monthly cravings....

I am just past this 2 days failed. Not as bad as it would have been before I started all of this. Not perfect by any means. My defense is to workout like crazy.

Same problem here. :embarassed:
I hope I get some ideas, it is hard to fall back every month again and again. I tried drinking more but that means I have to stay home because of poor bladder control during "that" time.:ohwell:
Good thing is to know it will get over after some days.

I made a chocolate chickpea cake last week. High protien to help with cravings and it is low fat.

I find I get cravings and eat generically more for four to six days Before my period. During it I have very little appetite at all but then I get cramps, headaches and feel sick lol. Mostly I give in and have a little of whatever it is I want when I want it because I have tried to ignore cravings and found that not only did it not work, but I got snappy with people and ate a lot more of whatever it was when I finally got it then if I just gave in and had some to begin with.

Maybe try to leave 100cals or so free for must have munchie moments. Also really focus on the taste and texture of what you are eating, chew slowly and thoughtfully that can help with getting satisfaction in just a few bites rather then an entire bag, box, or whatever.

I have heard before that one reason we have such high cravings, is that we're low in some vitamins and minerals, and because things like magnesium is found in chocolate, that's one reason we crave chocolate. I have no medical background or knowledge, but if you don't take a multi-vitamin, maybe adding that and especially getting your magnesium level up would help you avoid or lessen cravings at that one time of the month.

Other than that, I think being on this site will help, logging the food no matter what it is, and keeping up with the other good habits you've formed.

happens to me all the time. I let myself have something sweet or I will go crazy, but as a vegan, my choices are usually not as vast. I always have something like strawberries or dark chocolate which is very good for you. remeber that you can have these things in moderation. Another thing that really really helps me is staying out of the kitchen, or any place with food! Out of sight out of mind. Drink green tea, which curbs your appitite, go to the gym, or worse come to worse, cave, have a pice of pizza, then walk away. Having 'bad food; every once in a while won't kill you! (: good luck!

hi. if we used our monthly friend as an excuse to over indulge then we would never get anywhere with our journey.

If you are one of those type of ppl that can get by with a small treat and get right back on track then that might help.
However, i am one that cannot afford that luxury.

Give yourself a tough talking too when u get in that mode. Eat more healthy snacks, walk it off, w/e it takes to get your mind off the cravings. You know deep down what will work for you.. if you dont feel like getting out to the gym, or your DVD or w/e exercise you do, then cowgirl up, take a couple midol, put on your baggy workout clothes and get movin

It is that TOM for me right now, and I find that eating more protein (~150 g/day) controls any hunger pangs.

I found a raw 76% organic chocolate called Olivia Chocolat (from the chocolatiers of Chantley, Quebec, Canada) that has very little added sugar and is 133 cal/portion; the high cocoa % satisfies my cravings quickly. It is, quite simply, the most delicious chocolate I have ever had.

http://oliviachocolatiers.com
(you can order it online)

Give yourself a tough talking too when u get in that mode.

I would probably smack my own mouth if I tried to talk to myself like that when I'm PMSing. :laugh:

I usually allow myself to eat a little bit more. For me, I don't just having cravings, but it takes more food to make me feel full. I figure my body's working harder than usual at that time, so it's ok to give it more fuel. But I also keep exercising, so I'm working off some of the extra calories. As long as I'm not suffering from cramps, I make myself do something, even if it's just taking a casual walk around my neighborhood. One thing I've discovered recently is that the more consistent I am with my exercise (and not just during my TOM), the better things go during that week. I started working out a few months ago, and since then, I've found that I have lighter periods, am less likely to get nauseous or have cramps/backaches, I'm less emotional, and I crave less during that week. I don't know if that's just my body type, but making sure that you're working out consistently might make your TOM easier.

I have written a post in my blog regarding the monthly craving. I too have craving during TOM which undoes the efforts put in before that. It seems Serotonin is the cause behind all the cravings. I am not a doctor. I wanted to know th reason behind the cravings and found out information which I have presented in my blog.

Working out and eating proteins and fruits have really healped me this time and I didnt eat any of the usual PMS junk foods.

You can read the article here:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Sandyrocks82/view/my-experiment-with-serotonin-437171

1. Allow some "craved" foods - acceptable portions. I have been known to have a "meal" that is all craved food though. Oh well, no one is perfect. I just try not to eat the meal AND the huge dessert.
2. Allow yourself to eat more regular food - go over your calories 2-300.
3. Eat more protein. Especially at breakfast and at the end of the day (like after workout - 8pm). I don't know why, but it helps. I buy Premier Protein shakes at Costco. 30g, low fat, low sugar.
4. Eat the things you crave slowly. Like, really sit down, turn off the tv and enjoy every bite. It helps to be slightly distracted between bites...like while reading a book. The slower I eat, the more satisfied I feel at the end.
5. Drink a TON of water. I gulp it sometimes. I also have sparkling water with an oz of fruit juice added and/or a squeeze of lemon. That helps the wine cravings. I put it in a wine glass too.