Gal Only: How do you handle PMS Cravings

jenabee333 · August 2013

Okay Girls, this week has been brutal for me. I woke up last night with aunt flo and was almost sick to my stomach and sweating and my heart was pounding...I've been trying to keep within my daily calorie limit for weigh loss but I've been messing up and feel out of control. Should I lower my sugar the week before (hard to do)? I'm off my birth control ring since gaining 40 lbs on it but now my face is breaking out and I keep teeter tottering with the same 5 lbs lost but creeping back on again after a cheat.

How do you deal with TOM and fluctuating hormone levels that can make life seem hopeless? I'm not normally such a Debbie Downer, but this month is killing me!!

Chief_Rocka · August 2013

In for learning.

skullshank · August 2013

middle of the night huh? what a bummer! no one likes laundry at 2am.

my wife typically gets something from the bakery and enjoys it.

_Waffle_ · August 2013

Okay Girls, this week has been brutal for me. I woke up last night with aunt flo and was almost sick to my stomach and sweating and my heart was pounding...I've been trying to keep within my daily calorie limit for weigh loss but I've been messing up and feel out of control. Should I lower my sugar the week before (hard to do)? I'm off my birth control ring since gaining 40 lbs on it but now my face is breaking out and I keep teeter tottering with the same 5 lbs lost but creeping back on again after a cheat.

How do you deal with TOM and fluctuating hormone levels that can make life seem hopeless? I'm not normally such a Debbie Downer, but this month is killing me!!

Switch to low calorie birth control pills. I think that helps. Those chocolate coated ones pack a wallop in the calorie department. I'd be gaining weight too.

Stop cheating. Of course the weight goes back up if you eat more. That's science. Your weight is your calorie intake minus your calories burned. If you eat more than you burn you'll gain weight. It really is that simple.

TyTy76 · August 2013

spade117 · August 2013

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1079988-how-do-you-handle-pms

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1072852-pms-rant

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1060095-one-for-the-ladies-pms-cravings-tips-please

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1058733-pms-symptom-curious

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1056279-dealing-with-pms-and-pcos

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1056146-pms-hunger

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1043870-ladies-pms-topic

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1026011-ladies-pms-tom-question

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1019270-pms-and-binge-eating-real-or-just-an-excuse

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1008390-pms-made-me-do-it

Do you keep those links handy?

FaitheSoler · August 2013

OMG I am the same way.. I get so hungry here is what I do.
I drink nothing but water and my morning coffee.
I make my self a home made trail mix. Add popcorn ( not the microwave kind ), Chex mix , different kinds of nuts, and M&M's.

I grab a handful when I gotta have something.
If you are not a trail mix kind of person buy those little containers and put salads in them. If you got to have something sweet check the sugars and calories on the candy bars. I usually buy those snack size ones. Also keeping a bag of nuts in your purse stops you from grabbing something unhealthy when you are out. Walnuts and Almonds are the best..
Hope this helps you!!!!!!!

TyTy76 · August 2013

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1079988-how-do-you-handle-pms

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1072852-pms-rant

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1060095-one-for-the-ladies-pms-cravings-tips-please

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1058733-pms-symptom-curious

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1056279-dealing-with-pms-and-pcos

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1056146-pms-hunger

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1043870-ladies-pms-topic

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1026011-ladies-pms-tom-question

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1019270-pms-and-binge-eating-real-or-just-an-excuse

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1008390-pms-made-me-do-it

Do you keep those links handy?

No, but I am going to start.
It's a lot of work.

jess4fun · August 2013

Don't you love our bodies trying to fatten us up to get pregnant? For me cravings are my body telling me I need something, either emotionally or physically. And coming off bc is a real ***** since your body is regulating itself again. So it may take a few months to calm down.

That all being said, don't sweat the 5 lb swing unless it only goes in one direction. Balance your calories so you can fit in some cravings. I've been known to take my kids for ice cream so I can have a bite or I'll get my own and remove most the ice cream so I have less in the cone. I think what I am getting to is have a treat, don't fret, mother nature is a *****.

BlueBombers · August 2013

It's great being a girl sometimes, isn't it?? I find I'm usually up 4-5 lbs during my "fun week".

Honestly, Tylenol is my friend at that time of the month. I find taking one before a workout really helps so I'm not dying. Cutting back on the pop and caffeine seems to have really helped with the cramps. As far as cravings, there is nothing wrong with giving into them, just fit them into your day's total. I normally crave burgers and fries so instead or running out to the local fast food joint I make them at home and at least I know that they are healthy, lower in fat and not full of a bunch of ingredients I can't even pronounce.

da_bears10089 · August 2013

I throw on my big girl undies and deal with it. It's your period. You are going to have one every month until you hit menopause or get knocked up. Log what you eat, and stop using it as an excuse.

TheGymGypsy · August 2013

I believe I made this post earlier...

But take a Midol and get over it.

kjlackett · August 2013

I have read various articles on this. Some that said that you can counteract PMS symptoms by having more calcium rich foods in the morning. Others say to make sure you take a good vitamin supplement every day. I have found that over time, my best months with PMS were the ones where I was maintaining a healthy diet - not having a lot of sugar / carbohydrates and doing a lot of walking. I cannot take any kind of birth control pills - my emotions are all over the place and I tended to gain a lot of weight, no matter which pill. I do have the Mirena IUD and now I don't even have my period. Which seems to have also made the PMS go away too. Here's a link to WebMD.

http://women.webmd.com/guide/premenstrual-syndrome

mcibty · August 2013

I fight it for two days and then I realise that my body is crying out for something, and that I'm about to go through something rather unpleasant and I give myself a break and have something I'm craving.

TyTy76 · August 2013

I believe I made this post earlier...

But take a Midol and get over it.

Mean.

MidlifeGlowUp · August 2013

It ain’t easy, to be sure. I show great restraint some months. Other months, Crazy Aunt Flo makes it almost impossible to stay within my limits. For me, it’s an insistent craving for sodium, red meat, and chocolate. I’ve learned that I can stave off the monthly madness with a few substitutions. Here they are:

I want salt.
Old me – kettle chips and lots of them
New me – pop chips. They satisfy the craving without blasting through my fat and calorie allowance for the day.

I want MEAT! Now! NOW! NOW!!!
Old me – bacon cheeseburger. Since I’m here, I may as well get some fries with that.
New me – kale shake. I’m not really craving meat; I’m craving iron. The big blast from the kale shake calms me right down.

Give me chocolate, or else …
Old me – enough chocolate cookies, candy and cakes to keep an entire class of 1st graders buzzing for an entire day.
New me – one serving of the darkest chocolate I can find. That satisfies the craving without a massive caloric splurge.

As I said, sometimes Crazy Aunt Flo wins, and I eat a cupcake (or three), but that doesn’t happen every month. Progress is progress.

onedayatatime12 · August 2013

Well I'm up 0.8 pounds this week.. which makes me think it's only fat. I'm pissed sure but I know I'm to blame. I thought I should eat at my TDEE all last week, so I did (but I ate more, I presume) hence the weight gain. I just let myself eat whatever I want, but only healthy food, like nuts, cheese, fruits, etc. I definitely try to get in more water to prevent myself from overeating though.

BamaBreezeNSaltAire · August 2013

I chew my husbands *kitten* then I eat chocolate....

HollieDollieeeex · August 2013

I throw on my big girl undies and deal with it. It's your period. You are going to have one every month until you hit menopause or get knocked up. Log what you eat, and stop using it as an excuse.

^^ EXACTLY WHAT SHE SAID

WendyTerry420 · August 2013

OP, I have found that I typically eat an extra 200-300 calories during my TOM. And I don't exercise for at least two days, sometimes three. I smoke a bowl and watch some TV and munch. It hasn't hurt my progress one bit. Eat the chocolate. You actually burn a bit more calories on those days. If you are restricting too much during the rest of the month, you'll pay for it when your hormones take over your brain for those few days. Eating fun foods each day also helps keep cravings in check. I very rarely crave sugar. (Usually if anything, it's specifically chocolate.) Cravings exist for a reason, and I found that dark chocolate has nutrients that we lose from the blood loss. Go figure. Best of luck! :flowerforyou:

skullshank · August 2013

I chew my husbands *kitten* then I eat chocolate....

ooooo dirty.

IN for tossed salad!

Doone33 · August 2013

I just have something... there is typically only a day or two for me that I cant overcome the carb and sweet cravings.... LOL... But I am lactose intolerant... so chocolate and other sweet treats are often out for me! I often want ice cream... SO I sometimes make my homemade shakes and sweeten them with splenda... they are good and help with the cravings.... and since now I learned to put a 1/4 cup oatmeal in them it keeps me fuller a little longer.... I also do popcorn both regular and kettle corn (LIGHT or low Cal brands!) .. this gives me the sweet and carbs and it fills me up... because when I get close.. my stomach feels like a bottom less pit!

SHAKE RECIPE

1cup almond milk
1/2 -1 cup blueberries or fruit of your liking
1/4 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
2 tsp. Splenda (That's pretty sweet!)

And of course if you want you can add these other things
A chocolate chip granola bar is tasty instead of oatmeal
I have even heard of one person adding a low Cal recees cup???
I like to add Peanut butter one tablespoon is plenty with the above recipe
Some add cocoa.. I have never tried this... I am lactose intolerant and its not a good combination for me! LOL!
I want to try getting some low cal coconut bars and adding one of those?

Try this... when you know its that time... buy the ingredients and keep them around till you just need something sweet... mix away... the good thing about this is often its filling and the milk, oatmeal and berries are great for you! Be careful with the other ingredients!

xmeganxtarax · August 2013

Train yourself to not need it because a lot of the time it leads to a binge. I had an addiction to candy and if i didn't get it then id get angry. that was an emotional addiction (all in your head) that i created years ago but i changed that and now i rarely crave it. I load up on healthy calorie dense foods and add an extra 200-300 cals, and if i still need something I treat myself to dark chocolate - but only 2 squares. I also still workout and find it helps with my cravings and my PMS/TOM pain.

CaliforniaBarbie · August 2013

I throw on my big girl undies and deal with it. It's your period. You are going to have one every month until you hit menopause or get knocked up. Log what you eat, and stop using it as an excuse.

^this^

CaliforniaBarbie · August 2013

Im typically lucky and dont have any cravings mine works two ways if im cramping then it doesnt effect any emotion what so ever. if my body is physically not effected im an emotional train wreck. but never HAVE to have something, typically i eat less. i was blessed

MidlifeGlowUp · August 2013

I believe I made this post earlier...

But take a Midol and get over it.

We don't all have it so easy, doll. Some of us have more pain than you can imagine and need prescription meds just to keep from puking ourselves inside out. I'm glad you have it easy. I really am. But that comment is pretty insensitive.

ruffnstuff · August 2013

I chew my husbands *kitten* then I eat chocolate....

ooooo dirty.

IN for tossed salad!

I thought I was the only dirtybird who went there first in my mind! :blushing:

MissingMinnesota · August 2013

Your body is craving iron since you are losing blood. Eat something high in iron or take an iron supplement.

moonshine_betty · August 2013

During that time of the month I accept that I'm going to have insane cravings and give into them. I try not to give in too much but when it happens, I deal and move on. I also try having slightly larger meals and snacks than usual because I tend to be genuinely hungrier during my period and that helps some. So bottom line...a lot of us go through this, resist those cravings as best as you can but try to forgive yourself when you fall off the wagon.

jpolinisse · August 2013

I believe I made this post earlier...

But take a Midol and get over it.

Midol never worked for me, I use ibuprofen, or Aleve.

lauryn86 · August 2013

Yeah my BFF barely even notices she has her period. Me on the otherhand sometimes has to go home and curl up into a ball in the bed because the cramps are so extreemly bad.....and wont stop hurting...midol...ibprof....heating pad....2-3 hrs later I MIGHT be ok. Some girls last for 3 days, some for 7....so yeahhhh you are being a bit harsh with the midol comment I must say. I get cravings too at that time...and honestly I always go off track then ...lots of will power and meal prepping i imagine will help if I actually do it.

Gal Only: How do you handle PMS Cravings

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