not like we claim them to be

LIswimmer51

stirfry, best PMS cure, and it's healthy. I mean idk if you crave salty but it's good...

Yes, It's your hormones. water, Green tea and evening oilier primrose really help with the bloating and cravings.

k8eekins

When I'm on my period, I'm much more hungry. Is this just because ... do you really need more food those days?

Ideally I think it's best we pay special attention to what we eat whilst craving for more calories (food & beverage), when we're going through our menses, for we're pushing our bodies to the limits here - with our select eating plans and workout choices. Eat (or drink) more if you feel the need to, only keep it strictly within the "free foods" range.

Agree with swimmer410@Water, green tea and evening primrose!!

darleyschroeder

Most likely hormones. I have heard that we burn more calories during that time and I am not sure if that's true. There have been many times I have totally gorged out during that time and not gained a single pound at the end of it.