[katie_oxo]

... I've done nothing but pick today, might be partly due to being first day totm - I've done my best to pick at as healthy food as possible so have had 2 bananas, 2 mandarins and 1 large orange today as well as my 3 meals --- think I could do with taking myself to bed before I eat anything else even though it's not 7pm yet!

[BritinNJ]

Drink more water luv, it'll keep the hungry bears away...

[Merrysage]

PMS/PMT does a real number on me too. I've done some research on this and apparently the elevated progesterone levels we get pre menstrually are in part responsible for the carb cravings. All I can suggest to anyone who finds their healthy eating plan goes to pot *no pun intended* for a few days each month, is to try tracking your cycle for a few months. That way you can pinpoint the temptation period and remind yourself that you DON'T want that bag of Minstrels or extra *insert calorie laden goodie here*. Its just your mad hormones.

And you hormones don't have to try to get into those damn size 12 jeans.

Knowledge is power. Oh btw, this site is wonderful for keeping track of your cycle. http://www.mymonthlycycles.com/

[Sarah Ann]

I wish I'd had that information when it was relevant for me. I just thought I was useless, gave up fighting and got fatter. Nice link!

[Merrysage]

Its not entirely to blame, but at least it helps you understand why you feel some times like you could eat for England (or France, Germany, South American...ha!)

Understanding a behaviour helps you overcome it. Hopefully. Speaking of which, I have totally blew it the past few weeks.

BUT! I am going to my first ever Tai Chi class this coming Friday. I'm really looking forward to it!

[Clydegirl]

Merrysage thanks for that link. I just signed up .

[Merrysage]

Your very welcome. I've been using it for two years now. I love the period calculator. Tells you when to expect your period several months in advance. No more nasty surprises on holiday.

Helpful tool if your having any gynae problems and need a way to give accurate details to your doc.

[kalijack]

Ive just discovered dried apricots - they really help with the sugar cravings and are really nutritious too

[katie_oxo]

Merrysage thanks for the link, I'll check it out tomorrow

Chris I took your advice and just drank a couple of glasses of water, it did the trick - cheers!

[Merrysage]

Originally Posted by kalijack

Ive just discovered dried apricots - they really help with the sugar cravings and are really nutritious too

They are good, but mind how many you eat at once. They rather like to race through your colon.

[peacock 2]

I might have a lok see at the link. Mine are regular but come and go at least twice a month. Just when I think I can stop buying up the whole of Boots - I am back in again!

Mind you - re food craving it is more comfort eating with me. I have just discussed with another secretary that we should buy voodoo dolls to stick pins in when our bosses p us off and not angrily crunch on chocolate! After all it goes straight to our waistlines, not their's, dammit!!

[Sarah Ann]

Peacock, pin up a picture of them on the inside door of a cupboard and then throw darts at it.

I love dried apricots but they don't like me. Very windy making - and they have exactly the same affect on my digestive system as prunes, figs or dates. Must be something in the drying process.

If I'm having one of those 'hungry all the time' days I make sure I eat VERY low GI - maybe have a vff yoghurt mixed with some jumbo oats and seeds, a slice of mixed grain bread with baked beans on top, some porridge or a slice of mixed grain bread with a level tablespoon of peanut butter spread on the top.