Ladies : Hunger on your cycle

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2/15/13 12:05 P

Thanks all!!! I will be taking all of these and adding them to my bag o tricks for dieting success!!!

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2/14/13 12:52 P

ROBBSMOM30,

During a woman's menstrual cycle, she does burn a few more calories. So, don't beat yourself up if you're hungry. it is okay to eat. Just don't use PMS as an excuse to eat everything. Do your best to try to make healthier choices like eating more servings of fresh fruit and veggies with your meals. Why have one serving of spinach when you can have two ?

Eating more servings of veggies (which are loaded with fiber) will help curb some of your cravings.

If you would like some chocolate, you don't have to deprive yourself. If you think you can portion control the chocolate, go ahead and have a small serving. Think moderation, not deprivation. As long as you are mindful of the portion, you can eat chocolate. Now, one piece of advice I give to women who do want to eat chocolate during their cycle is this,"Eat good quality chocolate". Ditch the cheap chocolate because cheap chocolate is tasteless !

Cheap chocolate has no flavor. As a result, people eat more to feel satisfied. Not so with high quality 60% or higher content cocoa chocolate. All you need is 1-2 blocks and you're sated. Good quality chocolate is rich and you need less to feel satisfied. So, if you really would like some chocolate, consider shelling out for a high quality chocolate like Lindt 60% or Endangered Species.

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2/14/13 12:16 A

I agree with Velvetmerlin - having a routine is crucial, even if you need to create a special routine for yourself while you are on your cycle. If you have a regular cycle, (I don't) maybe you can prepare for when you know you are about to have "that time of the month" by having some "safer" splurges around the house.

What I mean is, having some really good dark chocolate around, and allow yourself a piece when you are having cravings. If you can treat yourself in a reasonable way, you are less likely to really binge later, IMHO. For example, I am on my cycle and I had an entire container of Haagen Dazs yesterday. If I had had a smaller, "better for me" splurge in the house, I probably would not have done that.

Also, I really enjoy Baked Lays potato chips, for when the salty cravings come in.

Don't get me wrong folks, I am not saying that chips and chocolate are every day foods, I am saying that if you can find the "lesser evils" during that time of the month, you are less likely to derail yourself! I know from experience that if I have a serving of really nice chocolate and/or some baked chips, then I am less likely to grab the even naughtier foods while I am out running errands and so forth.

In any event, I hope that this helps and I wish you a lot of luck!

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2/13/13 11:09 P

Hi! I don't track my food but I'm sure that I eat more. I noticed that when I suddenly have super cravings for chocolate, I know it's coming (I have it down to the day when it's coming, so I'm prepared-most of the time I'm accurate). I never deprive myself. Right now I'm slowly getting back on track-for me to weight myself and to NOT have gained, I feel a major accomplishment (I have a low thyroid). The only thing I can recommend is if you are craving chocolate, what I sometimes do is I buy I bag of Hershey's kisses and allow myself a certain amount per day. I also try (even when it is not that time) to make myself a fruit salad or have some yogurt, or something that is healthy.

When I start a new diet routine, I try to start it a couple days after my period starts so that when the next cycle hits, I have had some sort of routine down and by that time, I want to make better choices.

I don't know if this has helped at all or if I am just rambling, but I tried! :) Don't feel guilty if you end up having something right before bed. I know to some it's a no-no but as long as it is light (I wouldn't eat a steak dinner or anything!), it might help you stave off the midnight munchies-I know it does with me.

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2/13/13 9:24 P

I find it so easy to stay within my caloric range and exercise when I'm not on my cycle.. but when it hits - I am SO hungry. Is anyone else dealing with this? Are you eating more, ignoring the hunger pangs? Any input would be great right now!!