That time of the month! / periods

beccam83
beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
edited November 15 in Motivation and Support
Hey ladies/people with periods!

When I'm on I just snack, snack, snack. Combine that with being curled up with a hot water bottle watching Disney films and there's not much in the way of exercising! So my weight loss always stalls or I even gain weight that week.

Any tips for surviving the dieting disaster that is your period??

Xx
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Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    If you choose not to exercise and to eat above maintenance then you have to suffer the consequences, and get used to slower weight loss.
  • karenrich77
    karenrich77 Posts: 292 Member
    I get mine too but I just tell myself I am not really hungry. Over the past 12 months I have learnt to ignore the cravings and even exercising helps with the cramps, I even lose at that time.... so I don't let myself use that as a reason to stop doing the right thing :) No excuses!
  • julisha
    julisha Posts: 8 Member
    Its true exercise does help with the cramps, try it you'll be surprised xoxo
  • beccam83
    beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
    If you choose not to exercise and to eat above maintenance then you have to suffer the consequences, and get used to slower weight loss.

    Hello.. either you've never had a period or not ones like mine! When I was back in school I'd have to take the days off because of them! Thanks for the comment though.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    beccam83 wrote: »
    If you choose not to exercise and to eat above maintenance then you have to suffer the consequences, and get used to slower weight loss.

    Hello.. either you've never had a period or not ones like mine! When I was back in school I'd have to take the days off because of them! Thanks for the comment though.

    Ok
  • beccam83
    beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
    Brianb603 wrote: »
    Well I've never had a period for obvious reasons but I would say try to be extremely conscious while you're on it. In other words when you unconsciously reach for that cookie for the comfort, flip a switch in your mind that tells you what your goals are and how badly you want it. I bet it's tough going through all that...stuff... But don't let it stop you from the life you want! So so many other women have done the same :)

    yeah going on MFP definitely helps me remember why that second... third... twentieth cookie probably isn't helping haha. Thank you!!
  • beccam83
    beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
    julisha wrote: »
    Its true exercise does help with the cramps, try it you'll be surprised xoxo

    I have heard this before yeah. I'll give some brisk walks a go when it lessens a bit! Thank you xx
  • Rocky791
    Rocky791 Posts: 52 Member
    If they are so bad you are curled up with a hot water bottle or have to take days off you could go to a doctor to get checked out. It could be that there is something wrong that is treatable.
  • NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner
    NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner Posts: 1,018 Member
    I have awful periods. I get migraines, bad cramps, bloating and back ache.

    I don't use it as an excuse to become a pig in a trough though.

    Mind over matter I'm afraid. I'm currently on mine and sticking to my calorie goal and allowing myself a treat included in said calorie goal.

    The harsh reality is that there are so many excuses in life we can use for being overweight and gaining. It's whether you choose to use them or actually say "no matter how hard it is, I'm not going to cave"
  • Instead of watching movies, do a search here on exercising, eating and periods. This subject comes up every day.
  • spzjlb
    spzjlb Posts: 602 Member
    Rocky791 wrote: »
    If they are so bad you are curled up with a hot water bottle or have to take days off you could go to a doctor to get checked out. It could be that there is something wrong that is treatable.

    Absolutely right. Periods are normal. They should never disrupt your life in such a manner. Whining about having to eat piles of chips or chocolate during the TOM is very much a "first world problem", but the OP describes something that suggests a pathology might be present.
  • Ariberri9
    Ariberri9 Posts: 206 Member
    I recommend light exercises -- yoga, walking, and light jogging are very good. Listen to your body...treat it well during this time. Usually, when I'm about to start my period, I drink a ton more water and up my essential vitamins.
  • NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner
    NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner Posts: 1,018 Member
    Ariberri9 wrote: »
    I recommend light exercises -- yoga, walking, and light jogging are very good. Listen to your body...treat it well during this time. Usually, when I'm about to start my period, I drink a ton more water and up my essential vitamins.

    Made me think of the sanitary towel adverts. "Have a happy period" Oh how amusing! Ha ha I agree though... Lots of water and gentle exercise.
  • I went to the dr. And was told to grow up and be a big girl and stop being a baby that all women get them. I too get them bad where I can't function. I try to work out in the morning because I know I'll talk myself out of it later in the day.
    Rocky791 wrote: »
    If they are so bad you are curled up with a hot water bottle or have to take days off you could go to a doctor to get checked out. It could be that there is something wrong that is treatable.

  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    pierce_13 wrote: »
    I went to the dr. And was told to grow up and be a big girl and stop being a baby that all women get them. I too get them bad where I can't function. I try to work out in the morning because I know I'll talk myself out of it later in the day.
    Rocky791 wrote: »
    If they are so bad you are curled up with a hot water bottle or have to take days off you could go to a doctor to get checked out. It could be that there is something wrong that is treatable.

    if it's so bad that you can't function, it's not normal. Find a different doctor.
  • TheSurge0n
    TheSurge0n Posts: 113 Member
    Some females have way more painful experience, I'm not gynecologist but to control your cravings try warm soups with low cal & don't eat infront of TV.
    If you're experiencing pain levels higher than before, consult your gynecologist.
  • beccam83
    beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
    aimeerace wrote: »
    Ariberri9 wrote: »
    I recommend light exercises -- yoga, walking, and light jogging are very good. Listen to your body...treat it well during this time. Usually, when I'm about to start my period, I drink a ton more water and up my essential vitamins.

    Made me think of the sanitary towel adverts. "Have a happy period" Oh how amusing! Ha ha I agree though... Lots of water and gentle exercise.

    Oh my god, 'happy periods'... hahaha. Focus on not making pads sound like you're eating a bag of crisps in the loos and then we can talk!

    Thanks for the advice!! I think I need to book an appt with my doctor then because it's got so much worse. I lost my period for a couple of years and when I regained weight it came back with a horrible vengeance :(
  • beccam83
    beccam83 Posts: 51 Member
    Mind over matter. B)B)B)
  • NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner
    NobodyPutsAmyInTheCorner Posts: 1,018 Member
    beccam83 wrote: »
    Mind over matter. B)B)B)

    That's what I have to tell myself. I know it's crap and all you want is a big fat greasy pizza and 20 donuts but it won't make you feel better. That I can promise you. :x
  • jglovicz
    jglovicz Posts: 44 Member
    I like hot tea sweetened with a little honey...helps with cravings. Also, I get moving. Walking/running definitely help. Also, since changing contraceptives, my cramps have improved- maybe that's an option?
  • LittleJem01
    LittleJem01 Posts: 51 Member
    OP I feel your pain. My period completely wipes me out for the first three or four days - it's not lethargy, it's complete exhaustion. Aside from that I also turn into the human bin - I want to eat everything I see!

    I'm on 1200 cals normally but during my period I'll allow myself to eat at maintenance or even above if I feel I need to; if I don't, the tiredness gets worse, not to mention the moods. I accept that it'll have an effect on the speed of my weight loss, but I'm happy with that; I'd rather lose at a slightly slower rate than be utterly miserable four days out of every month!

    We're all different, at the end of the day. Listen to what your own body's telling you, consider what impact (if any) you're willing to accept on your weight loss and go from there
  • salembambi
    salembambi Posts: 5,585 Member
    my menstrual is about to start and im a ravenous beast but im drinking water and reminding myself easter is next weekend and i can have candy then as planned

    i still exercise even though it makes my cramps worse ...basically you have to put up with it

    you could always eat at maintenance for that week too that would help
  • jnv7594
    jnv7594 Posts: 983 Member
    Brianb603 wrote: »
    Well I've never had a period for obvious reasons but I would say try to be extremely conscious while you're on it. In other words when you unconsciously reach for that cookie for the comfort, flip a switch in your mind that tells you what your goals are and how badly you want it. I bet it's tough going through all that...stuff... But don't let it stop you from the life you want! So so many other women have done the same :)

    fwdbbhg7mjwm.gif

    I'm just kidding by the way, lol. I just thought of this scene when I saw a guy chime in here. At least it was a nice answer he gave. :)


  • I'd recommend red raspberry leaf tea or supplements (red raspberry leaf, not the ketones), they make a huge difference in pain level and PMS symptoms. I have especially bad periods for a diagnosed but non-repairable condition, so I have to find a way around using it as my excuse. Using a stationary bike isn't so bad while you're feeling crappy since you get to sit down lol! And yes, the exercise-induced endorphins will help you feel better, even if it's hard to think about getting up.
  • AyaRowan
    AyaRowan Posts: 80 Member
    Yeah, mine can get pretty bad too. I'm on a 1000 calorie deficit, so sometimes I allow myself a couple hundred more calories if I feel I need it. Or eat at maintenance for a day when it first starts, as that's always the roughest day for me when it's particularly heavy.
  • jnv7594
    jnv7594 Posts: 983 Member
    OP I am the SAME way. Some months are worse than others. I actually made a post on this subject last month when I was really struggling. During the months it's really bad, I sometimes put myself in maintenance mode and allow myself more calories. And I eat what I'm craving and fit it in if I can. I don't skirt around my cravings and try alternatives that aren't as good, I just eat what I'm craving. I've found it's best to go that route as I will eat less if I just satisfy those cravings rather than searching for other foods that are not so great substitutes. I get insanely hungry. It's hard to describe it to those that don't experience it, but it's an actual physical hunger and it's constant. My stomach growls, I get light headed...just hungry to the point of complete distraction and nothing takes it away completely. I just muddle through the best I can as that's about all we can do. Good luck to you. I know it sucks, but as long as you're staying on track most of the time, you will continue to lose. I've lost over 80 pounds while still struggling with this every month.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    beccam83 wrote: »
    Hey ladies/people with periods!

    When I'm on I just snack, snack, snack. Combine that with being curled up with a hot water bottle watching Disney films and there's not much in the way of exercising! So my weight loss always stalls or I even gain weight that week.

    Any tips for surviving the dieting disaster that is your period??

    Xx

    everydayhealth.com/pms/supplements-that-may-ease-pms-symptoms.aspx
    Maybe try some supplements?
    Try a warm epsom salt bath.

    I continue trying to stay close to my calorie goal. I generally have just 1 extra hungry day but that doesn't mean I need to eat over my maintenance level or choose empty calories.
    I exercise a bit every day.
    Sleep. Take my vitamins. Eat mostly nutritious foods. Drink water. Eat small amounts of dark chocolate-not a giant bag or a gallon of ice cream. Watch my sodium. Take a pain reliever if necessary.
    I have had my period this week and today I am down 1.5 pounds. It doesn't have to be a dieting disaster.
  • P0PTART
    P0PTART Posts: 50 Member
    JNV7594 just stated how I feel! I can't describe the hunger. I do as JNV7594 said & just eat a LITTLE of what I crave & chalk the calories up as 'crap that happens'. If I stress over it, my blood pressure goes up & I feel like crap even more.
    Also during that time, I base my calories off my weekly allowance & not daily. You'd be amazed at how little you actually go over.
    I have actually found that light, LIGHT, yoga helps more than anything with the cramps. I don't know why and I don't care, it just helps more than the Rx the docs give me. I also do an easy head to toe stretch every night to help me sleep through the night.
  • SoUl_ReBeL2021
    SoUl_ReBeL2021 Posts: 120 Member
    I crave any kind of food that I can get my hands on a couple days before my so-called Period. If that's what you want to call it I haven't had an actual Period In five years and I still tend to get symptoms every month? And yes I've been checked for menopause and no they said I don't have it yet so no clue what's going on there.I understand how you feel.
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