[uconnjulie]

I have always had SEVERE cravings the week before my period shows up ... it happens probably when progesterone and estrogen levels are decreasing (I think since my leuteal phase is normal, and my cycle is usually 28 days). Many weeks I just eat like crap that week ... but I really want to stop this pattern ... and figure out what makes it happen and what I can do to make it go away!! It really leads to me having two weeks where I feel like crap out of every four (the week before TOM and the week of TOM)!!!

HELP!!

[uconnjulie]

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

[uconnjulie]

OK ... Going to post some findings from my Google search here in the event that it can help other women ...

It seems that calcium intake can play a big role. Since I cut out dairy this past week, I am wondering if that is playing into my horrible symptoms this month? One study from Columbia U. had women taking TUMS 1200 mg calcium daily and it cut symptoms nearly in half. Guess I'll break out the TUMS today!!

[CoachMike]

DROP DEM TUMS Julie !! Calcium without adequate magnesium , D3, Zinc, boron, etc. can lead to deposition in the joints or even worse arteries . .
And huge amounts of bioavailable calcium come from Greens . .so get to the broccoli !!!

High level fish oils don't only improve insulin sensetivity and lipolysis, they ward off cravings ( a big topic at this weekend's Ottawa workshop- at least at my table ) . .
try going up to a good 3 tbsp/ day ( one / meal ).

If it's a serotonin/ low carb issue- 5-htp can hellp women quite a bit- so look more to that . .quite calming and great near bed

[galya]

CoachMike is the man:)
I've had NO period cravings (or any cravings) for months and months ever since I started taking 6 grams of fish oil a day and added some flax (and adding borage soon). I also take a female oriented multi, so it's even better now.
I always thought that cravings were more a magnesium than calcium deal but I guess since they are connected so it makes sense.
Coach Mike, what doses of 5-htp do you recommend?

[CoachMike]

Originally Posted by galya

CoachMike is the man:)
. . . .
Coach Mike, what doses of 5-htp do you recommend?

Awwww thanks "G",
I can be a 'brain busy" guy so my pre-bed formula can be used as an elephant ranqulizer . .so I won't even share the stack'o'stuff

BUT, 500 mg seems to usually suffice of 5-htp
BTW, Magnesium usually cures choocolate cravings

[galya]

Thanks for the recommendations!
My chocolate desires are mental, my female clients gave me that pattern of wanting chocolate. Thankfully one of the trainers that works for me makes excellent homemade all natural chocolate from cocoa powder, stevia, gellatin and butter and one bite is plenty. We have those at the studio all the time for hard core chocolate lovers.

[uconnjulie]

OK ... according to the past week tracking in Dietpower, I am only getting between 600-1000 mg average of calcium daily and I am eating PLENTY of greens (see my food log). That seems a bit low to me since in the past it was more like 1000-1200 mg. My cravings are NEVER this severe and I am wondering if it is because normally I have at least two servings of dairy each day (usually 1% cottage cheese and Greek Yogurt). Magnesium levels have been between 500-700 mg (which I believe is in a good range, right?).
The cravings are not really chocolate ... just anything ... ummm ... "bad" for me ... more carbs ... potato chips, pretzels, cookies, graham crackers, ice cream, pizza ... etc etc etc ...
My fishoil is in capsules ... to get 3000 mg of EPA/DHA I am taking 10 a day (just opened this bottle today ... past stuff must have been "stronger" as I only needed 6 to get 3000 mg). Each capsule has 1000 mg fish-oil concentrate with 360 mg EPA and 240 mg DHA. I have taken them religiously this past week. So I guess I am getting 10 g of fishoil each day (at least with this new bottle. Not sure about the other bottle ... threw it out already.)
Not sure what 5-htp is but I'll look into it ...

[rixatrix]

I have the same problems--the week before my period, my hormones turn upside down, I start craving junk food, and I can barely stand to look at myself in the mirror. I'm the Pill, and my PMS was definitely much better before I had to switch to a different formulation, so if you're in the same boat, you might consider trying a different brand.

What helps the most is mentally cutting myself some slack and realizing that I'm not in my normal frame of mind, and that it will all be over in a few days. Sometimes, if you give yourself permission to want something--like chocolate--you can sort of out smart it. For intance, I'll tell myself that I'll get some chocolate later, when I want it. Then later when I'm at home that night, I'll still want it, but it's not worth it to me to drive to a store and get some. See what I mean? Give yourself permission to want what you want and the craving loses some power.

Feeling guilty about what you've eaten is just going to push you into a bad pattern of behavior. Focus less on guilt, and more on giving yourself what you really need. Ask if what you really want is junk food, or if a healthy meal and a hot bath would make you feel better instead. And if you do eat the junk food, forgive yourself and move on--back to the healthy diet and exercising. Make it one bad meal instead of a week's worth.

[jenatgym]

you rixatrix are a genius, i'm going to definately try that.

Ryan my trainer tells me " Jen,just b/c you crave something doesn't mean you have to eat it." He's right, BUT he's a boy and he has an incredible metabalism.