A question for the ladies only

When it comes to cravings, I'm pretty sure at least a few of the answers will be "if it fits your macros, eat it". I would be inclined to answer the same way.
If I have a craving, I go for it. Not in the way I used to, but if I can have some ice-cream and a reasonable amount of chocolate - why not? It's not like you are going to deny yourself of this oh so lovely food forever - might as well learn how to eat it in a reasonable amount and fit it in your daily calorie goal.

I eat more chocolate and ice cream :blushing: But I don't up my calories. If needed I exercise more and eat those back :bigsmile:

Similar! I get cravings for carbs just before, but I'm trying to minimise my carb intake. So, if I have a little more, I make sure I run/bike/walk it off again and as a bonus, the active sports help with any cramps!

Thanks all, some great advice.

As for fitting cravings into calories, I will try and do that but I have a problem with binge-eating so I need to limit the type of foods I'd usually binge on until I get over it. I'm not sure 4 days is long enough, yet .

Another quick question; are macros the same as calories? Or is that things like sugar/fat/carbs intake? This newbie thanks you!

Yes, the macros are proteins/fats/carbs, but someone pays more attention to them, and someone just focuses on the calories in general.
Beginnings are tough, but it does get easier with time when you learn to listen to your body's needs. If you fall, just get right back up and continue, and be patient! And I would strongly recommend lifting weights, if you allready don't.
All the best to you

I give in to cravings more than usual. Some days I will still be at, or below my calorie goal, but other days I'll let it go 100 - 200 cals over. I keep my same exercise routine, so a few extra calories on a few days won't hurt anything.

I don't really up my calories, but I do plan for cravings. I usually crave salty things and get extra "snacky" so one of my go-tos is air-popped popcorn. I usually mist it lightly with an olive oil spray to make seasonings stick and add a little salt and a spice (my favorites are Southwest Chipotle Mrs. Dash, chili powder, garlic powder or dill weed) to make it yummy without all the butter. It's pretty filling, but if I do end up binging on it, it doesn't make a big dent in my progress and I don't feel as bad as I would have with a chip or cookie binge.

For chocolate/sweet cravings, I like hot cocoa. Depending on what recipe or mix you use, it's can be a fairly low calorie option, and because it's hot, it takes longer to finish it so I'm less likely to want more when I'm done.

Drinking lots of water also seems to help cut down on cravings.

I don't get a period due to being on depo, but I still get cravings sometimes. I also have a problem with binge eating, especially with ice cream...that's my downfall! I try not to buy it at home, because I will eat the whole container! If I get a craving, I usually take the kids to a fro-yo place and have my bowl and be done with it, if it fits (and sometimes even when it doesn't).

I can't really help you with the menstrual question as I no longer have a uterus BUT, as a newbie to MFP, the following are great links with lots of useful info that you should familiarize yourself with:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

I started eating dark chocolate with low sugar (my fave is Godiva 72% cacao). I usually eat 1-2 squares (120 cals), though I occasionally eat 3. I stay under my calories, though sometimes I've "earned" more from exercise.

I eat how I normally eat and take an advil on my first day as I have severe cramps.I don't usually exercise on the first day either

Weird, I had just commented in a post that my PMS is worse than usual this month. I allow myself my craving (hello cheesecake this week) but I stayed within my calorie goal. I also found it helped mentally as it satisfied some craving in my brain and then I didn't binge on stuff I didn't really want later on....
I do def stick with my workout plan, no matter how tired. I didn't want to workout yesterday b/c I was so tired but I made myself and was fine was I started and felt much much better afterwards.
For me it's an accumulation of little things that have derailed me in the past - you know, I can take the night off it will be fine and then one night off turns into a year LOL. This time around I am much more successful not denying myself anything as long as I stay within my calorie goal (or very close to it) and keep with my exercise program.
One tip - log EVERYTHING even if you're over b/c chances are seeing how over you are will help you to do better the next day
Good luck!

With regards to cravings, I'd say eat them in moderation as long as they fit around your macros. If you're really struggling, maybe go into maintenance for those days only. It won't set you back with weight loss, just more like put you on hold temporarily. This IMO is better for you mentally than restricting yourself no matter what or how you feel.

In terms of lack of energy, unless you actually think you are sleep deprived or have been overtraining, I'd say fight it out and get through it.

2 caplets of Midol Complete help me a lot. They give me tons of energy. I also tend to drink diet soda more during my period which helps wake me up due to the caffeine and also helps to keep my sweet tooth at bay a bit. I also down a lot more water because that usually keeps me from bloating. However, I'm one of those girls that loses a little easier on my period, that might be because I don't necessarily eat more because I get a lot of nausea

how about trying the frozen banana, unsweetened cocoa "ice cream". Plus I think there is a supplement that may help...what we are lacking at that time.......