You really don’t need any more downers when you’re riding the scarlet wave; but, surely enough, some weight gain will always be the additional cause of your blues when you’re on your period. This fluctuation (sometimes as much as 2lb), can be quite unnerving and lead to emotional overeating. Never mind the fact that you are already stuffing your face because your hormones are out of whack.
We explain to you how you can stay on the lighter side of the scale while you’re on your period.
Keep In Mind
Women on their period experience stronger than average hormonal changes, and those changes manifest in a variety of ways:
- Bloating
- Food cravings
- Increased appetite
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Anxiety
They, in turn, can lead to weight gain. However, the upward swing on the scale is only temporary, so long as you restrict its perimeters to bloating and water retention. Your body holds on to the water and that can be the cause of the elevated number on the weighing machine, even if you’ve stayed within your calorie count.
But this is only temporary and your body will self-regulate and bounce-back into shape when your period is over.
Permanent Weight Gain
The only time it will translate to permanent weight gain is if you load up on high-carb foods to satisfy your cravings. And before you lament that it is inevitable, make note that associating feelings of satisfaction and happiness with comfort foods is all in our mind.
That moment when your favorite actress gorges down a tub of ice cream because she’s got the blues—that will be the end of your diet. Studies suggest that foods that are high in B12 and folic acid are great mood elevators. So the next time, try some salmon with a side of broccoli instead.
Also make note that when you’re on your period, there is a reduction in hormonal secretion, so yes, some light workouts are a good way to release the stress and alleviate the mood swings. That said, you won’t be feeling particularly active, so switch from gym workouts to some low-key yoga or mat exercises.
Starting your diet towards the end of your period, and intense workouts the day after will prove to be extremely effective to not just drop the pounds you packed on, but quickly shed some bonus ones as well.
PS: Here’s an exhaustive list of Diets For Weight Loss.
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