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Starving on your period?

TrishSeren
TrishSeren Posts: 587 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I know weight gain during your period is normal but I find my hunger levels go through the roof. I find it near impossible to eat my calorie limit (yet fine when not on my period). Does anyone have this problem? How do you manage it?

Replies

  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    It's the few days before that get me in trouble! Once it starts, I don't seem to have a problem.
    I manage it by just letting myself go to maintenance for those few days. Maybe a little more exercise to earn some extra treats...
  • fallingstar1987
    fallingstar1987 Posts: 1 Member
    I can get hungry a few days before and sometimes during. Really depends. I also suffer with really bad backache(thanks to an inverted uterus) so i find my enthusiasm for exercise is somewhat limited. Like the go to bed early suggestion.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Calorie needs increase during your period, thus causing hunger in some. Wait it out and do exercise maybe.
    Get enough sleep -- this is essential for weight loss.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I eat less the two weeks after my period to give myself a buffer. It sucks but that's the only way I'm not gaining weight back - I get really hungry for a week before my period (and it stops on day 3).
  • littlechiaseed
    littlechiaseed Posts: 489 Member
    Well your body is shedding blood and tissue and that takes energy. Try and eat more iron-rich foods right before and during and see if that helps.
  • Gimsteinn
    Gimsteinn Posts: 7,678 Member
    Actually, we burn a bit more the week before our period. We burn upto 11% more calories during that week and it's our body's way to tell us to up our calories.

    I recently Googled this and found some great advice on how to not make that week ruin our hard work. I recommend you try and Google it
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    I find the TOM cravings to want empty carby foods that cause you to stay hungry after eating. By sticking to nutrient dense food I can stay in my calories and still lose weight even during TOM. If needed I'll enjoy a small piece of 75%+ dark chocolate.
  • hannahsadler_tn
    hannahsadler_tn Posts: 77 Member
    I get crazy hangry about 3 days before my period. I just eat at maintenance for a couple of days and then once my period starts, the bottomless pit of hunger feeling goes away and I eat back down to my deficit.
  • ouryve
    ouryve Posts: 572 Member
    I give myself a few maintenance days and incorporate a snack or two into my day. I don't struggle so much during my period (often lose my appetite, if anything) but I do about a week or so before. Having one of those days today.
  • TrishSeren
    TrishSeren Posts: 587 Member
    So glad I'm not alone in this! Some great suggestions here too
This discussion has been closed.