Stop feeling guilty for wanting to eat chocolate and chips with a side of tacos just before your period. It’s okay if you’re craving those comfort foods because they will pass in no time!
It’s natural to feel hunger during the period and want food during your period. There are legitimate reasons why you might find yourself craving certain things before your period starts.
Why Am I So Hungry on My Period?
Hormones can be one of the reasons why you are hungry during these periods. Researchers in 2016, found that changes in hormones cause you to crave high-carb and sweet foods during your period.
It might be the hormone-driven desire to munch on all your favorite foods before Flo comes around, but there are other forces at work too.
Eating these treats can help combat that premenstrual feeling of belatedness and moodiness when you’re going through those PMS swings!
When you feel hungry during periods and eat starchy foods or sweets, your body releases serotonin which makes people feel happy.
This is because it boosts feelings of happiness to have more good moments in life when they are feeling bad due to PMS symptoms or something else that’s bothering them emotionally for some reason!
Food cravings and compulsive eating before a period may be signs of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a more severe form than just having regular PMS.
The researchers found that people who experience irregular periods are more likely to be hungry during that period.
Do Periods Make You Hungry?
You may be experiencing a little premenstrual tension before your next period starts.
Other signs that it’s coming include changes to bowel habits, headaches, and acne all of which are typical during menstruation too.
When your period starts, the urge to stuff yourself usually disappears but this is not in every case.
Is It Normal to Not Be Hungry During Your Period?
The period is a time when many women want to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, but sometimes it’s hard.
There will always be someone who has less luck than others by feeling like ‘I am not hungry on my periods’ with periods.
They might react differently depending on how much testosterone or estrogen there was beforehand. So, it is completely okay not to be hungry during your menstrual cycles.
Is It Completely Okay to Indulge?
Just like there are some foods you should avoid during your period. Other cravings may also be a sign that something needs attention. It’s important to listen and take care of yourself before it’s too late!
If you’re having a tough time balancing your diet when it comes to food and periods, don’t beat yourself up.
Your body may be telling you that it needs something different for the flow of hormones while periods are balanced properly—so pay attention!
Being Hungry on My Periods Make Me Feel Worse!
With all of these refined sugars, salt, and carbs in your diet? Yeah… that tends to happen. If you’re feeling the cravings for something that isn’t good for your body, such as sugar or salt-packed snacks.
Then try switching out these cravings with healthier alternatives. Limiting yourself when it comes to portions of those crave-worthy items can also help.
Do You Burn More Calories on Your Period?
The average woman will not burn many more calories than usual while on her period.
Resting metabolic rates fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, but experts agree that its minimal difference means most people won’t feel like they’re working harder or burning off the extra fat with these inconvenient hormone changes.
Do You Need to Take More Calories on Your Period?
While on your period, don’t plan to burn any extra calories. No research suggests you’ll have a greater RMR increase than usual.
That clearly defines that you do not need to take any extra calories during your periods.
FAQs
Is it bad to give in to period cravings?
As mentioned above it is completely okay to indulge yourself in period cravings.
How many extra calories a day do you burn on your period?
Taking 100 calories extra per day would be adequate for period survival. You should prefer healthy eating over junk food.
Which exercise is best during periods?
Some exercises listed below can help you in relieving period cramps:
- Light cardio
- Lightweight strength training
- Yoga
Final Words
You’re not alone! There are plenty of other women who have the same problem. But don’t beat yourself up about it.
Instead, listen to what your body needs and give it that attention by eating healthy snacks like apples or celery sticks with peanut butter on them (my personal favorite).
Sandra is a health blogger based in San Diego, California. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and exploring new places with her husband. She is a mom of two awesome kids and a dog named Luna!