[Amanda Panda]

Well for the second month in a row I have lost the plot on my diet due to suffering from really bad PMT. I don't have a problem with dieting at any other time, but as soon as I get PMT all my good intentions go out the window - I feel so awful that I just stop caring about myself and my goals and I really tuck in to the comfort food. Last week I've had about 3 pizza's, a takeaway curry and cheese sandwiches everyday! I also didn't do any exercise as I felt so unbelievebly tired.

I suffer from PMT REALLY bad - tension, tears, lethargy, aching, agitation - you name it I get it - but I can't keep blowing out like this every month. I've not weighed myself due to my ban on the scale, but I feel huge (also got water retention!). I'm already on anti - depressants which help with PMT a bit - believe it or not I used to suffer even worse!

The other thing is that losing the plot has made me feel bad about myself - which makes it even harder for me to find the motivation to get myself back on track.

Any helpful suggestions would be so appreciated!!

Amanda xx

[peacock 2]

I know the feeling. I don't really do anything helpful but I have noticed I eat loads the week before then actually lose when I have my period so I guess a good idea is to "allow" yourself a bad week or at least a bad couple of days. I don't know what "diet" you are on but if it allows a few extra points or sins then maybe you could "save up" for those baddie occasions. I tend to treat myself to naughty thing slike raspberry trifle that I wouldn't have at other times (she lies!). It is definatley carb overboard time though. I tend to avoid pizza all together. I never have take aways unless at a friends and we tend to go for Chinese/Indian if we do.

Maybe try treating yourself to a few really nice meals - plan them well inadvance because when TOM comes you are just wanting to grab whatever naughties are in sight! Or is that just me ??!!!

[peacock 2]

Another thought to feel better about yourself - have a lovely long bath with real luxury (not necessarily expensive) bath treats. Do a pedicure and manicure and really make a fuss of yourself. You are worth it!!

[Smiling Sal]

I take evening primrose oil every day and find that if I take it regular it does help

[Amanda Panda]

Thanks girls!

Peacock - I think you are on Slimming World aren't you? - me too. I think it's a good idea to try to save up some points for PMT week - I've not been rigidly counting my sins, just having a 'vague idea'. I think it's time to start doing it properly - and like you say, if I can limit my overeating to 1 or 2 days then at least I can limit the damage!

Thanks for your support Peacock and Carol

Amanda xx

[Superwitch]

Just bumping this up in case anyone else suffers.

I have found that I am worse with this when I am at home. At work, I treat myself to an Option hot chocolate and a couple of painkillers - lol - always something to take my mind off it then. I also found something recently that helped me. I can't remember if they were made my tampax or lilets but they were self heating patches that are really comforting on your tummy. You just open them, peel off the backing and they heat up and stay warm for up to 6 hours (and they are self adhesive to stick to your tummy). They cost over £3 for 2 but I figure that without the comfort I would have probably spent that much on chocolate - lol.

Sundays are worst for me with PMT. Hubby is at work and I am home with the kids. I bundle the kids into my bed with me and we put on a family film. I take a heated wheat bag (hot water bottle would do though) and snuggle up. I am then too cosy and lazy to get up to go to the kitchen for food - lol.

Another wierd thing for me is that I experience far less pain during my period if I use tampons rather than pads and so this also helps me to feel better.