Even before it’s that time of the month again, do you start thinking about food and what you want to eat? Well, you are not alone! Period cravings are a real thing and all menstruating women experience them to some degree.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone can cause cravings for high-carb and sweet foods before your period. You might start binge eating all the sugary, salty, junk foods that you can lay your hands on just before periods. However, eating these foods is not only unhealthy but also may result in weight gain. Period cravings usually start around 7 to 10 days before your period starts during the ovulation phase. Instead of waving all cravings goodbye, why not change your perspective on period cravings? Here are some of the healthier ways to deal with period cravings:

1. If you are craving carbs

Instead of refined carbohydrates, like chips, bread, or pasta, choose whole grains. These are food items like brown rice, oats, sweet potato, lentils, etc. For a healthy option, swap spaghetti squash or zucchini zoodles for pasta.

2. If you are craving sweet things

As tempting as it sounds to munch an entire bag of Oreos, sugar can lead to many health issues. Refined sugar causes inflammation in the body, thereby enhancing PMS cramps or any pain associated with the period. Here are some healthier ways to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings during the period: 

• Munch on a handful of figs, dates, apricots
• Snack on some fresh grapes
• Sweeten the herbal teas with raw honey
• Enjoy whole-grain pancakes with maple syrup
• Fruit parfait with honey
• Raw energy balls with nut butter, nuts, oats, coconut, etc. 

3. If you are craving Chocolate

Most women crave chocolates during their periods. Instead of reaching out to the commercial sugary chocolates, go for the dark chocolates with a high cocoa content of 70% or more. Enjoy 1 or two squares of high-quality dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and minerals to satiate your chocolate cravings. 

Instead of beating yourself up for unhealthy food cravings, start enjoying nourishing foods way before your period start. And if you want to snack on something healthy, go for it during your periods!