For The Ladies (Unless the men know)

2

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  • virgogrrl77
    virgogrrl77 Posts: 16 Member
    I typically retain 2-3 pounds of water weight during my period. I encourage you to up your intake of B vitamins during your cycle. It helps with cravings and PMS. More often than not the cravings are due to fluctuations in your hormones which then impact your neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. We tend to eat foods that help us feel 'better'. I crave sugar like CRAZY on day 1 of my period. If you know roughly when your period will start I would prepare in advance and try to stock your kitchen with healthier foods that support your brain functioning (lean proteins, foods high in Omega3s) and see if that helps. If you gotta have chocolate (and I do) grab dark versus milk chocolate. You'll get more anti-oxidants and less sugar with dark chocolate but it will still boost your serotonin levels.

    If you're having trouble with water retention, coffee or green tea will help as caffeine is diuretic. Obviously mind your sodium intake.

    Articles below for more info. Good luck! :smile:

    http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro04/web1/kcoveleskie.html

    http://www.pmswarrior.com/research-study-backs-vitamins-b1-and-b2-but-only-from-food-not-supplements/
  • dreamsofescaping
    dreamsofescaping Posts: 206 Member
    I have never heard of this 3 bite rule I am going to use this from this point on! :) These are all such amazing tips haha I am so glad I read another post about T.O.M and it was that post which inspired me to post my own! Thank you to that OP for posting hers.
  • Mrs_Hull
    Mrs_Hull Posts: 25 Member
    I always have that problem. Have you ever seen the Chocolate Covered Katie website? She has a lot of great, healthy food that satisfies those cravings. My favorite go-to are the Brownie Batter pancakes. They take care of all my sweet cravings, and I don't have to beat myself up afterwards. And there are many others.

    Chocolate Covered Katie is a great resource. I love her chocolate banana "soft serve," This is what I turn to when I'm craving ice cream or chocolate.

    But, also, if you are craving chips or something, would it be possible to buy a single serving size and build that into your calories for the day? Sure, it wouldn't be great to do every day, but for those particularly hard ones that come just before TOM, I'd say go ahead. Just be sure to drink LOTS of water to counteract the sodium.
  • ytfelmi
    ytfelmi Posts: 47
    Honestly, I dont get many cravings when It's my time of month, but I ALWAYS gain weight. I don't avoid the scale (but I'm also a little obsessed with it lately), I just try to remember that it always goes back down when I'm done. I don't know if it's water, or what is bumping the numbers, but I'm usually 3-5lbs heavier throughout my "special week".

    That being said, I do HAVE cravings, they're just always at random times. I stopped eating chips because I can never just stop at a perfect portion. I grab the bag, and before I know it.. gone. Bah. I haven't denied myself any other food, because I know it just makes it worse when you know you can NEVER have it.. but personally, I just need to hold off. A friend of mine recently introduced me to Popchips? The sweet potato ones are amazing. One portion is only 120cal, and the whole bag only has 3.. so even if I can't stop myself, I wouldn't be eating NEARLY as much as I would with my regular brands.
  • Dayquasar
    Dayquasar Posts: 182 Member
    I agree with what a lot of people are saying for sure, DO NOT weigh yourself it is water weight and bloating and will be up more than usual, at least it is for me, I wait a few days after it's over. Go for walks when you can, prepare the week before and don't buy anything you don't want to munch on, keep the junk out of the house so it isn't as easy. Munch on things that take a while but are healthier like cucumber slices, bell peppers, popcorn is great depending on what you put on it lol I've learned to like it plain actually, and chamomile tea and a heating pad works wonders and helps get that water out later. You can do this, I ate chocolate last time but it was super dark and I would take out one tiny square at a time instead of the whole thing, nibble it with tea, I didn't go over 4 tiny squares in a day which I didnt think was bad at all. Good luck!
  • NikkiGetsFit185
    NikkiGetsFit185 Posts: 93 Member
    i have the same issues i crave everything from red meat, to salt to chocolate, lol. But i agree if you have the cravings eat it, also for me becuase i have a huge sweet tooth i got me the 100 calories snacks by hostess, it does help, but some days i do go over board, but for me its just trying to find a healthier alternative to whatever im craving, but i dont ignore my cravings if i do i will just go over board with it so i just try to keep it in moderation. I just get back on track really quick after thats time has gone, glad to know im not the only one like that that, lol, but i do want to look into that website that was posted hopefully i can find some yummy ideas!!! :smile:
  • senyosmom
    senyosmom Posts: 613 Member
    Instead of eating and eating and eating stuff that is obviously NOT hitting the spot - eat a a small amount of what you really do want! Its OK!
  • Athijade
    Athijade Posts: 3,300 Member
    it's SO hard. I try to keep healthier chocolate options around because that's what I crave - so diet hot chocolate (25 cals), fiber one chocolate brownies (90 cals), chocolate frozen banana slices, etc. I also highly recommend extended cycle birth control, like seasonal, I love only having to see Aunt Flo 4 times a year! :-)


    Just curious with the seasonal, I know you only see AF 4 times a year but does that mean no PMS either? I was supposed to have a procedure done to lessen or get rid of AF but I still would have dealt with PMS. I don't need birth control for it's intended use but have thought about going back on it for the PMS reason.

    I have seen my PMS swings even out a lot on the birth control I am on (Jolesta, a generic of one of the seasonal methods). I still get some symptoms, but not nearly as many, as bad, or for as long.

    Since I am an everything in moderation follower, I do the same during that TOM as I do any other time. I find if I try to avoid my craving, I end up eating more calories then I would have if I had portioned myself out some of the "bad" stuff.
  • rwolfenden
    rwolfenden Posts: 16 Member
    I don't get on the scale because of the water retention during the week of my period-why feel more depressed if I don't have to?
    As for the cravings, I usually have a glass of water and actively do something else for 10-15 minutes (do the dishes, play with my baby, take a walk around the block, journal, read a chapter in a book, etc). If I'm still craving whatever it is I want after that time is up, I have one portion of it and don't beat myself up over it :) Most of the time, though, I'm not even thinking about my craving after that time and I get into what I was doing to distract myself.
  • emmab_73
    emmab_73 Posts: 33 Member
    I know this sounds like a bizarre fix, but I find if I'm having killer cravings (why did I say 'if'!! I mean 'when'!!), I have a bowl of oatmeal with raspberries and 6 dry roasted almonds, and it kills the cravings. Just throw 1/3 cup of rolled oats in a bowl with 1/3 cup water, and 1/3 cup milk or soy milk, and throw in 1/2 cup frozen raspberries. Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar and cinnamon on top and enjoy! It fills you up, is under 250 calories, and is really sweet. And it's the type of food that if eaten at 10pm, it won't mess with your digestion.
    The other thing is don't beat yourself up if you need to give in to a craving. Just get back on the horse the next day!
    Cheers!
    Emma
  • nolakris
    nolakris Posts: 98 Member
    I crave chocolate around that same time as you. I've discovered that allowing myself one small, bite of high quality dark chocolate really satisfies the chocobeast. I've also made myself mochas before with skim milk and the sugar free chocolate syrup.
  • AngieCook09
    AngieCook09 Posts: 51 Member
    Without reading what everyone else has said......

    I would buy a small bag of chips (1oz) and a chocolate bar. Get it out of your system and go on with life! It may slow down your weight loss one week a month but you will survive. IMHO :)
  • sun33082
    sun33082 Posts: 416 Member
    I had a horrible time with that this month (this week actually). I tried to make choices that fit in my diary, but to do so I had to work out and earn the calories. So I would say if you can't fight the cravings, up the exercise.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Find some really yummy protein bars. I like Balance Bars. It'll taste as good as any candy bar, but won't be nutritionally void. I have a box of the cookie dough flavor now, and the lemon meringue is amazing!
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    Totally understand...I am a bottomless pit around that time (which just happens to be now...so these suggestions are great!)

    I also recommend Skinny Cow and Fiber One Brownies.

    Also, if you love popcorn, are you using the prepackaged stuff? If so, get an air popper so you can make it without oil. Then I spray it with a little bit of olive oil spray and lightly salt it. I usually get tired of eating by the time I'd feel guilty about the calories in it lol. And popcorn is a decent fiber source as well.
  • avasano
    avasano Posts: 487 Member
    so many great tips! I make Non-fat Greek yogurt (in Plain) add coco powder and Truvia. Delish and now I am not going crazy.
  • dreamsofescaping
    dreamsofescaping Posts: 206 Member
    Oooo I think I have all of these ingredients hehe. I shall be sure to try it.
  • _TastySnoBalls_
    _TastySnoBalls_ Posts: 1,298 Member
    I like to call it "moderated binging" Meaning, I'll eat the chips and chocolate and whatever else the hell i want in moderation. I weigh out my portions and limit myself to just 1. I tracked my calories on of my let loose binges and it was disgusting, and I felt like crap the next day. I ate a whole bag of Kettle Brand Chips in one sitting= 1400 calories!! EEEK! That's the last time I binged like that.

    So basically, don't deprive yourself. Eat the things you want in moderation
  • BeanQueen3000
    BeanQueen3000 Posts: 161
    After two rounds of shark week while watching my diet, i've found that whatever water/snacking weight i put on before almost always comes off afterwards, and i start losing at the same pace again. While this isn't a great length of time to observe from, i think i can deal with that trend. I've got a long way to go towards my goal and i think it's healthy to be able to take the average biological bumps in stride.
  • dreamsofescaping
    dreamsofescaping Posts: 206 Member
    I keep hearing about these "Skinny Cows" What are they exactly?
  • mommyhof3
    mommyhof3 Posts: 551 Member
    I exercise A LOT so that I am so tired I don't want to eat. After I work out I will have a snack but I don't usually want the icky snacks. I want protien and water
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    One more thing...If you can find the high quality little chocolate squares at the checkout line, those are sometimes the perfect thing to satisfy cravings. I love the Lake Champlain dark chocolate ones that they usually have at Whole Foods. I buy one, break it into 4 pieces and that kicks my chocolate craving (at least for a little while). I know if I buy a whole candy bar or a bag of the squares I'll just keep eating them.
  • Tebbspcad
    Tebbspcad Posts: 233
    I try, but sometimes give into the cravings! If i know i'm going to be really bad i make a cup of Options Instant Belgian Chocolate. It's gorgeous and I get the choccy fix! x
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    I keep hearing about these "Skinny Cows" What are they exactly?

    Basically low calorie versions of snacks and ice creams from what I've seen. The knock off of the snickers ice cream bars are very good.
  • BeanQueen3000
    BeanQueen3000 Posts: 161

    I also recommend Skinny Cow and Fiber One Brownies.

    I was on a huge skinny cow kick until i realized that the generic fat free fudgesicles at my grocery cost half as much and had nearly half as many calories. Still really can't find anything that beats those peanut butter sandwiches, though. nom.
  • dreamsofescaping
    dreamsofescaping Posts: 206 Member
    so many great tips! I make Non-fat Greek yogurt (in Plain) add coco powder and Truvia. Delish and now I am not going crazy.

    I keep passing by the greek yogurt I heard it is really good. I don't know how I would feel about plain yogurt though I do have frozen bags of fruit will it change the taste? I also heard putting a bit of honey in the yogurt tastes good too.
  • Dgarrett114
    Dgarrett114 Posts: 2 Member
    Sugar-free popcicles
  • ironicusername
    ironicusername Posts: 73
    When I lived alone I would not keep junk food in the house (now my mom lives with me and she always has it around... sigh). If I absolutely HAD TO have some, I would be forced to walk to the nearest corner store/mini mart and only buy single serving sizes. That way, I actually had to burn calories to obtain the food. Plus, a lot of the time I was too lazy to put on pants and go to the store, so I just let the cravings pass.

    Now that I have to have more self control because the food is around, I measure everything and try to buy things in individual serving sized wrappers/containers. There are a lot of healthier options out there. I also keep Hershey's Kisses around and I'll only have a few and let them slowly melt in my mouth. That generally takes care of the chocolate/sweet cravings. fugesicles are also great. So are Dreyer's/Edy's real fruit bars and Skinny Cow candy bars. As for salty stuff, I just measure it out and try to savor it. I track everything and often I'm able to stick to my calorie goal.

    And yes, fiber does help. I've found taking metamucil has helped tremendously with keeping me fuller longer and keeping cravings at bay. It also helps lower cholesterol (which is the main reason why I started taking it).

    Also, I do the same as a previous poster, different flavored teas (some are wonderfully sweet) with stevia (the liquid comes in tons of delish flavors, I get mine on Ebay) and sometimes a bit of soymilk. It can help. In the summer I'll make a pitcher of sweet tea with stevia. I also like low cal hot chocolate in the cooler months.
  • yksdoris
    yksdoris Posts: 327 Member
    I CHOMP on carrots, I love cucumber with salt and pepper - nice and fresh but at the same time savoury! yum! I distract myself with a workout. But, for the sake of sanity I do indulge every now and then, lol!

    also, dont'worry about the weight gain, a lot of women put on some water weight around that TOM, it'll come right off in about a week. It's not fat, keep telling yourself that, it's not fat!
  • ironicusername
    ironicusername Posts: 73
    so many great tips! I make Non-fat Greek yogurt (in Plain) add coco powder and Truvia. Delish and now I am not going crazy.

    I keep passing by the greek yogurt I heard it is really good. I don't know how I would feel about plain yogurt though I do have frozen bags of fruit will it change the taste? I also heard putting a bit of honey in the yogurt tastes good too.

    The difference with greek yogurt is that it's super thick and creamy. I won't buy anything else. It's amazing with honey or anything. =]
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