Ladies: Dieting and menstruation

I usually eat at maintenance or a little above if I've got all the cravings ever and they won't back off. I've found that I can USUALLY stick with my regular meals but sometimes I just really want those cheeseburgers or that cinnamon roll and I go for it.

This time around I had a good 400 calories left over from my long run on Saturday so it'll level out over the two days.

If you know you can handle going kinda overboard just for 1-2 days, go for it. I tend to have quite a bit more chocolate instead of just my one treat. And I only do this during the first couple days.

I figure two days a month being a few hundred calories over maintenance won't do harm

~Lyssa

You could try to search for healthier options for what you may be craving too. I do know the feeling of getting a craving during menstruation, but it's best to either ignore them or go for something healthier than what you have in mind.

I remember reading some where that dark chocolate can actually help keep your blood pressure raised during your menstrual cycle. Which is why we always feel so hungry and crave salty and sweets. Your body does actually need that extra fuel. It recommended to eat that chocolate and rest. I mean come on we are shedding body parts. Just don't do milk chocolate and don't go too out of control. I don't see where a few days can hurt you that bad. Just keep exercising. Try walking or yoga during that week? Drink lots of water. Fuel your body.

You burn a bit more calories during the luteal phase (2.5%-11.5% more.) One way to deal with that is to allow yourself to eat slightly more during that time. I usually find that I have 1-2 days when I am exceptionally hungry so I give myself around 200 calories extra on those days. Giving myself permission for 200 calories works better than trying to stay at the lower goal, cracking, and then going way over.

Here's a good review of how your cycle affects you: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/impact-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-determinants-of-energy-intake-reseach-review.html/

Carpe_diem1983 wrote: »

it's okay to splurge a bit because you're crampy and feeling gross and you deserve it.

I don't generally do this kind of thinking. I don't tend to think I "deserve" food rewards for any condition, that's what made the problem in the first place. I will eat chocolate and candy occasionally, but will specifically not eat it if it turns up as a craving.

I essentially ignore the entire thing. Including that I'll exercise as normal, as even though it's painful, I know that exercising won't make it any worse than it already is.

Oh my gosh, I crave chocolate like nobody's business. Other times you could wave it in my face all you want and I could totally resist it. But during that time of the month I'm craving it!

Work through it!

I don't get hungry or have cravings during my period, I get all of that during ovulation and the luteal phase. I ignore it as best as I can.

jemhh wrote: »

You burn a bit more calories during the luteal phase (2.5%-11.5% more.) One way to deal with that is to allow yourself to eat slightly more during that time. I usually find that I have 1-2 days when I am exceptionally hungry so I give myself around 200 calories extra on those days. Giving myself permission for 200 calories works better than trying to stay at the lower goal, cracking, and then going way over.

Here's a good review of how your cycle affects you: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/impact-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-determinants-of-energy-intake-reseach-review.html/

Yes, I've read research on this too that your metabolism is up during a portion of your PMS. I try to take that motivation as an opportunity to burn extra calories during my period when I'd rather sit on the couch. I tell myself that this is just working harder through the pain, but the rewards will be greater.