..for women only... (Men...No PEEKING)

That crazy food frenzy happens to the best of us! Don't let it get you down. Don't be so hard on yourself- you certainly AREN'T the only one this happens to. Just get back on track & keep going with the hard work! I always feel better during that time by sticking with my water intake & exercising. ; )

Have you tried to change the things that you eat? maybe if you gorge on fruit you can still get your sweet fix but you will not pack as many calories. Or try super healthy recipes that would give you the calories but also a lot of nutrients. For example, all my muffin recipes have oatmeal, so I am adding a lot of fiber to my diet and I have a long term carb source that will keep me satisfied for much longer, so I don't have to eat again too soon.

Also, what about distracting yourself when that feeling comes over you? Instead of eating, maybe you could go get a manicure. That will get your head out of the food, you out of the house, and you will be treating yourself to something nice

Just some ideas, hope something helps!

personally for me i think it habit forming. i use to be like that and even though i not going to dein that we do feel" crazy" around that time of the month i notice as time did progress i was able to bite that bullet. i eat more greens around that time of the month make sure i eat an extra 300 to 200 calories as well and this has work for me as a matter of fact i get no tell signs at all it just comes and goes...............but don't beat yourself up take the energy for that and take the time to make a plan for yourself next month visit the doctor to make sure blood ok and be game and armed for next month. (hugs) but don't beat yourself up again a waste of energy it make it that much harder to move forward.

girlfriend, i can relate!! before "it" strikes, i crave any and all chocolates. i'd have to agree, clear everything out of your house that is tempting to you. i understand that you can't always be so strong when you are out of your protected little environment, but when faced with those temptations, i would stick to the "3 bite rule"- take 3 bites of it and your done. and tell yourself you know what it tastes like, so you don't need anymore. when you DO have bad days and all hell breaks loose, you can't beat yourself up . you've just got to accept it for what it is, and move on. the important thing is to not make it a few days in a row. if you go crazy one day, that's it. you get one free day! good luck!

I have the same type of problems and it I exercise, like and hour morning and night 1. It's help with the craziness and two the overeating is off set somewhat by the exercise. Hope that helps and don't worry I think we all do it

i agree with clearing out those foods from the house... or finding some healthier options. i have a serious sweet tooth and so i've found some organic granola bars that have SOME dark chocolate and coconut in it. i also have a granola bar that has salty pumpkin seeds (but not too salty) from natures path. it's a much better option than stuffing my face that time of the month and they really do taste great. also, guzzle as much water as possible so you feel fuller.

Keep up the hard work, things will get better!

hahah laughing at your cute subject line which guys will see and jump in even faster then they'll leave just as fast!

It helps to keep in mind our estrogen level drops during that time as well as our Serotonin
levels. All the junk food get the Serotonin level up temporally but then drops back down and then we continue the cycle with the junk comfort food.

Nothing wrong with pre-planning a treat when you know you might be going bonkers (but don't wait until you're already there)...say some dark chocolate and plan on eating a square or two each day during the rough times (my hormone hell time is ovulation AND just before my period..so I get the double whammy...so figure that out and I get about 1 decent week a month...so NOT Fair!:sad: :grumble: :laugh: ). If salt is your thing during your period then pkg. up some healthier crackers (Kashi comes to mind) and allow yourself a treat of those as well.

Everyone reacts so differently but for the most part the women I've seen respond to posts like yours can TOTALLY relate to the chocolate/salt crazies during PMS time. You're definitely not alone, it's the difference of pre-planning vs. being caught like a deer in the headlights and simply grabbing junk and not even being aware until later how much you ate.

I don't know...hopefully something here helped you feel not quite so alone... there's actual chemical reasons our bodies crave certain things during that time so it's not like you're lacking will power, it simply a time I've found I have to be extra careful in planning.:flowerforyou:


*Serotonin =a neurotransmitter, derived from tryptophan, that is involved in sleep, depression, memory, and other neurological processes.

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I have definitely had this problem for myself before. I deprive myself of all sweets and snacks and shortly after, snap and devour anything in sight(ice cream,cookies, cake) I have learned through dieting that when you have a craving something like ice cream or birthday cake for example you should eat however you should eat in moderation. If you are craving comfort food eat it but make sure to balance it out with an appropriate amount of exercise and healthy foods. Never deprive yourself of something you want because you will build up an even bigger craving for it and when you finally break down you will over eat. Also, when dieting you need to start off slow. For example if you usually eat a sandwich, strawberries, cookies and chips for lunch don't automatically cut the chips and cookies out and switch to whole grain bread. Start off slowly by switching to a healthier bread and then go step by step over a few weeks so that eventually you are eating a meal with your desired calorie count. Also when you have a certain craving plan to modify it so that it will be better for you. For example eat one candy bar or switch from ice cream to pudding. This is a much healthier alternative. I got a little off topic but i hope this can help!

Girl it happens to the best of us. At least I know it has happened to me. Just move on for the rest of the month. Don't get discouraged. This is a lifestyle change not a diet. Slow and steady wind the race and all the other sayings. If you deprive yourself all the time then you will never make it. You will be fine. Just get back on that horse and eat right from now on.

I am in the same boat as you. I just started on MFP and I know that my monthly will be just one of the many bumps on this journey. I usually crave dark chocolate, ice cream and french fries. I will be on the search for healthier alternatives and let you know if I find a healthy way to get sate my cravings.