As women, we know all too well the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with our menstrual cycles. We are dealing with cramps, mood swings, bloating, and cravings for foods that we know aren’t the healthiest choices. However, the truth is that what we eat during our menstrual cycle impacts how we feel and how our body functions. So, it’s essential to have a diet plan that nourishes our bodies and helps us easily get through our periods. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ideal diet for women during her cycle, how to manage our cravings, the importance of hydration, fan-favorite meals, eating for those with no appetite, and how our periods change as we age.
Why is our diet so important during our cycle
Our menstrual cycle affects the types of foods our bodies require. During the menstrual cycle, our bodies go through several changes, and these changes require particular nutrients. For example, during the first phase of the menstrual cycle (the follicular phase), the body requires more iron, protein, and complex carbohydrates to build the uterine lining. The second phase (the luteal phase) requires more calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium to help our bodies deal with the hormone shift. This means that eating a balanced diet with these nutrients every day can help alleviate period symptoms.
The good vs. the bad of indulging in our cravings
Many of us experience cravings during our periods. It doesn’t matter how much we try to resist them, but the temptation is often too strong. Indulging in cravings in moderation is okay. It is crucial to distinguish between good and bad cravings. Good cravings include cravings for nutrient-packed foods like fruits, nuts, and lean protein sources. Bad cravings include junk food, highly processed and sugary foods. One way to combat bad cravings is to opt for healthier alternatives such as dark chocolate instead of regular chocolate or healthy homemade baked fries instead of deep-fried chips.
Hydration During Your Periods
Staying hydrated is critical when it comes to managing period symptoms. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Drinking water helps reduce bloating, aids digestion and other symptoms such as headaches. Women should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day or opt for nourishing water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, or berries.
Fan Favorites for the Best Meals to Eat on Your Period
Comfort foods are usually the go-to options for many women during their periods. We deserve to indulge a little during this time, but we can still enjoy healthy, delicious meals to help us get through it. Some favorite meals for women during their periods include lentil soup, salmon with quinoa, dark chocolate granola, and smoothie bowls. These meals are nourishing and satisfying, and they can make periods more manageable.
What to Eat for Those Who Have No Appetite during Their Periods
Some women experience loss of appetite during their periods, making getting the nutrients they need harder. For those who struggle with this, small, frequent meals can help keep your body nourished. Try eating nutrient and protein-dense foods such as high-protein smoothies, lean protein sources like chicken breasts, or hard-boiled eggs.
Explanation of The Major Changes in Our Periods as We Grow Older
As women grow older, so do our menstrual cycles. The average age for menstruation to stop completely is around 45-55 years old. This change comes with shifts in hormones, and some women experience a change in their menstrual cycle, including irregular periods. It is important to continue nourishing our bodies with nutrients and whole foods during this time. Eating a balanced diet can help alleviate any symptoms and prepare the body for its next phase transition.
Conclusion:
In summary, we can’t control our menstrual cycles, but we can control our diets. We need to nourish our bodies with the nutrients it needs during periods to alleviate symptoms and make it through with ease. Eating balanced meals, managing our cravings, hydrating, and enjoying healthy meals can make a difference. By doing this, we can learn to love and listen to our bodies, making periods less stressful and allowing us to experience a happier time of the month. Let’s celebrate our bodies and take control of our diets!
