That time of the month...an excuse or legitimate?

I definitely have issues overeating that time of the month--especially the day before it starts. Did you know your basal body temp goes up, and you burn about 2-400 more calories than normal for a full week of the month? No joke. Google it. That's why you're ravenous during that time.

I remember when I was a (fat) teenager and I ate a whole pan of brownies the day my period started...I'm like a black hole for one day a month, I swear. My sense of satiety is completely gone.

This ALSO means that if you stick to your diet, it's a great opportunity to see the number on the scale PLUMMET when you lose your water weight a week later.

As far as exercise, I usually have 1-2 days where I say "there's no way" and slack off, though it does make me feel better when I suck it up and actually do it. Plus it helps you sweat out some of that nasty water weight!!!!

Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

I think it depends on your personal symptoms. I have endometriosis as well as multiple cysts, so TOM can be excruciating. I have found, however, that a lot of times working out really helps. It increases circulation, releases endorphins, and now that I am really into lifting, it mentally helps me as well.

I have never really been a "craver" during TOM, so I can't help there. I do find that I am far more hungry (like most other posters) but that's just our bodies getting ready the possibility of sustaining new life. Once it passes, I'm good.

ETA: If it's a very heavy day, I will usually take it off just for sanitary/cleanliness reasons.

I think some women use it as an excuse to slack off completely for one week a month, when it isn't really necessary.

Now, I'm one of those women that gets cramps so bad I usually throw up, but I still do what I can. I don't say, "Oh well, I'm on my period so I'm going to eat all this chocolate just because." Instead, I allow myself a little bit more than usual and don't let it get out of hand. It's not like we lose total control just because we're on our periods.

If you're so sick/in pain that you literally cannot move or work out, then you just have to be extra vigilant with the food that you put in your mouth. But if all you can do is go for a walk, then go for a walk. Something is better than nothing.

Plus, I do find that exercise makes the cramps MUCH less painful, so there's that.

I think not to lose total control is important!!!

I can not speak as to what anyone else is feeling but I can say that my issues were legitimate enough to have a hysterectomy at 42 years old.

I also suffered from PMDD.

I was not able to exercise for a minim of 8 days per month due to the sheer amount of agony I was in due to endo and fibriods in my uterus (in the lining, not hanging off the walls). My chocolate cravings were insatiable and I would regularly eat 5000 calories a day for 3 or 4 days before old uncle TOM came to visit.

After my hysterectomy I was able to exercise on a regular basis and not binge on chocolate a week a month, so I was able to lose the weight I wanted to.

For me, my period ruled my life. I could not even make plans to pick some one up at the airport if it was going to be around my time.

If i used my period as an excuse to over eat or not workout then i would be seriously screwed. Since having my contraceptive implant fitted i have been constantly having a 'period' so it really would wreck my efforts. Luckily i still only have the painful cramps/bloating feeling a couple of times a month so i'm still able to do a fair amount of exercise. Although sometimes on heavier days it makes sense to not do anything.
Like many have already said, a little exercise goes a long way so something as simple as going for a walk is great.
Also, if you crave chocolate or crisps then have them, but measure them out and work them into your daily limit. It will only bum you out more if you overindulge or restrict yourself altogether.

Why is a guy responding, three sisters, a wife and daughters. I believe that TOM, OTR, periods are very real, you might be like, duhhhh ; ). Your bodies are collecting every nutrient if can muster to jump start a living incubator and everything is affected. I have several friends here who go through this and some of them work through it, others cannot. If you want me to, I can send the name of one or two and you can ask them how they deal. Good luck lil one.

That's funny. MY fiance doesn't mind the talk either. He always says " I was raised by a single mom and 3 older sisters. I know everything."

Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

I don't see how this added to the conversation in a constructive way at all. Men don't have a uterus so their opinions don't count.

Men might not want to keep reading if they are squeamish! So it is almost my time of the month and I get extremely painful cramps and other side effects. Usually I am so fatigued that I truly cannot get the energy to do almost anything, especially exercising. Do you guys (girls!) work out on your period? If you do, how do you deal with cramps / fatigue? I also have a bad habit of overeating on my period. Again it's the same old "I can do whatever I want because this is living hell and my insides are being ripped apart" excuse.

Any advice for not falling off the bandwagon for a week every month?

I still workout when Aunt Flo is visiting. I actually feel better when I continue exercising through my cycle. I have severe cramps and quit the heavy flo(anemia) but I keep on trucking. Like I said I feel better when I do!

Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

A little lubricant never hurt anybody.

Ya'll went there?

Real men don't mind a little (or a lot for them heavy bleeders) blood.

A little lubricant never hurt anybody.

Omg that is ridiculous.Hahaha

That sneeze meme is both disgusting and hilarious!!

Some use it as an excuse but some legitimately need a break due to horrible cramping, and other symptoms.

I work through it but I might take it a bit easier on the days where I'm cramping bad or just have no energy. Like instead of running I'll walk or bike.

And for the cravings, I think that gets better with time. Remember we do need a tiny bit more calories during TOM so don't beat yourself up if you go over a couple hundred calories a few days a month - it's not going to make that big of a difference in the long run. I find sometimes it's best to just go ahead and have a cookie if that's what your'e really craving because if you're like me, you're just going to end up eating everything else in sight and eat just as many calories but still feel unsatisfied. Make the best choices you can.

Excuse.

I was on the rag this week. I chose to not work out. I chose to eat a lot. My choice, not my period's.

Just pop some ibuprofen and exercise your free will muscle. I wish I had done that!

I personally don't like exercising (like classes and such) while on mine but I use pads only so you could see the issue there. That doesn't mean you couldn't go for a walk. It's at least something.

I am currently on and I have been ravenous. I knew I would beat myself up about not exercising yesterday when I wanted to eat ice cream so I made myself do it and now I can rest today and enjoy a family meal out for my dad's birthday. The moment you start to make excuses, the more excuses keep creeping in.