How to Handle Hormonal Food Cravings

Vitamin G, Glamour Magazine

Lexi Petronis,Glamour magazine

Once a month, my appetite feels kind of like Kim Kardashian's ability to get press--it's uncontainable. I'm not kidding: during those few days, if a food is not nailed to the table or superglued shut, I will probably eat it. Any chance you're like that, too?

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Obviously, everyone's menstrual cycle is different. Some of us have serious cravings during PMS; others experience them during our actual periods; and others have no cravings at all, ever. And, of course, we crave things that are as different as crackers and cake. Hormones are funny little guys.

But there are a few tricks to smoothing out the process and keep the period cravings in check:

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1: According to one study, the chocolate cravings really are a thing. In order to level out your blood sugar--and your cravings for cocoa--eat fiber-rich, whole grain breads and cereals.

2: Eat some high-quality fats with your meals, like natural nut butters and olive oil. They're heart-healthy, but also very filling--and that will help keep cravings at bay.

3: Research has shown that women dealing with PMS may experience low levels of calcium, which could increase cravings for foods that contain it--like, oh, ice cream. Eat some yogurt, broccoli, or kale to help keep your calcium up.

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4: Have some of what you're craving! Seriously, telling yourself a cookie is "off limits" when you're crampy and grumpy--well, that'll certainly make you feel more irritable than you already are. (I speak from experience on this one, but experts back me up!)

How do you deal with period-related food cravings? What kinds of food do you crave: ice cream, cookies, crackers, popcorn...? (I'm a cheese-and-crackers, chocolate chip cookie kind of craver, myself!)


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