Have you ever hit a period where all of a sudden you find yourself gaining a pound or two every week?
Women in particular suffer from this. We are told that, during periods, our body’s basic metabolism increases, resulting in our going up a dress size or two. While this may be true, it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to prevent this from happening. You just have to know how to manage your weight during your period. This article will advise you on how to do that.
Manage Your Calendars
If you’re finding yourself putting on weight during your period, the first thing you should do is look at your calendaring. One of the primary reasons for this is that, as we’ve already established, your body’s metabolism is increased during periods. This means that you’re likely to be a bit more hungry than usual. Your best bet for keeping off the pounds is to make sure you’re eating as little as possible throughout your cycle. To help you with this, try avoiding evening meals. These are often the cause of people gaining weight in the first place. Apart from this, try to have regular meals throughout the day. Avoid huge meals in the afternoon, as these can cause you to gain weight.
Exercise
Another thing you can do to lose weight during your period is exercise. The basic metabolism theory states that the more active you are, the more calories you will burn, regardless of your weight. This means you will shed off those extra pounds. Studies have shown that exercise can help improve hormonal levels, which in turn can help regulate your weight. There are different forms of exercises that you can do, such as swimming, running or walking. Whatever it may be, make sure you do something active each day. You will be surprised how much this will help.
Reduce Stress
If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to put on weight. This is because your body’s natural alarm system gets activated, urging you to store up calories as a source of energy. When you’re under a lot of stress, avoid junk food and go for healthy options instead. Find activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, listening to music or going on a walk. Try to eliminate stress as much as possible during your period. If this is not possible, then try to find ways to cope with it. For example, maybe you can ask a friend to come over and help you vent or let your cat nap on your lap while watching TV.
Eat Healthily
As we’ve established, your body’s basic metabolism is increased during your period. This means that the food you eat will be broken down faster than usual, leaving you with less energy to burn. To ensure you don’t end up over or underweight, follow a healthy diet throughout your cycle. This will help regulate your hormones, paving the way for more sustainable weight loss.
Take Supplements
Many people have found that taking supplements can help them lose weight during their period. These supplements alter the way your body manages calories, resulting in fewer appetite strikes and less weight gain. Popular supplements that have been proven to help with weight loss include Chromium and Vitamin B6. Just keep in mind that supplements are not a complete weight-loss program and you should not expect to shed off dozens of pounds in a few months.
Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health
An increased appetite during your period can lead to severe depression. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to seek help. There are many different options available, from medication to therapy sessions. Whatever it may be, don’t feel bad about asking for assistance. Your health and your mental well-being are worth it.
It can be difficult to shed off those extra pounds around your middle when you’re in the middle of a transition. This is a completely normal reaction and it will pass. The only way to get through it is by sticking to a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. Make sure you don’t overexert yourself during workouts, as this will also lead to more weight gain. Instead, stick to a healthy lifestyle and you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier you in no time.