When our periods are close at hand, sometimes we crave more food than before.
It’s called period cravings.
This is due to the change of our hormones during our cycle which can affect other hormones such as ghrelin or leptin (our hunger and satiety hormones respectively) leading to more cravings than usual.
Besides affecting our mood and leading to a variety of PMS symptoms, our hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and others, can have an influence on our overall wellbeing and health.
Food and lifestyle largely affect our hormones. When eating highly processed and unhealthy foods, our hormones can be imbalanced and thus leading to more cravings and other issues during our cycle and in general.
Our world contains a lot of snackable items that are unhealthy for us. Whether cake or cookies, there are too many options for bad health foods that affect negatively our hormones and increase our cravings and period symptoms.
On the other hand, with the right choices, we can balance our hormones better which can lead to improved wellbeing and fewer cravings during our period.
Your period cravings need snacks that help your health.
Let’s talk about some better choices to help balance your hormones
Three alternatives that can give your comfort food a run for their money.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get in lots of fiber, healthy plant-based protein, and healthy fats that are helping to balance your hormones and help with period cravings. An added benefit it, is great for your digestive health and a good way to keep your weight in check.
I love my smoothies and have almost every morning one. I have a lot of smoothie recipes that you can benefit from. My Ultimate Smoothie Builder highlights how to make easy and healthy smoothies for yourself. Please try it out!
Activated Nuts
For your period cravings, another delicious treat to try for yourself is activated nuts, which are basically nuts stripped of enzyme inhibitors that might ruin your digestive system which could affect your hormones.
Nuts are delicious, and they are also nutritious, filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. You just need to make them easier for your stomach to handle.
Activating nuts is a process that includes several hours of soaking and drying in a dehydrator or oven.
Baked Kale Chips
Kale is a very nutritious leafy vegetable, and though many people deride it for its name as a strictly-healthy snack, you can actually turn kale into a delicious treat that you can serve also to your friends without them pulling up their noses.
All you need is some olive oil, some kale, and salt. After washing and drying the kale, drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some salt onto it before baking in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it is brown but not burnt.
Not only is it a good party snack, but it is also a good snack to eat in general! Your period cravings will not stand a chance against it as kale helps to balance your hormones.
Period cravings can be tough, especially if the response we have, is to give in to the cravings making it worse.
But with these threats, you can decrease your cravings while allowing yourself some healthy treats to enjoy.
The quest on improving your period cravings should not stop there.
When you have signs such as period cravings, often it can mean there are some other root causes.
Being proactive about it, it is a great idea to have someone to help you address your overall health in a holistic way.
If you would like to learn more about my program to help you control your cravings, balance your hormones and improve your health, just click here.
Yours in health and wellness,
Andrea
