MFP LADIES

I give in and don't sweat it. It happens.

Don't restrict yourself too much (its ultimately just calories in vs. calories out), but don't set a precedent that every time you're PMS-ing you have an all access pass to the ice cream

^ I second this.

As with the rest of this process, it's about portion control. Want chocolate? Fine, have a bar and leave it at that.

Know your limitations. If you buy a container of ice cream and know you're just going to eat it all in a day or two, that's not a good idea. Find something different like those fudgecicles mentioned or almond/coconut milk ice cream or just go to the corner store and get one novelty ice cream bar. I personally like the McD's cones - only 170 cal and pretty darn good. You can also get the chocolate dipped now for, I think only 270 cal, but don't try to eat them in the car. Messy!

And keep working out even if you don't feel like it. I tend to get really whiny but I still push through.

The title reminded me of:


Plan treats in your day... Always room for something yumtastic.

I'm hoping menopause will take care of it.

My BC eliminated my periods so I don't really have cravings etc...sorry.

I give in and don't sweat it. It happens.

Yep, me too!

I just don't OVERindulge, but I do give in and enjoy it!

I let myself give in one day and try to eat normal the other days I have cravings.

I usually wind up eating more chocolate over all and I go hungry at night because I'm not adding to my day significantly.


But I'm confused when you say "the next couple of weeks"

I mean- it happens every month- if its a couple of weeks long process and you blow your diet off for that time frame- then you're not going to move very quickly.

I'm glad I'm not the only to notice that the OP said "WEEKS"

I feel like that'd be a reason to talk to a gyno if it's lasting weeks - pretty sure that's not good...

I do better some periods than others. It helps when I see them coming. This month I started earlier than I expected (because I'm bad at math) and it wasn't great.

If you need a chocolate fix, fudgesicles are great. So are things like chocolate Greek yogurt or Yoplait's chocolate whipped yogurt. Chocolate powder mixed with vanilla Greek yogurt makes a good mousse that can be mixed with fruit or eaten alone. There are chocolate flavored teas that are pretty good, too. I might also buy chocolate pudding snacks to keep around or a couple of high quality dark chocolate bars that I can savor (also high in iron).

I reach for comfort foods on my period so I tend to stock lower cal versions of those. I also tend to go a little higher on carbs during my period. I don't think there's a science behind this, it's just what makes me feel better. I'll buy single serving cups of mac & cheese or even instant noodles and add meat & veg. Sloppy joes or meatloaf or other childhood favorites play a big role in my diet that time of month.

Also, it helps me to be able to name it. When I'm going for the fridge or thinking about getting that second candy bar it helps to say "no, this is just my PMS." It doesn't always stop me, but I like to be able to put a reason to why I'm eating. I tend to be an anxiety eater. PMS and the hormones involved make me more anxious. If I can get in front of that anxiety and do some stress relief before I get to the food, sometimes that helps. Watch for your emotional triggers and see what helps you to stop them.

And in the end, most of us slip up at some point or another. Forgive yourself, try not to stress about it, and learn from it. And if you're feeling emotionally vulnerable then stay off the scale for a week or two.

They won't be the death of you of course. Why do you set yourself up for feeling so crappy about something so normal to most women? My mood can be in the basement and I can have cravings, but I do my best to distract myself in various ways. If there is pain, I might take ibuprofen, but otherwise the average reaction is slightly slowed down and sluggish; not actual hell, though. A period usually lasts 5-7 days; do you need to see your gynecologist?

ETA
Brain fart, sorry. PMS, not period. Is your PMS extreme rather than normal? Anything beyond average is tricky to ask for advice on here, but I suggest you talk to your gyno about it in that case.

For cravings, have some self-control, or plan treats in your day.

If it's cramps, it better be damn-near paralyzing to keep me from working out. If I push through it, I usually feel better post-workout anyway.

It's been happening once a month since you were a teenager. If you don't want periods, get on a BC that eliminates them. If you do want periods, figure out a way to deal with it.

1 - PMS tea is helpful - start drinking 10 days before you period is due to start
2 - Eliminate dairy, grains and all sugar from your diet (at least during that 10 days before your period is due to start)

Change to Paleo - no cravings, ever

Frozen mini york peppermint patties.

I don't worry about going up to maintenance level during TOM... I also give in (though aim to have moderation) because I'm seriously tired of thinking about food all the time when it rolls around.

Something I am trying to do is continue exercising (cardio) during it. I know that I can't run as fast or far when I have it, but I don't cramp or crave as much either. Getting out of the house to do it is a struggle, but I always feel better when I do.