By Victoria Q

As a woman, you’re probably familiar with the craving to eat certain foods just before your monthly period which are usually high in carbs and sugar. It’s totally normal as fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone and serotonin levels during period. These hormonal changes in the body cause a drop in blood sugar levels which can make you crave sugar even more. This can easily lead to emotional overeating which is not good for your body. Hence, we list out a few steps you can do to address this issue.

1. Filling And Satisfying Goal

It’s important to eat well during period as you lose nutrients during bleeding. If your typical lunch menu is a bowl of green salad, you may need to switch to high protein and fibre foods such as chicken breast, tofu, tempeh and leafy greens or fruits. It will keep you fuller for longer and reduce the chance of overeating later on. Avoid calorie restriction diet during this time and focus on all the nutrients your body will absorb from what you eat.

2. Munching On Dark Chocolate

Calling for all chocolate lovers, your favourite snack is on the list! Yes, dark chocolate is good for your body during period. This magnesium, potassium and iron-rich food can balance out your mood swings and relax your muscles that reduce period cramps. If you’re craving for sugar, reaching for dark chocolate is better than candy. Aim for at least 80% of solid cocoa which is lower in fats and sugars than regular chocolate.

3. Eat Smarter

You’ll probably experience a strong craving for certain foods during your period. It can be a cheeseburger, pizza, fried chicken, French fries etc. We’re not telling you to skip all of these foods. Eating in moderation is the key to a healthy life, but if you’re eating too often before and during your period, you’ll probably need to do some changes to it. All you need to do is eat smarter by switching similar food into a better and healthier choice. For example, instead of a cheeseburger, grab a cheese sandwich with whole wheat bread and a lot of veggies. Your body will thank you for making these choices.

4. Stop Stocking On Junk Foods

You may snack a lot, especially while on your period. Snacking is good to stabilize your energy level and keep you from overeating at mealtime. But, snacking on junk foods like potato chips, cheesy rings, doughnuts and candy do harm more than good to your body. These junk foods can cause water retention, gas and bloating. So, avoid buying and keeping junk foods at home. Instead, stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables for snacking.

5. Move Your Body

We all know exercise is so important for mental and physical health. And we know it’s difficult to exercise while we’re low in energy during period. But, do you know exercise is proven to help balance your hormones which can relieve period pains? This happens because exercising can boost blood circulation, which reduces the pain. It also helps release beta-endorphins which are your body’s natural pain killer. So, instead of skipping your exercise, do some light exercise like yoga, pilates, stretching or walking during your period.