PMS Cravings

Evangeline1971

I really need to lose weight but whenever I diet I often do really well until approximately 10 days before my period when I get massive cravings for salty carbs and I feel starving. Is there anyone else here suffering with PMS cravings and if so have you found anything that helps? I’ve spoken to 2 different doctors who were both unhelpful and their only solution was willpower. I am going to try eating healthier and taking vitamins but wondered if there’s anything else I can do to ease these cravings which seem to be getting worse the older (and fatter) I get.

caitieface

Often find myself in your position too! My stance is if I really can't resist it, I'll have a little (admittedly it's not always a little...) or swap it for something that gets to the craving but isn't quite as bad for me. Melted cheese & tomato on crackers when I want pizza, salt & vinegar crisps when I want chips, that kind of thing. If I've been 'bad' I just do a bit more excercise to help burn it off. Try not to be too hard on yourself when you need to break the diet. Everyone needs a treat every now and then and if you beat yourself up over it you're not doing yourself any favours.

marrowgirl

I wonder if it is an energy thing (I get low blood sugar due to hormones/PCOS and crave carbs) or possibly a lack of a vitamin? I suspect if you crave salty carbs (like me) they are the worst thing you could have as they will spike your sugar levels and end up making you more tired and hungry.
this has helped me....
1. drink lots (i use diluted sugar free squash) as this makes me feel more full.
2. increase protein (keeps you fuller for longer).
3. constant snacking! I try to eat healthy stuff like carrot sticks but if I just can't resist I whip up a big batch of popcorn in a pan (not the stuff like Butterkist) with a little salt and that helps.

I also found recently that eating nuts wasn't good for me as I was getting giant hormonal spots and since cutting these out (i love them!) my skin has improved and my mood too. weird!