10 Ways to Not Gain Weight when You Have Your Period ...

Dealing with period cravings in 2024 can feel like battling a monstrous, invisible enemy that’s determined to make you binge on chocolate, chips, and anything deep-fried. Trust me, I've been there! As a university graduate and someone who has found herself reaching for the cookie jar at three in the morning while watching "Friends" reruns, I know the struggle all too well. Those hormonal changes combined with the emotional roller coaster that accompanies menstruation make resisting those calorie-heavy delights seem almost impossible.

It's fascinating how our bodies work during this time. Your metabolism can actually speed up, causing you to feel hungrier. This is completely normal, but it doesn't mean you have to surrender to every craving. That's why I've put together some fantastic strategies to help you deal with these unwanted pounds without losing your sanity or your snacks.

One effective strategy is to indulge in healthier alternatives. For instance, you might find that a handful of almonds can be just as satisfying as a bag of chips, but without the extra guilt. Regular exercise is another great technique. I call this my secret weapon against gaining weight during my period. A brisk walk or a fun dance workout can work wonders to boost your mood and curb those persistent cravings. For more on this, check out Mindful Eating and Strategic Snacking.

But hey, I totally get it if you'd rather run a marathon than go on a diet when you’re cramping and feeling like a potato. Here’s an amusing trick I like to use: make your grocery list when you’re not hungry. I swear, when you’re not battling cravings with a rumbling stomach, it’s so much easier to choose wholesome options over those tempting high-calorie treats.

Speaking of wholesome, drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated can often lessen those clingy cravings and help you detox more effectively. Plus, there’s the added bonus of clear skin and more energy. Remember, friends, we're battling those pounds with a battle plan. For creative tips on hitting your water goals, explore Healthy Hydration Hacks.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. It's perfectly okay to have the occasional treat. Just remember to strike a balance. Periods are tough enough without adding the stress of strict dieting.

So, dear reader, I invite you to join me on this entertaining and informative journey. We'll explore ten brilliant ways to remain healthy and not gain weight while Mother Nature pays her monthly visit. Follow these tips, and you may even find yourself looking forward to implementing these new habits, even when you’re not on your period. Let's beat those cravings in style!

1 Lower Your Sodium Intake

With your change in hormones in that time of the month you will likely crave salt. So chips, French fries, pizza and every other high sodium food will be on your crave list. But that does not mean it is okay to give in. Try to avoid or lower your sodium intake to keep weight gain at bay this week!

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2 Increase Your Greens

Although the last thing you are probably thinking of is your greens, this is what your body needs. Greens will speed up your digestion and provide your body with the phytonutrients that it really needs. Often we eat based on what our body wants rather than what it needs and during your period. Eat before your cravings hit and choose food that nourishes your body and keeps weight gain at bay!

3 Drink Lots of Water

With the time of the month and your body’s natural tendency to hold onto water, it is more important now that ever to drink plenty of water. Aim for 9 glasses of water daily during your time of the month and kick the bloating to the curb!

4 Add Lemon to All Water and Your Meals

To decrease bloating you should also add lemon slices to your water and lemon to pretty much every meal. Lemon is a natural diuretic so even though you will pee more, you will not have to worry about bloating. Good news is that your rings will fit as well because you won’t be bloated!

5 Eat Mini Meals

Choose your portion size wisely and eat mini meals. Mini meals are more easily digestible and this as a result can help prevent weight gain during your time of the month. Never go more than 2 to 2 and half hours to eat or you will end up eating more than you should.

6 Sweat It out in the Early Morning

Remove toxins from the body and stave off bloating by starting your day with a sweat session. Just 30 minutes of high intensity can help protect you from weight gain during your period. You will also feel great because you started your day in the best possible way!

7 Get to Bed Early

Get to bed earlier so your body can perform at its best and you can help to avoid weight gain. Aim for a healthy 7-9 hours of sleep per night to keep your body efficient and avoid the pounds packing on due to inflammation in the body from lack of sleep.

8 Hide the Scale

A super simple way to not see period weight gain is to simply not check! You need to remember it's only temporary weight gain and you shouldn't beat yourself up over it.

9 Avoid Gassy Foods

Avoiding dairy, beans, and carbonated beverages will reduce the bloating you experience during your period, and thus, will reduce the amount of weight you gain.

10 Take Supplements

A chromium supplement will stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels in the blood. This stabilization will regulate your appetite and cause fewer cravings with a more fuller feeling between meals without much effort at all.

So follow these tips so you glide through your time of month without stress and avoid weight gain. You will feel better and have loads of energy as a result of your efforts and healthy choices!