Question:
I'm always hungry a week before that time of the month!!

It seems continuous, the fact that I crave sugar, carbs, snacks. I feel so bad when I eat them and tell myself that it's just because of my period but it doesn't help the guilt. Now don't get me wrong I'm not eating large amounts just things that I don't usually include in my daily eating habits. It starts a week before and usually lasts until at least 3 days into my monthly. Does anyone else have this problem and do you have any suggestions as to what to do. I usually give in by eating good stuff though, like apples & peanut butter, pretzels & cream cheese, sugar free ice cream (ok, maybe not so good stuff), but it's not potato chips, candy bars and donuts like before. I'm 13 months out and am down 125 pounds. I have 25 more to goal and I don't want to sabotage myself with this once a month lack of will power.    — Irene M. (posted on September 30, 2003)

September 30, 2003
Try upping your protein and see if that helps.
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 30, 2003
Oh my gosh! Me too! This has never happenend to me before also. I crave chocolate then salty foods, then sweet, and so on. I started buying a chocolate protein bar for when i go crazy and eat pickles for salty. I feel for you but don't have any real answers. I just think if thats my splurge for the month then so be it. When my periods gone and i feel better (not bloated, crampy, etc.) I will just work out more. Good Luck honey!
   — VIXYVIX

September 30, 2003
I know I am hungrier during that week than the whole rest of the month! I have found that if I stock up on healthy snack items before that time of the month, it helps a LOT. Like a previous poster said having some protien bars on hand helps with the 'sugar'/chocolate fix. I also like the Carb Solutions soy chips for my salty/crunchy (and can eat them without feeling guilty). I also occasionally (every 3 or 4 months) make myself a small box of sugar free/fat free pudding and eat that as a treat (but rarely eat more than 1/2 or 3/4 of it). Another good ole' stand by for me is cashews. I know they are high in fat and salt, but in my mind it's better than eating something that is high in carbs and/or low in protien. Anyway, don't beat yourself up too much, just be prepared to eat things that you know won't throw you off track. Besides, 'skinny' people listen to their bodies and eat more or less depending on the day (or time of month)...so, maybe we should too! Signed....Munching in Minnesota.
   — eaamc

October 1, 2003
Shoot yeah. I never noticed it before (or maybe I just ate so much all the time that I never was aware of those monthly cravings). But now, I notice that in the week before I start, I get the MUNCHIES. That's the only way to put it - it's the strongest cravings I've had sinse surgery. It lasts into the first day or two of my cycle, then the cravings ease off. Recognizing it helps me deal with it, interestingly. I also allow myself a little leniency during this time - although I don't go overboard. But if I eat a little bit more, or catch myself eyeing things I don't normally (like the goodies that people in the office bring in), I don't beat myself up over it - I just be aware of it, know it's related to my cycle, and that it won't last. That not only helps ease the anxiety about it, but makes it easier to resist - knowing that it's temporary. Sounds funny, but that's how it works for me...
   — johanniter

October 1, 2003
I am sooooo glad that you asked this question. I have no answers but i can tell you that the week before my monthly I find myself snacking a lot. Although i never had a cycle prior to surgery without bc pills, I never noticed it. /the only suggestion that I can give is to continue to eating the good stuff(high protein snacks) and WE should be fine
   — tameaka S.

October 1, 2003
Hi Irene: You're not alone...This week, the week before my period, I've been eating so much, I scared myself. I ate 2 apples with peanut butter yesterday....TWO apples!! Of course, this was in addition to my 2-egg breakfast with hamburger patty (no bread/no hashbrowns), my 1/2 an Island's burger for lunch (no bun) AND a homemade chef salad for dinner...What is interesting though, is I forgot my protein supplement shaker cup yesterday, thus I drank NO protein supplement till I got home. I think that stuff helps me feel fuller. PLUS, I was so busy yesterday I got very little water in...strange...water makes me more full, too!
   — Amy A.