Ladies, how do you get through it? (hope it's not TMI)

Oh my gosh, it is such a struggle!
I usually don't weigh myself on these weeks, or if I do, I just discount it. (Weight will go up due to water retention and all those lovely TOTM problems!)
However, to make sure I don't just blow my diet simply because of cravings, I either allocate a few calories for a mini chocolate bar or Hershey's kiss. Or I get a coffee with real cream in it, or something that's a small splurge, but I leave the calories for it!
I chew lots of flavored gum
I know soup has a ton of sodium, but something about the hot liquid feels filling and it makes my cramps feel less intense.
Also, still do your exercise, whatever it may be! Exercising helps with the pain (if you have that), gives you something to do, and gives you that cushion for the extra calories to have a little bit of whatever youre craving. yum. win-win.

I also do the mini chocolate bars or just a few M&ms, the peanut ones since there is more protein. I also take the first day of my period off from working out. That's my day to lay under a blanket and watch a chick flick and if the cramps are bad the next day I will take a stretching class at the gym. Hope this helps.

You're not alone! I drink lots of tea/hot liquids and keep telling myself that whether I give into my intense hunger or not, I'll still be miserable, so it's better to try to suck it up and move past the junk food so at least I can feel good about eating right. I also remind myself that I feel worse with a full belly during Tom than being hungry. And my digestion gets all messed up so watching what goes in helps in that department and relieve somewhat that symptom. I don't feel like working out usually, but for me walking is helpful. Standing feels better than sitting when I have cramps, and walking better than standing. But unfortunately these are only minor helps. The overall feeling is still ugh!

Ooci wrote: »

I try to keep exercising, even though that is extremely difficult with Stage 3 Endometriosis. But it distracts me from eating and misery whilst I'm doing it and enables me to eat more afterwards. I forget the macros and the micros, if I want to live on cake and chocolate and wine, fine. I find I'm close to despair, and particularly the 5 days before I will eat around 2300 cals per day, or I simply can't cope. Yet despite hefty over indulgence every month, giving into the cravings, frequently losing my purse and arguing with everyone and bursting into tears, I lose weight, I keep going, I keep going, I'm still here, my husband still puts up with me. 14 of these derailing monthlies now in my journey and the chart is still going down.
We can beat these hormones. The desire and need to lose weight can be stronger than them and the days of normality outnumber them, thank god! Good luck it will pass!

I so agree with this quote. Intense exercise helps me tremendously during this time. I don't know why, I just know it works.

If you look at my diary you will see I have had a few nights with a cup of hot tea and a piece or two of dark mint chocolate because, alas, it is also my TOTM lol allow yourself these things but just make sure that they fit into your daily allowance. Also, I couldn't agree more with the exercise part either, I have upped my exercise for the last few days, it not only stops me wanting to eat as much during this time but has also lifted my mood and dulled any normal cramping I usually would have Hang in there.

I just went through 1 1/2 weeks of PMSing, and I'm on day 4 of my period. It's hell for me. To be honest, I've just stopped focusing on losing weight and start worrying about maintaining. My weight on the scale has literally halted altogether for 2 weeks because of my horrible, awful period. I think that in the next few days I will see a 2-3 pound weight loss when I stop retaining water, though.

I just try to stay as "normal" as possible when it comes to eating, in terms of calories. I don't allow myself extra food, but if I can squeeze it in I'll make a greek yogurt sundae or something else yummy. Chobani Flips, protein bars, and turkey jerky have also been a go-to for me. I have more convenience food around because I don't feel like doing food prep. I just make sure that my portions are in check.

I also make sure to keep up with my exercise regimen, although I really, really don't want to. At least exercise makes me feel better for a little while.

I also have acetaminophen for my cramps and try to drink extra water.

If you chop and freeze a banana and blend it up with a little cocoa powder and a tablespoon of whatever milk you choose (I like almond) it is just like soft serve ice cream, low calorie and nutrient packed
That holds my sweets cravings at bay
And sometimes you just feel like you want to binge.. That's when I pull out the popcorn you can eat a shocking amount of it for very few calories

Some months are worse than others but I try to not go over maintenance. I really like dried roasted salted pumpkin seeds and some chocolate of course for snacks but try and up my protein around this time of the month because i do notice a difference in satiety. i get back ache and have to be careful exercising at this time and at ovulation but i do try and make sure i get at least 10,000 steps.

Not to get all TMI, but wearing a pad with a tampon helps. That way you don't have to feel quite as paranoid about a red spot on your shorts!
For home work outs, definitely look at some online videos, or do squats, jumping jacks, jump rope, push ups...even a little bit helps.

good idea with the stairs!

its tough - we all understand!!! 1)I give myself a break - I'm not scale focused, so when I see the numbers rise (which they do) I dont worry about it, and remind myself it's just water weight. 2)I give myself a break again! I allow myself to: eat closer to maintenance than to my weight loss goals; to exercise as little or as much as I want.

I don't allow myself to behave in a way that will result in gains, but I'm ok with TOM being a little maintenance break instead of a losing week. This allows me less stress and a little extra feel-good food:)

I was just going to suggest a menstrual cup. Its a lifesaver for heavy days. I usually have to change the ultra absorbent tampons every hour, but I can go 4 hours with a cup! And they are SO freaking comfortable.

Ooci wrote: »

I try to keep exercising, even though that is extremely difficult with Stage 3 Endometriosis. But it distracts me from eating and misery whilst I'm doing it and enables me to eat more afterwards. I forget the macros and the micros, if I want to live on cake and chocolate and wine, fine. I find I'm close to despair, and particularly the 5 days before I will eat around 2300 cals per day, or I simply can't cope. Yet despite hefty over indulgence every month, giving into the cravings, frequently losing my purse and arguing with everyone and bursting into tears, I lose weight, I keep going, I keep going, I'm still here, my husband still puts up with me. 14 of these derailing monthlies now in my journey and the chart is still going down.
We can beat these hormones. The desire and need to lose weight can be stronger than them and the days of normality outnumber them, thank god! Good luck it will pass!

OMG. I needed to hear this! Thanks for this post, OP. I was coming to post the exact same thing. These last few days have been terrible and I was doing well and being consistent before this. It makes me want to give up to think of all the hard work I do all month (not eating perfect, but being flexible within my calories) for it to go off track now. I have extremely bad emotional PMS (it's actually called PMDD) so yeah, not fun times .

I understand OP! I ate at maintenance one day and went over two. Drink lots of water to keep the bloating/ fatigue down and yes, I have kept exercising- about to get one in now.

It's just hard when DH weight loss is progressing as normal, and I have this crazy week or 10 days when I'm just trying not to gain everything I loss.