Cramps, Carbs, and Calories
Carbs are life. They’re also really really REALLY tempting to binge on when you’re menstruating. Why is that??
(Uncomfortable topic? Perhaps. But it’s one we need to talk about.)
Women are likely to consume up to 500 calories a day MORE during their periods, and it usually isn’t vegetables and protein being shoveled in our mouths. Chocolate, cake, donuts, cupcakes, ice cream…name a carb that people use to vilify ALL carbs, and you likely crave it when the cramps hit. Eating carbs increases serotonin…you know, that chemical that gives you the warm and fuzzies…so our MINDS more than our BODIES reach for carbs in times of distress.
The problem is that while our minds know eating carbs will make us happier, they completely disregard the fact that the happiness will soon be replaced with feelings of lethargy and unease which will, in turn, cause us to seek out more calorie-dense sources of happiness.
It’s a vicious, yet delicious, cycle.
So what’s a girl to do when the carb cravings hit and the fate of mankind rests on her ability to either scarf down some carbs or burn everything to the ground??
Suffering isn’t the answer. I’m not going to tell you to completely avoid the foods you’re craving. But there are more HEALTHFUL options out there than a bag of Lay’s and a king-size Snickers bar.
Below are some of my favorite treats to smother the cramp-fueled cravings.
Do you have any favorites to add? Leave them in the comments!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Popsicles
