When Aunt Flo is in town, your healthy living style goes off track. You may have cravings at odd hours. Along with mood swings, bloating, and cramps, you will have a tough time with your diet. You are not alone. Most women feel the same way when they are on their period. Well, a smart strategy is something you need to cope with this discomfort. A healthy balanced diet will be enough to take care of your troubles during this time. But then, you should be aware of foods you should eat and shouldn’t eat. We’re sure this list will come in handy when it’s that time of the month.
Foods To Eat
Focus On Dairy Products
Calcium is one the most important minerals your body needs during this time. It reduces menstrual cramp pains. Also, it is helpful in dealing with bloating and water retention, which are major concerns of many women during their period. Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk contain a form of calcium that your body can easily absorb.
Fall In Love With Fiber Foods
The smooth running of your digestive system is one thing you desire for during your period. If you rely on foods rich in fiber, your bowel movement will be taken care of. The feeling of bloating will no more irritate you. There should be a place for almonds, blackberries, chia seeds, beans, sweet potatoes, artichokes, and whole grains in your menu to get the benefits of fiber.
Go For Chocolate
Another reason to eat chocolate. With its magnesium content, dark chocolate will help you fight mood swings when periods hit you. Dark chocolate has the ability to boost brain levels of serotonin, a mood altering chemical. Thus, a piece of dark chocolate could make you happy. Magnesium in dark chocolate also relieves headaches and cramps associated with the period.
Eat Your Veggies
A low-fat vegan diet is always recommended for women who are on their period. Leafy green vegetables like spinach have a good dose of magnesium and calcium. Incorporate broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, etc. in your diet.
Indulge In Iron Rich Foods
Women may have iron-deficiency because of heavy bleeding. They lose a lot of iron through the blood. Eating foods high in iron should be your agenda to overcome this. Make nuts, beans, tomatoes, beef, chickpeas, potatoes, and sunflower seeds your favorite foods as you sail through this time.
Stick To Whole Foods
Have plenty of whole grains. Use brown rice and oatmeal. Instead of white bread, your choice should be whole-grain bread. This helps you preserve fiber and they supply you enough magnesium.
Foods To Avoid During Your Period
Sugary Foods
Craving for sugar is very high during menstruation. Your blood sugar levels become unstable. Thus, if you indulge in sugary foods or drinks it may harm your body further.
Refined Foods
Stay away from refined foods, which are high in sodium. The bloating that comes with your period becomes really bad if you munch on processed foods. Because your salt intake will be high with these type of foods. Cutting down salt consumption by avoiding refined foods will give you a big relief.
Caffeinated Foods
Caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks, make the period time worse for you. They may just accelerate your anxiety and depression. So say no to these drinks and be at peace with herbal teas and water. We know it is not easy. But it’s just a matter of a few days.
Fatty Foods
Peanut butter, doughnuts, or French fries – steer clear of them for a few days. These foods are high in trans-fat. High-fat foods will tamper with your hormonal activity. Low-fat diet will be helpful in reducing excess estrogen levels, thus lowering the symptoms associated with your period.
