PMS and hunger

You are not alone, I have put on 5lb this week due to TOM due next week happens every month.
Since I stopped taking the pill my cravings have gone doolally. Sorry I haven't got an answer to your question because I haven't figured it out myself yet.

It's such a pain in the butt! Alongside the crazy water retention being a woman sure isn't any fun :sad:

Oh yes, I have this problem every month. I have a mild form of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which makes me crazy for about 10 days before my period.

I haven't found anything that works every time, but I find I can lessen it if I increase my carb intake a bit and eat more in the way of fat (within my calorie limit, of course, or just a bit over). And exercise, if I can, no matter how terrible I feel.

From what I understand, your metabolism runs a bit faster over those 10 or so days before your period, so whatever you take in will help be burned off as well (esp if you exercise). So don't worry too much about it.

Oh and water. Drink plenty of water. That has helped too.

Oh yes, I have this problem every month. I have a mild form of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, which makes me crazy for about 10 days before my period.

I haven't found anything that works every time, but I find I can lessen it if I increase my carb intake a bit and eat more in the way of fat (within my calorie limit, of course, or just a bit over). And exercise, if I can, no matter how terrible I feel.

From what I understand, your metabolism runs a bit faster over those 10 or so days before your period, so whatever you take in will help be burned off as well (esp if you exercise). So don't worry too much about it.

Oh and water. Drink plenty of water. That has helped too.

I have PMDD too- fun isn't it? However, I have a more severe form, where I am basically NOT premenstrual 10 days out of the month. From ovulation through menstruation, I am pre-menstrual so. . .um yeah.

I notice that I eat hundreds and hundreds of calories over during the last week before my period. I'm afraid to see that that's going to look like this month so I plan to do more self-care (yoga, exercise) and eat especially healthy during that time to see if it helps. I am also armed with endless amounts of popcorn and popcorn ideas to replace the chips/ crackers habit.

I was also told that the metabolism burns about 10% more calories during that time.

I get the same problem. Generally, I just try to aim for maintenance for that week.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/is-pms-sabotaging-your-diet?page=2

Here's an article for you. If the thing about serotonin is true, then working out should help curb your cravings. I'm on an antidepressant and I guess I don't find I get THAT much hungrier during my period, I might just want to lay around and doing nothing though, so the serotonin thing might have some basis. It suggests something about low blood sugar levels but I doubt it's that, never had a worse problem with hypoglycemia during my period ever.

I'm due for a visit from TOM tomorrow. I want to eat 10,000 pounds of junk food. I want cookies and chocolate, and ice cream.

It took me a looooong time to realize it, but I'm much hungrier just before a period and have almost no appetite at the end or just after.

On the hungry days, I eat a lot more. On the less hungry days, I eat a lot less.

I agree about the days following your period. I have decided that during those days, since it seems easier for me to eat lighter I am going to do so and not just eat up to my calorie limit just because I can so I will have some leeway during those last few days before my period.

I always knew I wanted more food (especially carbs) right before my period, but until I was paying attention to when I was hungry and when I ate, I never noticed that I need almost no food for a 2-3 days, too. I was pretty surprised. I even waited it out for a few months to see and damn if it didn't even out every month.

It is really nice to hear someone else has the same deal! I'm glad I found this out and followed my body on it. I don't feel guilty eating extra before because I know I'll be eating less later.

SAME. Plus, my cramps basically put me in bed-rest mode because It hurts too much to move (no, exercise doesn't make my cramps feel better.)

I honestly just try my best to stick to three meals a day, plus two snacks. Logging ahead of time is my best friend. And I also try to distract myself because I KNOW that I'm not truly hungry, so I'll just sit around and watch Netflix or something. Not the best advice, but it can work for me lol.

And ultimately I realize that 1 out of 4 weeks per month isn't going to ruin my 3 out of 4 weeks of dedication.