Ladies! Do you make adjustments for your monthly cycle?
I have been on plan for a few days now, getting back in the swing of things since falling off the wagon, but now it's that time of the month!
I often adjust my calorie intake up 200 cals for the first three days of my period because those are the days I have the more intense cravings. 200 lets me have a Skinny Cow ice cream or a pudding or something sugary at the end of the night if I'm really craving it. I don't always use the extra calories I've told myself I could have, but just knowing they are there helps sometimes.
I also don't weigh-in until I'm in the clear..
I used to have awful periods. Heavy, horrible cramps, seven days long and full of overeating and crying, not to mention irritability. I still cry a lot but I now use birth control to make then lighter and I only have them every 3 months. Also, healthy eating has improved my mood tremendously during that time, but I still tear up during sad moments on the tv or during a book.
So anyways, I was wondering if anyone here makes adjustments or has any tips and tricks for that time of the month? I know everyone's different so some people probably don't even have to worry about it. Though I totally have to batten down the hatches and get prepared.
Last edited by thewalrus0; 08-26-2012 at 05:49 PM.
Don't know if I can be of any help - I am heading into menopause, so I get my period whenever - for instance, I didn't get it for June and July, but just got it last week (miserable)...but instead of 3.5 days, it was here for the full five! So, I thought I was good - until today I started spotting AGAIN. Not too much with the water retention, but mild cramps and tenderness in the bosom. ....sigh...
I have found that the end of the time usually results in a nice 'whoosh' of water loss. I get chocolate cravings in the day or so beforehand, but not much else. At the age of 51, I have had ENUFF of this monthly annoyance!
I always tend to increase my protein intake a couple days before and during my TOM. I seem to crave red meat, so I try to eat more chicken and if that doesn't help then I have a small steak.
Well I just had my first hardcore craving of the day! Always hits me at night. But I stuck to my 200 treat cals and feel much better. I think I do best when I am prepared for cravings.
Nah, I just try and stay on track and hope for a nice drop after. I'm pms'ing right now and am relieved to figure out that's probably what's going on. It's always stressful to bounce up a pound or two and suddenly notice myself puffy all over, even though I've been doing so good.
I don't adjust my food intake for TOM, but I definitely do notice more cravings around that time. I *DO* exercise more during that time, though (even though I don't always feel like it) because it helps with my cramps.. and gives me a good woosh at the end
I have heard that if you diet and excercise during your TOM it is of good for you and that you loose more if you diet during that time.. Don't know if it true?
I make adjustments too. I usually buy at least one, 100 calorie chocolate bar cause I know I'm going to crave chocolate. My periods have become very nasty as I get older and they are very heavy and so I really crave red meat during that time. I'm also considerably hungrier during TOM but try to keep all extras healthy - more veg. more protein etc.
Exercising does help some with the cramping so I try and keep up with all my regular workouts even when I feel like I would rather be tucked up in my bed with heating pad.
I have not, but will be. I've noticed that the week before I'm apparently ravenous compared to the other 3 weeks. So I'll just adjust accordingly now that I see a pattern.
I also find exercise helps with cramps, but I have not had those I feel based on (1) losing weight and (2) having a uterine fibroid embolization. Both I totally feel have helped.
In the few days leading up to the "scheduled" start of my period, i intentionally eat at or ABOVE maintenance calories (2500 -3500 cals/day, sometimes more) I basically take a diet break and eat a large amount of high glycemic carbs like cereals, pasta and sweet potatoes...
the reason i do this is to induce my period--> it has nothing to do with cravings. Im incredibly hormonally sensitive when i diet down, and i will lose my period fairly easily. This is a proactive defense measure to ensure i continue to get it.
My period was 5 days late this month, and as soon as i went into a "feeding state" i got my period within a day and a half.
Well I broke down and ate a bunch of ice cream about two days ago, but it wasn't just my TOM's fault, though it definitely had an effect. But yesterday I ended up at less calories so that's good.
I just know it's going to be bad so I'd rather allow myself to eat a little extra on the really bad days instead of letting it build up over those days. I walk a fragile line even on good days! Hehe, okay I'm a drama queen but it's important I plan for these days carefully.
The good news is, with birth control, I only have one every three months so I really don't worry about it too often. I was just curious if anyone else make adjustments.
Ladies! Do you make adjustments for your monthly cycle?
