TOTM: Why oh why the cravings?
 

Why on earth do we get such cravings for food for a full 1/4 of every month?? And why does eating seem to help us (I'm assuming, at least me ;)) actually feel better, even more so than at any other time? Yes, it is emotional eating, but it is triggered by a physical event, and therefore much more difficult to control........because eating at TOTM always seems to fulfill a much greater desire for food. Ugh. It just makes trying to lose weight all the more difficult when for a full quarter of every year our bodies physically compel us to eat all sorts of unhealthy and unneccessay food!! :(

Ugh I hear you! I don't know what to say about the food cravings - I don't know what the medical reasons are, other than swinging hormones. But I try and plan ahead a little bit for those days. If I add a little more fat and get plenty of protein (trying not to increase the # of cals I consume) those days it seems to help, as well as healthy "pre-emptive eating." I also try to plan some kind of sweet that fits into my plan for an afternoon snack or dessert - a Chewy granola bar (peanut butter & chocolate chip, mmm!), ff sf chocolate pudding, a No Pudge! brownie made in a single serving batch.

Also remember that though exercise may be the last thing you want to do at that time, it will actually help relieve cramps and make you feel better. (It really does!)

Since I have an irregular period I never know when I’m going to get it until the backache and cramps start about a day before it comes. Which means that I have horrible cravings for salt & sugar about a week before that, it’s aggravating I wish I could plan ahead some how?

Most of my failed diet attempts have ended due to my TOTM. Ah, so many month-long diets. I used to get horrible cramps that really prevented me from exercising (once, they were so bad that it was too painful to walk) and of course I would feel the need to eat everything in sight. I've gotten on birth control since then and my periods are now regular and oh so much lighter! :D That has really helped me to stay on track. You might want to consider getting some form of b/c just for that reason (I'm assuming you aren't already since you mentioned that your periods are irregular). I still crave during that time, but at least I can work out, which also helps curb the appetite. I wish you luck; I know how hard it is to feel like you're losing a quarter of your life.

Some cravings are caused by a need, like for iron or calcium, which may be lost during menstration. The trick is determining between a physical craving which is signalling a need and a psychological emotional eating. Also, chocolate is chemically benefical, so in moderation during this time it can help.

to be honest, i probably only crave certain things for a couple of days before TOM. mainly big cold glasses of milk and a chocolate bar. i think i am quite fortunate that i only get a small 'stomach ache' before TOM and pretty much on time every month. maybe more so for me it is mood swings - being irritable, angry, or just not wanting to talk at all.

i am not a big sweet tooth as it is and prefer savory foods, but there is always at least once a month where i might crave a chocolate - but quite easy to get over it. the milk on the other hand . . .

I have PCOS and one thing that I've learned from having this is that it all boils down to hormones. Not only can I have a bottomless pit of a stomach when I PMS (and usually for junk!), my body image is distorted. Does anyone else deal with this? One day I'll look in the mirror and feel and look fine. Then PMS will come around. I'll look in the mirror and think I'm disgusting. I really believe a lot of this is due to hormones. Myself and progesterone do not mix well.