Sorry guys, this post is for females only...you've been warned.
Periods: we all get them (assuming that the person reading this post is indeed a lady). There is no need for me to go through the never-ending list of uncomfortable symptoms brought on by this monthly "gift". For many though, one of the worst downfalls of getting your period has to do with food--cravings. I've received some requests for a list of healthy ways to satisfy those seemingly insatiable cravings that only arrive once a month.
No matter how hard I try or how disciplined I can be the other twenty-some days of the month, I will always find myself drawn into a food-driven hysteria. Cake, muffins, cookies, fries, burgers, milkshakes--ohh, the HORROR! After one of these gluttonous episodes has run its course, I am left feeling lousy, guilty, and (surprisingly) completely unsatisfied.
When people see me eating things that I normally would avoid or eat only on rare occasions, they either appear shocked or mildly amused. I, for one, am not amused.
As a nutrition blogger, and just as someone who cares about her health in general, I recognized (with some prompting from my mom) that I should be looking for ways to fix this problem and help out others who struggle with the same types of cravings.
So, like any studious young woman in search of a practical solution to her dilemma, I consulted my most prolific and accurate resource: Google.
I have done some research and compiled a list of good "period foods" (a combination of my personal selections and those suggested by healthcare gurus) that will help satisfy your unavoidable mad-woman hankerings and hopefully leave you feeling even better about yourself afterwards.
Leafy Green Veggies, like kale or spinach, are packed with iron, fiber, calcium, and B vitamins that will help everything from your hair and skin, to your digestive system. I know, leafy greens don't usually fall into the category of most-craved foods, but there is no arguing with their benefits. Don't feel like you have to replace your popcorn for a bag of baby spinach during that Gossip Girl marathon--cook some kale into a steamy bowl of noodles or soup; throw some arugula on top on your hamburger for a bold-tasting garnish. It'll be painless, I promise, and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER.
Red Meats --wait, what?? Yes, it's true. Red meat, and other iron-rich foods, can help make up for the loss of red blood cells during menstruation. How are we affected by this? Much of the fatigue and irritability experienced during this time of the month can be explained by iron deficiency. Coffee and tea, when taken with meals, can also contribute to this lack of iron. To counteract this, it is essential to consume some amount of lean red meat (so a cheeseburger might not be your best bet), or take some type of iron supplement. Tofu and ahi tuna are excellent vegetarian options.
Essential Fatty Acids--they're not called "essential" for nothing! Essential fatty acids found in foods like salmon, tree nuts, and olive oil will satisfy your craving for fat and grease--without all of the guilt. EFA's have been proven to promote brain functioning and a healthy weight. To read more about essential fatty acids, follow the link to my first blog post.
Fresh Fruit and Whole Grains provide fiber that will promote regularity and satisfy carb cravings. It's always a good idea to have fresh-cut fruit readily available for those times when you need something fast--when those cravings kick in, and the only options are an uncut grapefruit or a bag of chips, which one is more likely to gain your selection? BE PREPARED, WOMAN. Whole grain crackers are also a fast and easy snack choice.
Greek Yogurt--I'm sure you are all awaiting the day when this super-snack will not appear on my latest blog post; keep waiting. When you're in the mood for something cool, creamy, and satisfying, look no further. Although ice cream--both cool and creamy--can be a tempting fix, it will prove to be ultimately unsatisfying. Greek yogurt has the protein your body craves. Mix in some low-fat granola, dried fruit, or honey for an extra-special treat.
Chocolate is something that most women crave while on their periods; there is just no way of getting around it. There are, thankfully, ways to calm these chocolate cravings with little or no damage to your figure. Portion control is a big one--"everything in moderation" still rings true for this must-have indulgence. Buy individually-wrapped servings of chocolate to make it easier to track how much you've had; 1-2 pieces should calm the initial hankering. Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa, along with important antioxidants that set it apart from the standard milk chocolate. A quick and easy chocolate recipe that I've used in the past is a cake made with just a box of dark chocolate cake mix and a 12 oz. can of pureed pumpkin--it bakes like a regular cake, and the smooth texture makes it even more delicious! The pumpkin adds an extra boost of iron and fiber, with hardly any fat--WIN.
I hope these suggestions help! Comment and let me know which tips worked best for you!
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