PMS Cravings – Why do we crave certain foods?

The best way to prevent PMS cravings is to give your body the serotonin it craves without consuming excessive amounts of sugar sweet foods. Your food cravings can be controlled …

PMS Cravings – Why Do I Have Them?

Scientists and medical professionals don’t completely understand the causes of PMS and the cravings that go along with it yet.

The general conscensus is that hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are involved, as is the brain chemical serotonin.

The fact is that many women crave certain foods, mostly chocolate, sweets and salty / fatty foods like potato chips during that time of the month.

Are PMS Cravings Really Dangerous Or Addictive?

While PMS cravings aren’t particularly dangerous, some of the foods we eat and the amounts in which we eat them aren’t exactly healthy. Eating several candy bars for example isn’t a good idea. On the other hand, eating a bite of chocolate, or a handful of chips won’t kill you.

The key is not to let these cravings get out of control, or they can lead to weight gain, obesity and all the health problems associated with it such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

What Can I Do To Curb My PMS Food Cravings?

The best way to curb PMS food cravings is to give your body the serotonin it craves without going overboard on the sugary stuff.

Skip the bag of oreos and the pint of ice cream. You can get the same crave curbing effect by eating complex carbs with a little fat and protein in the mix to slow down the absorption of the carbs.

Good choices are; whole grains, beans & lean protein like chicken and rice cakes

Perhaps the best way to cut down on PMS cravings is to change when and how much food you eat.

Keeping your blood sugar level even is your best bet. Try eating six small meals spread throughout the day. Each of the meals should include some complex carbs, some protein and a little fat to keep your body satisfied and avoid blood sugar spikes that will only lead to more cravings.

You may not be able to get rid of your PMS cravings completely but by following the advice above, you can manage them and gain at least some control over your cravings.

Dealing with Period Pains and Water Retention

To Relieve Period Pains … Try to eat magnesium rich foods such as; Wholegrains, Green leafy vegetables, Dairy products, Fish and Seafood.

To reduce breast tenderness and water retention, relax, manage any stress and eat foods rich in the B-Complex Vitamins such as Millet, Rye, Buckwheat and Brown rice