'That' time of the month...

Cherry · 05-16-2007, 08:40 AM

I have really good willpower. I can stick to a clean diet. I can go to the fast good joint and pick up dinner for everyone without even feeling that I'm depriving myself by not getting it. Hell, I can take my kid to a PIZZA PARTY and not eat the pizza.

But during the last few days before my period? I have crap stuffed down my throat before I even realize it. I couldn't stop myself from having a piece of candy for the life of me. I'm constantly starving and craving.

What can I do to take the edge off? I've tried appetite suppressants, I've tried staying busy, I've tried just forcing myself to say no... but I always end up blowing it at some point.

Any tips from those who've conquered the PMS binge?

Amysangel · 05-16-2007, 09:08 AM

Well two suggestions, one if are really craving and you know when your time is coming plan a cheat meal for then. Thats what I normally do, that way I won't feel so bad.

My other suggestion is to have something that you are craving and then make sure the rest is NOT around to tempt you. Like if you want some candy, get a small bag at the 7-11. Eat a little and throw the rest away. Also if you use whey protein powder there are some really good ones out there in my opinion. If you are craving something sweet these really hit the spot.

After a while your cravings will get less and less. I have been at this for 3 years exactly this month, and its to the point now that I can't even eat most of the stuff I used to love to eat. Its just not appealing at all!

tabloid27 · 05-16-2007, 03:32 PM

For me, it seems that time of the month (read: this time of the month) gives me a hollow leg. I am CONSTANTLY hunting and gathering. One of my biggest weaknesses is potato chips. Lay's freaking potato chips. I'm dying now just thinking about it. My other crave is chocolate. There are soooo many "look we're chocolate but good for you" treats out there, that I make sure I have them on hand when I know the beast is coming. Fat free pudding cups, those chocolate covered quaker "quakes", protein shakes & bars. Of course, moderation is the key, which is really hard when all I wanna do is eat. To offset, I drink water. Constantly. Mixing it up with some Crystal Light fruit punch satisfies my sweettooth, too. Those darned chips though. When I cave, I get a bag from the gas station. One of those small ones; not so much for portion control, but because I can't justify spending 5 dollars on a bag of fried potatoes. Nuh-uh. No way. (Gotta hit it where it hurts, you know? For me, it's my wallet!) It's funny how I know I'm getting it when I keep rummaging through the pantry.

Anyhow, sort of on topic... What is an average bloat weight gain? I *am* in the habit of checking a scale every morning, because I like to see the patterns of what I eat vs. how it affects me. So, I check it once... like Friday, 187, cool... I'm down... check it on Saturday, 191. Now, I'd indulged in some dark chocolate covered almonds (thanks, heyzeus), but there is NO WAY it would have caused a 4 pound weight gain?! I was confused, then realized it must be bloat. Started drinking excess water to flush the system, to no avail. I have been sooo frustrated because I haven't felt "bloaty", I thought my body just decided it wanted to stay a 190, come hell or high water. Luckily, it's started to go back down now that... well... you know... and that makes me feel better... but I never really investigated the bloat thing. is 3 to 5 lbs normal?

anandagirl · 05-16-2007, 03:51 PM

If I get right back on track, I will lose whatever water weight I have gained in a few days. One binge is not normally a permanent issue.

Jodi_Lane · 05-17-2007, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cherry

I have really good willpower. I can stick to a clean diet. I can go to the fast good joint and pick up dinner for everyone without even feeling that I'm depriving myself by not getting it. Hell, I can take my kid to a PIZZA PARTY and not eat the pizza.

But during the last few days before my period? I have crap stuffed down my throat before I even realize it. I couldn't stop myself from having a piece of candy for the life of me. I'm constantly starving and craving.

What can I do to take the edge off? I've tried appetite suppressants, I've tried staying busy, I've tried just forcing myself to say no... but I always end up blowing it at some point.

Any tips from those who've conquered the PMS binge?

My sister has similar issues with her period time and eating junk. However, if I were you ....and it was as serious as you're making it sound...just don't have that type of food around. Certainly none of your family needs to be eating it and that way you're not going to have easy access to it.

I like what AmysAngel said....plan your cheat meal to be around the time of your period, that's a good idea

.

Those two ideas could work well together, just don't have those type of 'pms' foods around the house so that you're not going to GRAB them...and plan your cheat meal for that week...

Good luck!!!

leyway · 05-17-2007, 02:37 AM

Yeah I get salty cravings since I dont have much of a sweet tooth, but the weird thing is I get them days before I get my period, and I can get back to normal mode when I do PMS. I feel that the ultimate way to stay clean on the that time of the month when you feel vulnerable to stay away from the "ugly" foods, which means to not have it laying around the house - just don't have it. And be surrounded with the good healthy foods. It's worked for me. I do however indulge on roasted peanuts when I feel like im going to drive myself crazy if i dont give in. If u have a sweet tooth I recommend getting a really good protein shake or bar. There's BSN dessert and Whey gourmet..

Cherry · 05-17-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitNFiesty

My sister has similar issues with her period time and eating junk. However, if I were you ....and it was as serious as you're making it sound...just don't have that type of food around. Certainly none of your family needs to be eating it and that way you're not going to have easy access to it.

Good luck!!!

Well, as workable as that sounds in THEORY, it doesn't work well in practice. My husband is NOT a big follower of a clean diet, and he makes his own trip to the grocery store for the things I won't buy. And while my 6 year old doesn't eat bad, we do keep snacks in the house for him. I really don't see the long term benefit in denying him any sweets at this age - beyond the fact that our pediatric nutritionist (my 3 year old is on a specific, medically restricted diet) feels that a higher carb intake is necessary for kids. My approach for him is to teach him moderation and a healthy attitude towards food - not complete denial which may backfire in the future.

Luckily, it's usually only a day and a half or so... I'm back on track now. *whew!*

livingloca · 05-18-2007, 10:09 PM

There are certain things that I begin to crave the week before.... when I realize i am wanting cookies, that turns on the lighbulb. I watch it, but i do have that cookie if i am really craving it. But only 1 cookie. This past month instead of giving in, i made my own oatmeal cookies with whole wheat pancake mix and no oil and no butter. I added applesauce to make it moist. It may sound like gunk, but boy, i really wanted to satisfy my sweet tooth and not add the pounds doing it. I ate several cookies and knew it was good for me. So, getting what you want, but not entirely in the fat form that it comes in might help.... example: ice cream. Just get fat free frozen yogurt. If you want chocolate, try Labrada's Gold Bars (almond fudge is sooo good) its like eating a Snickers. That definitely takes my chocolate urges.

It's not the end of the world if you enjoy your treats. Have your cheat day, enjoy it and get back to your clean eating...

There's no need to deprive yourself when you can't control those gosh awful hormonal changes

Good luck!

Leigh P. · 05-19-2007, 01:25 AM

You crave the way you do pre-period due to a hormonal response in the body. The more level your hormones are, the less your cravings will kill. Being that in general it is usually due to high estrogen levels there are a few things you can eat when you get cravings that will help stabilize your body.

-Cruciferous vegetables. (especially Broccoli and Califlower) are great pre-period. Most have anti-estrogens and tons of anti-oxidants and fiber to curb cravings.
-Plenty of water. If the pee isn't clear, you aren't getting enough of it.
-30% Fats. Make sure that during this time of the cycle that at least 30% of your diet is coming from fats and that 20% of it is a split of Poly/Mono. Balance the good fats as well.
-Dairy. If you have been denying yourself of dairy to keep those abs cut now is the time to give yourself a treat. Beside bloating almost always occurs anyway, so unless you have to be super lean during this period, drink up.
-Avoid Soy-I don't like soy in general, but you should especially avoid it during that time of the month. The Phytoestrogens in it can increase bad estrogen and make a slight craving even worse. So thinking about grabbing a soy isolate protein bar, guess again, will just irritate the problem. Stick to animal protein sources.