A quick question for the ladies

I continue to exercise but I don't struggle with cramps. Anything is better than nothing. The sweet thing is one that still gets me so I will be interested to see what others write

It depends. If I'm feeling particularly run-down and sore (which I do on the first couple days of my period sometimes), I take that as a cue to relax and get some extra sleep and don't do any intense exercise. Low intensity exercise like walking and light yoga feel pretty good at those times. If I'm feeling great, like last month, I go for it and don't significantly alter my exercise routine.

I definitely crave carbs. You're not alone there, and there's a physiological basis for it. I do eat more during the first three days of my period (usually about 300 calories more), but I don't worry about the overall effect because it's only a few days a month and I'm already eating a deficit on most days. Besides, I think that there is some evidence that women burn more calories during that time of month, which partially explains the increased hunger.

Hmm, maybe when decide to go out and get something sweet like ice cream or chocolate, get one single chocolate bar and savor it or one of those containers of ice cream that are like the size of a large mug and eat maybe half of it at a time. I noticed for me that everything goes downhill when I get a bag of individually wrapped candies cause then I end up eating like a half the bag haha, so I stopped doing that. Find what works for you.

I exercise like any other day.

I'm usually super tired the first couple of days... so depending on my energy level I'll just do a short walk or stretches. I try to get something in... as 20 minutes or something is better than nothing.

As for cravings... I bought a thing of nutella, and what works for me is eating a tablespoon of it. That's just for chocolatey sugar cravings. For salt cravings I'll do some sorta cheese with bread... or chips.. I think it depends.

I still exercise as I find it helps with the cramps. I have to force myself to do it as I am not in the frame of mind for it as tummy hurts etc, but when I get to the gym and get started I feel the benefits straightaway. I also crave carbs at this time of the month and mostly give into them, if I don't the cravings get worse and I end up doing more damage than I would have done if I'd given into the craving in the first place.

Of course I still workout. I actually think (for me at least) working out helps with the cramps. At least go for a walk or light jog. You will feel better you did it and also helps with cravings (again for me at least) just make a healthy snack for after your workout. ☺

I just went to the doctor last week; she told me to take Chromium to help with the cravings. During that time, I have ridiculously strong urges for sweets and other carbs - chips, cookies, candy...I gotta have it! So I just brought some from Wal-Mart, will see how it goes.

As for the cramps, some Motrin normally knocks it right out for me. And I try to go light to normal with my exercise, depending on how I feel.

A lot depends on the severity of your symptoms. I have an IUD now because I experience crippling cramping and heavy bleeding without it. There is absolutely no way I could and not want to die for at least the first 3 days. The whole "it will make you feel better" line was not applicable to me at all. That said, as soon as I had the IUD placed, I was able work out normally when I had a period (I no longer do) because the severity was much decreased.

Just listen to your body and do not work out if you genuinely feel terrible. If you just feel achy, do lighter routine/walk.

ETA: I lucked out craving wise -- it never seemed or seems to affect me.

Yes, I still exercise.

I crave salt, not sweetness.

Work out just like any other day, I don't use it as an excuse to slack. I wouldn't get very far if I stopped exercising and ate whatever I craved for a week every month.

I try to keep to my routine, although may change my workouts around, for example I would do my swimming near the end.

I have such bad issues with mine that I don't work out on the first couple of days. After that, I put in a little time on the elliptical.

I try to do some of the exercise, but I often don't push as hard because of the discomfort and generally feeling run-down, and I try to take that as sign to not push things. But I do find that doing some exercise helps curb the cravings.

As for the cravings themselves...I'm really terrible at controlling them and will often give in. This is hard because I sometimes short myself on more nutritious food in order to stay within the calorie count. That doesn't help with the exhaustion. IIFYM is all fine, but sugar and salt doesn't make for the most consistent energy source.