*LADIES*Sticking to diet during our monthy gift

well it is just about that time for e and I just had strawberries and whipped cream as a snack. was yummy and not too shabby as far as being healthy ....but my issue is salt. I like chips. I try to substitute it with the good microwave popcorn (example; 94% fat free kroger microwave popcorn)

I try to do extra exercise time, because:
A.) I can eat more
B.) It helps ease the cramps and some of the bloating.
C.) It does help me feel better.

I'm a salty person, so for me it's chips and popcorn. If I want something I eat it, and then I work it off and eat better :-)

We had the Biggest Morning Tea at work today, I ate a whopping 600cals or so just snacking :-/ so I'll be going to the gym tonight.

It's the one time I actually normally want chocolate. I feel like I'm always craving something during this time. I did read an interesting article recently to share with you ladies that was in Women's Health Magazine. If you can stand to, this is the best time for us to workout because apparently our body can handle bigger workouts and longer workouts. It said something about we have more "male hormones" during this time then any other time and that's why we feel like we can just keep working out. I'm not one that feels like this most days but during those times..I feel extra strong so there must be something to it.

If i crave it I eat it in moderation..
Usually I'm more worried about the water weight! It stays with me for weeks on end.

Same here. The week of my period I will be up as much as 8 pounds but the day it ends I go back to normal again and even wind up losing a pound for the week a lot of times.

I stay away from the grocery store. I want sweets and pop when I'm pms'ing and not feeling well, and if I'm not there, I can't buy them. I almost always end up with a Coke on the first day, I end up so exhausted that I am willing to do anything to keep my eyes open, and a sugary caffiene filled coke always seems to sound good.

I was just about to post about this very same subject! So glad that we are all in the same boat.

I have eaten so much rubbish this week and have hardly done any exercise. Today is the first day this week that I actually feel like a normal human being and not a tearful, emotional wreck! I've been a grumpy sod all week but slowly but surely coming out of it.

PMS is the worst isn't it?! I have been reading up on the right supplements to take and have found that apparently calcium and magnesium are supposed to be good. Has anyone tried that at all?

I take calcium, magnesium, potassium, b-6 and fish oil capsules. It seems to help with bloating but not so much for cravings.

I am going through the same thing right now...and here is what I've come to realize: "dieting" is rarely successful. A lifestyle change however, almost always is. I have changed my lifestyle enough that I can now control and moderate all of my cravings for carbs, sugars, etc throughout the month. In fact I rarely get cravings anymore, except for 1-2 days right around the end of the month. So during those 1-2 days, I just don't worry about it. If, like I was tonight, I am suddenly craving a beer, spicy chicken wings, and greasy lo mein, I will get it! And as my lifestyle has become healthier and healthier, I've found that I only need a few bites of those foods to feel satisfied. Ok, I did have the whole beer. And now I will drinks lots of water, and exercise as usual, and feel great knowing that I have changed my lifestyle enough to be in control of even my most wild PMS cravings.