We all know that your monthly period can ruin a lot of things, ranging from your skin to your mood. Did you know that it’s also something that can sabotage your figure by making you crave a lot of sugary and salty foods?
Actually, it’s a vicious cycle — the more you give in to your temptations, the stronger the food cravings get because both your blood sugar and hormone levels are further thrown out of whack! So if you want to get rid of those food cravings, you better outsmart your body and try the following steps to curb your insatiable appetite:
Turn to Healthy Fats
Not all fats are the same — some are terrible for the health and weight while others are actually beneficial. Including foods that contain healthy fats can actually make you feel satisfied, keeping at bay your longing for sugar- and sodium-rich treats. Some great examples include avocados, Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like trout and mackerel.
Stay Away From Refined Carbs
Chips, cookies, pretzels, pizza, doughnuts, French fries, spaghetti and many others that you cannot say no to while having your period are all packed with refined carbohydrates. Because refined carbs get released into your bloodstream rapidly, your blood sugar levels spike which can leave you with a voracious appetite.
Ditch Foods with Sugar
Needless to say, you should turn your back on anything that is loaded with sugar because each time you consume them, the more you end up craving sweets. If you think that opting for stuff with artificial sweeteners is a good thing, think again — experts say that they are actually as very good as the real deal in wreaking havoc to your appetite.
Include More Fiber in Your Diet
What’s the best way to slow down the release of sugar in the blood stream to keep you from feeling hungry as a bear during your period? By throwing in more fiber-rich foods in your diet! What’s so great about consuming foods with fiber in your diet is it can also deal with various gut issues related to your cycle.
Have Some Lean Protein, Too
Chicken or turkey breast, egg whites, fish, beans, nuts and seeds — all of these are excellent animal and plant sources of protein, and they should be included in your diet, too. That’s because it takes a lot of time for protein to be digested, making you feel very satisfied quickly and for a longer period.
Eat Calcium-Rich Foods as Well
Numerous studies have shown that women who suffered from all sorts of unfavorable symptoms, including an insatiable appetite, during their period had low levels of calcium. It’s for this reason why you should consume good amounts of foods containing calcium, such as sardines, broccoli, kale, bok choi, yogurt and cheese.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Last but not least, remember to drink around 2 liters of water on a daily basis if you want to keep your cravings for sugary and salty foods at bay. Doing this not only helps make your stomach feel full, but also assists in flushing out toxins that can further cause hormonal imbalance, which is the root cause of your cravings.
Happy to know that it’s actually possible to make those nasty food cravings during your period go away? If so, kindly repost this article on your social media to let your female friends know what to do during their next period!
