weight loss
∙2 minute read
There’s a lot going on in your body during the menstrual cycle including bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. One notable change is in your appetite. It fluctuates throughout the whole cycle, but it’s most affected just before your period.
Experiencing extra hunger pangs is completely normal during your menstrual cycle, so there's no need to feel guilty. While snacking might be one way to respond, there are other solutions you can explore as well.
First though, let’s look at what causes those cravings.
These two hormones work in tandem to regulate your appetite, and finding a balance between the two is vital. But in the days leading up to your period, the changes in your hormone levels can lead to increased appetite.
As your serotonin levels fall in the days leading up to your period, it can have negative effects on your mood. This can lead to emotional hunger, and can artificially boost your appetite.
Your nutrition is closely linked to various health factors including weight and risk of disease. While answering your body’s signals is important, you may also want to explore ways of staying on top of your health goals.
Identify the signs of emotional hunger: If you can recognise when your hunger is driven by emotion rather than physical need, you can find different ways of answering your body’s signals. That might be as simple as reaching out to a friend instead of reaching out for a snack.
Eat slowly and deliberately: Focus on enjoying your food by savouring every bite. That way, you’re much more likely to stave off emotional eating.
Stay active: Not only will it help to reduce stress levels and boost your metabolism, but doing some exercise can even quench those emotional hunger pangs.
Don’t be afraid to indulge: A healthy snack won’t always cut it. So don’t be afraid to indulge in an occasional sweet treat when you really need it.
Remember that it's normal: Appetite changes are a normal part of the menstrual cycle, so you shouldn’t feel guilt or shame if you fancy a snack. It’s more important to meet your body’s demands, which are bound to fluctuate during your period.
It’s not just in your head - appetite changes during your period are real. Rather than feeling guilty about your hunger pangs, focus instead on the best ways of dealing with them: eating a little slower, staying active, and indulging when you really need to.
