Periods, appetite, and weight loss

[godchildren.livejournal.com]

I'm currently trying to lose weight and I've been successful so far, but now I'm menstruating and the scale has gone up a few pounds. I'm also exceptionally hungry. It makes me wonder if there are any metabolism changes during menstruation. Is it acceptable to give into cravings during our time of the month? How much weight do you typically gain and how soon does it drop off again?

Comments

[garillama.livejournal.com]

I've found that most of it seems to be water weight just from changes in hormones and how you're body retains water. If you want to avoid it, make sure you're drinking at least 64 oz of water a day (counter-intuitive, I know, but it works!), and avoid salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Or it you're lazy (like me) just acknowledge that it's going to happen and don't sweat the scale too much around your period. I'd do my best to avoid giving into cravings too much, although hopefully you're on an eating plan that has a little wiggle room to indulge in treats in moderate amounts :) I usually gain around my PMS week, and then the day my period starts I'm back to my expected weight!

[kellyfofelly.livejournal.com]

Agreed with everything in the above comment! It is very common to bloat during your period, and it is quite likely you'll be back to the weight you were at before your period as soon as you're done with it. Just stay hydrated and stay away from salty foods if you want to reduce the bloating, though it really won't cause any damage. :-)

[uozlulu.livejournal.com]

I always gain about 2 - 4 pounds at the start of my period from bloating, and when I weigh myself after my period all that weight is gone.

Also, I find giving into cravings smartly helps. Like if I'm hungry for ice cream, I have some milk because it's really the calcium I'm looking for. I also eat more red meat during this time, but it just replaces the other types of meat I might have instead.

[dindin.livejournal.com]

Ha. I'm a hoover sometimes right around my period, especially with red meat. I try to binge sensibly if I can and stay active. It's mostly water weight, so drink lots of water.

Why should you deny yourself something you want if it's only occasionally? If I didn't eat meat that week I swear I'd go insane.

[crazybassist88.livejournal.com]

I heard somewhere that your metabolism increases with menstruation which is why you get so hungry.
When I was on a diet I'd give into my chocolate craving but I'd just have a few pieces.
Munch out on veggies and drink lotsa water and you'll be fine.