Everything you need to know about – Why do Women crave for Junk during their cycle?
Ever wondered even when you are so conscious about your diet and suddenly you start craving for junk and high sugar foods? A woman who always opted for healthy choices suddenly wants those ice creams, chocolates and junk foods. Well don’t worry. It’s just you might be going through your monthly chums! My clients do very often say “I was on my chums and so I had junk, ice –cream or chocolate.” This is a very common thing which we hear every now and then.
Now, the question which comes in every woman’s mind is why do we crave for junk and high sugar foods during our cycle?
So why does it happen?
HUNGER AND MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Feeling hungry than usual is a very common thing which we experience during our cycle. So just put that wafers, chocolates and ice creams down right now as this hunger is not justified. The major reason for this unexplained hunger is “due to the hormonal changes that our body undergoes during the cycle time. Since the hormone levels are fluctuating and affecting your metabolism resulting in higher energy requirements ultimately leading to increased hunger.
WHY DO WE CRAVE FOR JUNK, HIGH CALORIE SUGARY FOODS?
We have already discussed that we do crave for junk and high calorie sugary foods during cycles. But the question is WHY? Well it happens because of decrease in serotonin levels during periods. Serotonin is a brain chemical and a drop in serotonin triggers cravings for carbs and sugars. Our body is giving us hint that “It needs those carbs and sugary foods to produce more serotonin” and as a result we reach out for comforting foods like chocolates, ice creams, etc. as they metabolize quickly.
But the point is how can we overcome these cravings? Here are few tips that will help you out.
FOLLOW A HEALTHY BALANCED DIET
A healthy diet with carbs, protein, minerals, vitamins and less amount of fats will keep your food cravings at bay. Crave for a healthier lifestyle and you need not crave for high calorie or high sugary foods.
EXERCISE
Well it’s a myth to not to exercise during your chums but you could just go for a brisk walk and some stretches to avoid cramps.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Consume good amount of water to replenish those lost electrolytes and so it gives relief from the cramps too.
HAVE ADEQUATE SLEEP
It’s important to sleep for 7-8 hrs. Coz if we don’t get proper sleep there could be a rise in our hunger levels.
JUST DISTRACT YOURSELF
Indulge in something that you love, may be reading a book, penning down your thoughts and it will surely help you out.
SWITCH TO HEALTHY SWAPS
So we can’t stop the craving, it’s natural. But definitely we can swap these cravings with some healthier options. You can try some dates, raisins, strawberries and a piece of dark chocolate.
Switch to roasted makhanas, moong jor, roasted chanas, khakras rather than opting for that packet of chips or wafers.
That’s all ladies! Nothing is impossible. Food cravings during period are very common but we need to tackle it with smartness. I hope this article helps you out to fight this difficult situation and indulge in healthy foods during your cycle. So just “CHOOSE RIGHT OPTIONS DURING YOUR PERIODS” and always maintain that spirit of a health conscious person within you. Let your periods not destroy your diet.
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