{"id":23745,"date":"2021-06-17T23:42:48","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T23:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=23745"},"modified":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:35:01","slug":"food-cravings-before-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Cravings Before Period: Why They\u2019re So Vicious And What You Can Do About Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Why_Do_We_Experience_Food_Cravings_Before_a_Period\" >Why Do We Experience Food Cravings Before a Period?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Psychological_Factors\" >Psychological Factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Nutritional_Deficiencies\" >Nutritional Deficiencies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#How_to_Cope_With_Cravings_Before_Your_Period\" >How to Cope With Cravings Before Your Period<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Eat_Foods_Rich_in_Magnesium\" >Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Go_for_Complex_Carbs\" >Go for Complex Carbs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Swap_Sugary_Snacks_for_Fruits\" >Swap Sugary Snacks for Fruits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Try_Activities_That_Will_Help_Boost_Your_Mood\" >Try Activities That Will Help Boost Your Mood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Eat_Small_Frequent_Meals\" >Eat Small, Frequent Meals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Go_out_in_the_Sunshine\" >Go out in the Sunshine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Work_out\" >Work out<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Stock_up_on_Healthy_Foods\" >Stock up on Healthy Foods<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Avoid_Stress_and_Be_Kind_to_Yourself\" >Avoid Stress and Be Kind to Yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Seek_Help\" >Seek Help<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#6_Healthy_Food_Cravings_Before_Your_Period\" >6 Healthy Food Cravings Before Your Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#When_to_See_a_Doctor\" >When to See a Doctor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Is_it_normal_to_crave_so_much_1_week_before_your_period\" >Is it normal to crave so much 1 week before your period?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Why_am_I_so_tired_3_days_before_my_period\" >Why am I so tired 3 days before my period?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Do_you_gain_weight_the_week_before_your_period\" >Do you gain weight the week before your period?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#Do_period_cravings_cause_weight_gain\" >Do period cravings cause weight gain?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We&#8217;ve all been there; it&#8217;s that time of the month and suddenly, all we can think about is indulging in our favorite comfort foods. Whether it&#8217;s chocolate, salty snacks, or carbs, we often find ourselves giving in to these intense food cravings before our periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But why do these cravings occur? And more importantly, what can we do to manage them?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food cravings are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affecting up to 85% of women (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12905-022-01658-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). PMS is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in the days leading up to a woman&#8217;s period. These changes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, specifically an increase in estrogen and progesterone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560698\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s what you need to know about food cravings before your period and how to deal with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_We_Experience_Food_Cravings_Before_a_Period\"><\/span><b>Why Do We Experience Food Cravings Before a Period?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal changes play a major role in triggering food cravings before your period. Toward the end of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly. These hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, the body may start to crave certain foods that can boost these neurotransmitters and make us feel better. In addition, low levels of serotonin have been linked to increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8697046\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to hormonal changes, there are also:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Psychological_Factors\"><\/span><b>Psychological Factors<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress, fatigue, and emotions can also contribute to food cravings before a period. Research has shown that stress can increase cortisol levels, which may trigger cravings for high-fat and sugary foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4214609\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, fatigue can lead to a decrease in willpower and self-control, which makes it easier to give in to unhealthy food cravings. Negative emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety can also trigger cravings as we seek comfort through food (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4214609\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nutritional_Deficiencies\"><\/span><b>Nutritional Deficiencies<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your menstrual cycle, your body requires more nutrients such as iron and magnesium. If your diet is lacking in these essential nutrients, your body may crave certain foods that contain them. For example, chocolate contains magnesium, which could explain why many women crave it before their period (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7985630\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Looking for a way to <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\">break the vicious cycle of weight loss <\/a> and tone up all the jiggly parts? Watch the extra pounds fly off and your muscles firm up with the BetterMe app!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Cope_With_Cravings_Before_Your_Period\"><\/span><b>How to Cope With Cravings Before Your Period<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specific cravings happen for a reason, so don\u2019t beat yourself up over it. The best option is to swap out the sugary, salty, and high-carb snacks for more nutrient-dense ones such as whole carbs and fruits, which can also lead to longer-lasting fullness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Below are a few tips to help you cope with those pesky food cravings:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_Foods_Rich_in_Magnesium\"><\/span><b>Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chocolate is one of the most common period cravings (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.plos.org\/plosone\/article?id=10.1371\/journal.pone.0181445\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Chocolate cravings could be a result of low magnesium levels. Chocolate is rich in magnesium but also energy-dense. You can try healthy sources of magnesium such as spinach, legumes, cashew nuts, and peanuts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you must choose, then opt for dark chocolate as it\u2019s healthier than milk chocolate. In addition, dark chocolate is a potent source of antioxidants and minerals (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4696435\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). However, don\u2019t overindulge due to the relatively higher calorie density; a square or two should provide adequate magnesium.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Go_for_Complex_Carbs\"><\/span><b>Go for Complex Carbs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the level of estrogen drops before your period, so does the level of serotonin. This chemical helps stabilize mood and happiness. The low level of serotonin is often the driver behind cravings for <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/refined-carbs\/\">refined carbs<\/a> such as pasta, potato chips, and bread. If you eat too many of these foods, you could end up feeling worse and more sluggish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating carbs helps you feel better as they increase the secretion of serotonin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8697046\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Instead of refined carbs that contain low amounts of fiber, opt for complex carbs to ease the cravings and make you feel better and stay full for longer. Eat satisfying fiber-rich foods such as <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/brown-rice-protein\/\">brown rice<\/a>, barley, oats, lentils, and beans.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26.png\" alt=\"food cravings before period\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Swap_Sugary_Snacks_for_Fruits\"><\/span><b>Swap Sugary Snacks for Fruits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trying to stay away from the cookie jar or candy bowl can be quite a task. However, too much sugar has short- and long-term health drawbacks. It is actually easier to overindulge when enjoying sugary treats as they\u2019re delicious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s okay to have a few biscuits, but eating an entire bag is not ideal due to the large amount of sugar and fat. Avoid refined sugars and choose more nutrient-dense alternatives, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, to satisfy sugar cravings. For example, you can try fruit and plain yogurt, trail mix, fruit smoothies, energy bites, or fruit slices with raw honey.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Try_Activities_That_Will_Help_Boost_Your_Mood\"><\/span><b>Try Activities That Will Help Boost Your Mood<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PMS can take a toll on your emotions. Irritability, sadness, and mood swings are common and may extend into your period. At the time, comfort eating may seem like the best way to boost your mood, but there are many activities you can engage in that increase the feel-good hormones such as serotonin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2077351\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t sit and stuff yourself with candy and chips all day. Instead, to boost your mood and increase your energy, you can try:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a walk in the sun<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking to a friend<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light exercises such as jogging or swimming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hugging someone or cuddling your pet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listening to upbeat music or songs you enjoy<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_Small_Frequent_Meals\"><\/span><b>Eat Small, Frequent Meals<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To keep your food cravings at bay, eat <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/small-frequent-meals\/\">small frequent meals.<\/a> You may be tempted to skip meals to reduce your energy intake, but this can lead to an increase in appetite later on and make your period cravings even more intense.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you skip meals or go for too long without eating, your blood sugar levels drop. When your blood glucose is low, your body responds by making you crave foods that will raise your sugar levels. You also don\u2019t want to get yourself too hungry as you may overeat during your next meal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating small, regular meals will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and control the cravings. For example, try eating six small meals instead of three. Alternatively, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-eat-less\/\">eat less<\/a> during the three main meals and include three light snacks in between.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, don\u2019t deprive yourself of nutrients during the other phases of your cycle. If you enter the luteal phase having denied yourself nutrients and calories, hunger and craving signals can markedly increase (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10251302\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><i>Yoga for Period Cramps: Does It Work?<\/i><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Go_out_in_the_Sunshine\"><\/span><b>Go out in the Sunshine<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A walk in the sunshine will do you good. Exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the brain&#8217;s release of serotonin. Conversely, too little sunlight can lower your serotonin levels and interfere with your mood (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3779905\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t stay indoors all day, go out in the sun. You can walk your dog or take a visit to the park. Remember to wear sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Work_out\"><\/span><b>Work out<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you work out, the body releases endorphins. Endorphins interact with receptors in the brain that reduce your perception of pain. These chemicals also trigger positive feelings. The feeling you get after a morning run or workout is often described as euphoric.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular physical exercise also boosts other feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3632802\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Therefore, moderate exercise should help control the cravings and other PMS symptoms. You can try moderate exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobic exercise, yoga, or dancing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a few friends to work out with you to make it more interesting. Aim for about 30 minutes of exercise several days a week throughout your cycle and not just before your period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stock_up_on_Healthy_Foods\"><\/span><b>Stock up on Healthy Foods<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how intense your period cravings are, you can\u2019t give in if you don\u2019t have a supply of high-sugar and fat, nutrient-poor snacks in your home or office. So, if you tend to buy Oreos and potato chips in bulk and are experiencing cravings, it&#8217;s time to change things up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you have a healthy pantry instead. Buy lots of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and lean protein such as salmon and poultry. In this way, you\u2019ll have healthy snack options such as carrots and peanut butter, which are more nutritious and filling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other healthy snacks you can try include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vegetable sticks and sweet potato hummus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apple slices with almond butter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blended frozen banana and strawberry ice cream<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fresh dates or unsalted mixed nuts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avocado dip and whole-wheat crackers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also want to avoid consuming fatty foods during this period. Fats slow down the digestion and absorption of carbs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4008806\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Therefore, you won\u2019t feel better until your body absorbs the carbohydrates, which increase the secretion of serotonin (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8697046\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Remember, low serotonin levels make you crave carbohydrate-rich foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure that you stay away from alcohol before your period. Drinking can increase depressive symptoms. Also, when you drink, the body prioritizes alcohol metabolism to get rid of its toxic by-products. This disrupts the metabolism of other substances, including carbohydrates, which leads to low energy and poorer mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid_Stress_and_Be_Kind_to_Yourself\"><\/span><b>Avoid Stress and Be Kind to Yourself<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t stress about the cravings and worry if you\u2019ll give in to them. It will do you no good and only make things worse. In addition, stress can lead to overeating as food can provide temporary comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So just before your period, stay away from anything that makes you stressed. Also, don\u2019t be too hard on yourself. Food cravings before a period are normal, and provided you generally stick to healthy foods, there\u2019s nothing to worry about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try meditation, gardening, yoga, or breathing exercises to help you relax.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seek_Help\"><\/span><b>Seek Help<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If any of your attempts to control your food cravings aren\u2019t working, you should seek help from medical professionals. You can start by seeing a dietitian who will help you understand the connection between compulsive eating and your menstrual cycle and help formulate an individualized plan to provide energy and satiety throughout the day while mitigating physical symptoms relating to the menstrual cycle. They will then help you develop a strategy for managing your cravings and moderating your hunger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also benefit from attending support groups if the cravings are excessive and you end up binge eating. If you experience severe binge eating symptoms, you may find psychotherapy beneficial. A common form is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you tend to let yourself off the hook, raise the white flag when things get tougher than you expected, send yourself on an unconscious binge-eating trip \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\">BetterMe app is here to help you <\/a> leave all of these sabotaging habits in the past!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Healthy_Food_Cravings_Before_Your_Period\"><\/span><b>6 Healthy Food Cravings Before Your Period<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While giving in to food cravings before your period may seem like the easiest solution, it can often lead to overeating and feelings of guilt. Instead, try satisfying these cravings with healthier options that can still provide you with the comfort and nutrients you need.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chocolate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As previously mentioned, chocolate is high in magnesium (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4696435\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) which can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and irritability (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/premenstrual-syndrome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to satisfy your cravings without consuming excess sugar and calories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salty Snacks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Are you craving chips or pretzels? Reach for air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas instead. These snacks are still salty but contain more fiber and protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0924224414002386\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Carbohydrates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Instead of reaching for processed carbs such as white bread or pasta, opt for whole-grain options such as brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat bread. These complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy without causing a spike in blood sugar levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heart.org\/en\/healthy-living\/healthy-eating\/eat-smart\/nutrition-basics\/carbohydrates\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ice Cream<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you crave creamy, cold treats before your period, try making your own ice cream using frozen bananas and your favorite toppings. This healthier alternative is still satisfying, but contains less added sugars and artificial ingredients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sweets<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you have a sweet tooth before your period, satisfy it with fruits such as berries or apples. These fruits are high in <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/coconut-sugar-substitute\/\">natural sugars<\/a> and antioxidants, which makes them a healthier option than processed sweets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fatty Foods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Instead of indulging in fried or greasy foods, try incorporating healthy fats into your diet such as avocado, nuts, and seeds. These foods can help reduce inflammation (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nutritionj.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12937-017-0271-4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and provide sustained energy without causing bloating or discomfort.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_See_a_Doctor\"><\/span><b>When to See a Doctor<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food cravings and wanting to eat more before your period is normal, and usually, there\u2019s no need for concern. The severe form of premenstrual syndrome is referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and may require medical attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some symptoms are a sign of an underlying issue. You should visit your doctor if the hunger cravings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cause significant unintentional weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persist throughout the month<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are a way of dealing with severe depression, stress, or anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cause anxiety or distress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interfere with your daily activities at school or work<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affect your recovery or treatment of an eating disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><i>Does Walking Help Period Cramps? Reasons You Should Consider Walking for Menstrual Pain Relief<\/i><i><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/29.png\" alt=\"food cravings before period\" \/><\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_normal_to_crave_so_much_1_week_before_your_period\"><\/span><strong>Is it normal to crave so much 1 week before your period? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s normal to experience cravings before your period. In fact, it&#8217;s a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Many women may feel an intense desire for certain foods or snacks in the week leading up to their periods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This craving is often caused by hormonal changes in the body, specifically a drop in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones can affect neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, appetite, and cravings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some women may crave sweets or carbohydrates due to low serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of sadness or irritability during PMS. Other women may crave salty or fatty foods due to water retention and bloating caused by fluctuating hormone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, while these cravings are normal, it&#8217;s important to listen to your body and make healthy choices. Instead of giving in to unhealthy snacks, opt for nutritious options that can help alleviate PMS symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_am_I_so_tired_3_days_before_my_period\"><\/span><strong>Why am I so tired 3 days before my period? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhaustion and fatigue are also common symptoms before menstruation. The drop in estrogen levels can cause feelings of tiredness, in addition to changes in serotonin levels, which can affect sleep patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, PMS can also lead to feelings of anxiety or stress, which can contribute to fatigue. This is why it&#8217;s important to prioritize self-care and relaxation during this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to food cravings, fatigue, and mood changes, other common PMS symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and muscle aches. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable or inconvenient, they usually go away once your period starts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To cope with PMS symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay hydrated:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drinking plenty of water can help reduce bloating and prevent constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exercise: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular physical activity can help improve mood and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and cramps (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2673-4184\/3\/2\/26\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get enough rest:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Make sure you get adequate sleep to combat fatigue and improve overall well-being.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use heat therapy: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can help relieve menstrual cramps (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/324484\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Try relaxation techniques:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can alleviate stress and anxiety during PMS (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_gain_weight_the_week_before_your_period\"><\/span><strong>Do you gain weight the week before your period? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The scale may go up a few pounds in the week leading up to your period, but rest assured, it&#8217;s not permanent weight gain. Fluctuations in hormones can cause water retention and bloating, making you feel heavier than usual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, food cravings during PMS can lead to overeating or indulging in unhealthy snacks, which may contribute to temporary weight gain. However, it&#8217;s important to remember that these changes are normal and shouldn\u2019t cause any worry or self-judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on taking care of yourself and making healthy choices rather than obsessing over the numbers on the scale. Once your period starts, these symptoms will likely subside and your body will return to its usual state.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_period_cravings_cause_weight_gain\"><\/span><strong>Do period cravings cause weight gain? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Period cravings may result in temporary weight gain, but it&#8217;s not necessarily due to a calorie surplus from food; it&#8217;s more likely caused by water retention or recent overeating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cravings during PMS are often driven by a desire for comfort or pleasure, rather than genuine hunger. This can lead to consuming more calories than your body needs, resulting in weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, once your period starts and hormone levels balance out, these cravings typically subside and your body will naturally return to its state from before the start of your period. So while you may experience some changes in weight before and during your period, it&#8217;s important not to obsess over them and focus on overall health and well-being instead.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=food_cravings_before_period\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to better deal with your cravings, you can track your period. In this way, you can tell when the cravings may kick in. In addition, being knowledgeable about these food cravings gives you an edge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember to be kind to yourself and not to stress. Eat small, regular meals to remain full and opt for healthier snacks. And if you must eat that chocolate, pizza, or caramel ice cream that you\u2019re badly craving, don\u2019t overindulge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve all been there; it&#8217;s that time of the month and suddenly, all we can think about is indulging in our favorite comfort foods. Whether it&#8217;s chocolate, salty snacks, or carbs, we often find ourselves giving in to these intense food cravings before our periods. But why do these cravings occur? And more importantly, what [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":62521,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"coauthors":[117,236],"class_list":["post-23745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nutrition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Food Cravings Before Period: Why They\u2019re So Vicious And What You Can Do About Them - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you constantly craving french fries, chocolate, and candy before your period? Here\u2019s why you get \u2605 FOOD CRAVINGS BEFORE PERIOD \u27a4 and how to cope.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Food Cravings Before Period: Why They\u2019re So Vicious And What You Can Do About Them\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are you constantly craving french fries, chocolate, and candy before your period? Here\u2019s why you get \u2605 FOOD CRAVINGS BEFORE PERIOD \u27a4 and how to cope.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_1810995913-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ZindzyGracia, Amanda Pasko, MS, MPH, RD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ZindzyGracia, Amanda Pasko, MS, MPH, RD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ZindzyGracia\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/4f26b4487d1c8af25dd6c064dad28a99\"},\"headline\":\"Food Cravings Before Period: Why They\u2019re So Vicious And What You Can Do About Them\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-16T08:35:01+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/\"},\"wordCount\":2345,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/food-cravings-before-period\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/shutterstock_1810995913-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Nutrition\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">We've all been there; it's that time of the month and suddenly, all we can think about is indulging in our favorite comfort foods. Whether it's chocolate, salty snacks, or carbs, we often find ourselves giving in to these intense food cravings before our periods.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">But why do these cravings occur? And more importantly, what can we do to manage them?<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Food cravings are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affecting up to 85% of women (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12905-022-01658-5\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). PMS is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in the days leading up to a woman's period. These changes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, specifically an increase in estrogen and progesterone (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560698\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Here's what you need to know about food cravings before your period and how to deal with them.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Why Do We Experience Food Cravings Before a Period?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Hormonal changes play a major role in triggering food cravings before your period. Toward the end of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly. These hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and appetite.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">As a result, the body may start to crave certain foods that can boost these neurotransmitters and make us feel better. 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Whether it's chocolate, salty snacks, or carbs, we often find ourselves giving in to these intense food cravings before our periods.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But why do these cravings occur? And more importantly, what can we do to manage them?<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food cravings are a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affecting up to 85% of women (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12905-022-01658-5\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). PMS is a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in the days leading up to a woman's period. These changes are primarily caused by hormonal fluctuations, specifically an increase in estrogen and progesterone (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560698\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here's what you need to know about food cravings before your period and how to deal with them.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Why Do We Experience Food Cravings Before a Period?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal changes play a major role in triggering food cravings before your period. Toward the end of the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly. These hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for regulating mood and appetite.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a result, the body may start to crave certain foods that can boost these neurotransmitters and make us feel better. 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