Periods or menstrual cycle are the turbulent days of the month. Women go through both physical and emotional fluctuations during these five days. There is bloating and cramp, and to top it all there is the wild beasts called ‘mood swings’. Amidst the mood swings, women find comfort in satiating themselves by indulging into their period cravings and comfort food.
During periods, women faces severe hunger pangs than usual. There is a constant urge to snack on chocolate and chips more than the normal days. Health experts claim that during the menstrual cycle, physiological changes are happening in the body. The hormonal rise of oestrogen is one of the biggest reasons for cravings and hunger pangs. Others say that it is that time of the month where women allow themselves to cheat and indulge themselves.
Most women have their curated list of comfort food to indulge on during periods. It is a different kind of medication found in a bag of chocolates or a plate of crispy french fries. during period cravings, the taste buds are heightened. These comfort food items satisfy the cravings but also uplift the mood. Here is a list of comfort food items that women crave during periods:
# Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is the most sought after comfort food craved by women during periods. Just biting on a large dark chocolate bar or sipping some dark cocoa is sheer indulgence. One of the reasons that women crave dark cocoa is because their body lacks magnesium content during periods. Dark chocolate fulfills that nutrient deficiency as it is rich in magnesium. Eating dark chocolate also relieves headaches and menstrual cramps.
# Chips and fries
A packet of Lays or a large McDonalds french fries is what most women crave during periods. The days of periods becomes better with these comfort food. Fries and just lying down. However consuming them more leads to bloating and one should try to control the quantity to eat these fried and salty food items.
# Spicy food
Spicy mexican food like enchiladas and salsa are craved during periods. The taste buds wants some new flavours and aromas, hence the cravings. Also, spicy foods have a long lasting taste. Consuming spicy food helps to uplift the mood and also relieve stress.
# Sweets
Sweets and sugar cravings are pretty conventional during periods. With shredding of uterus lining, your body has a sugar imbalance in the blood. This leads to drop in energy levels and hence the cravings for sweets. With fluctuations in the calorie levels, women feel free to indulge on ice-creams and waffles.
# Coffee and tea
To not be tired, coffee is one of the comfort beverage women crave during periods. It also keeps them agile. Other times, a hot cup of tea becomes the ultimate comfort to soothe your body from the cramps and pain.
With these comfort foods on the table, periods can seem a little less gloomy. Indulging is good but taking care of the quantities also matter. After a doughnut binge, it will be helpful to go for a walk. Cravings are normal during periods just let them not totally take control.
