For the ladies...

I don't know that I do a good job at that. I've read that if one goes very low carb for the week prior, the cravings will ease up. I did that ONE month and it did work, to some degree.

In reality, I don't do that -- I just permit myself to eat more carbs (which is what I crave) than I typically do, just working to keep them complex (sweet potatoes, instead of white potatoes, etc.) and when I get to my calorie limit, I stop just like I do on any other day. Well... usually!

OMG!!! I am right there with you! I am on a chocolate and salt binge! (those are my two cravings and they have to alternate) The chocolate is not so bad, but the salt is a killer because it makes me retain so much water. I have been trying to feed my cravings but just enough to kick them. Tonight I had an "attack" and I ate 3 mini pretzles dipped (barely not covered) in nutella. And I feel good. But I don't know... I hope there is a lot of response. I was really hoping to lose some weight this week but nope .... and I am sure it is the excess salt. Seriously... I will eat salt right out of my hand during this time of the month. Which is good because there is no calories in it, but BAD BAD BAD for me in sodium and water weight. (among other things.) I am proud of myself I work in a hotel that has fresh chocolate chip cookies in the evening that I have to bake and make available to the guest. I have not had one this whole month! good luck!

Make smarter substitutions! I get around my chocolate cravings with super dark (80%) vegan dark chocolate (like endangered species or Trader joe's 85% dark) or dark chocolate almonds. The vegan chocolate does not have milk or milk solids in it so it is lower in calories and sugar as a result and is packed with micro nutrients and antioxidants. And we all know how good for us almonds are, I portion out a 1/4 cup into a sandwich bag at the beginning of the day (about 10 almonds) and when I need a fix I pop one into my mouth and let the chocolate dissolve slowly before munching the almond. Or mix up some plain organic greek yogurt with a drizzle of corn syrup free chocolate syrup. I don't get cravings for soda during my cycle...but I did have a wicked soda addiction in college a tool that helped me kick it was mixing 100% no sugar added fruit juices with carbonated water you get the sweet and the fizz without the corn syrup or aspartame or calcium leeching phosphoric acids.
Remember we all have "bad" days...don't let them derail you or get you down... 1 double fudge brownie on that one day of the month when you just HAVE to have it never made anyone fat....1 double fudge brownie EVERY day of the month because you can did!

Just eat the chocolate in moderation and try to switch to diet soda for that week if you can stand it. When you are on your cycle your body actually loses an enzyme that is found in the cocoa bean and thus the reason we crave chocolate...our bodies actually need it. Just pick your favorite kind have a small amount when the craving rears it;s ugly head, follow it with a big glass of water and find something else to do to keep your mind off of it. Also, if the chocolate is not easily accessible and is most definitly out of sight, it is A LOT easier. Just remember why you are here
Good Luck

Or you can try "no pudge brownie mix" which you mix with nonfat vanilla yogurt in a single serving or smaller! A very small amount of the batter (which you can eat cuz there is not any raw egg) is enough chocolate to last a while!