Hormones and Whole30

[tabby]

So I just experienced my first period while on whole30 and i found it ridiculously difficult! All i wanted to do was consume any processed food that came within reach. Im not used to finding my cycle so stressful, probably because im not used to being so careful with my consumption? any thoughts? I really want to reboot my approach to food as comfort so please any suggestions for coping gratefully received! I also do shift work as a nurse so this can interfere with regular meals.

As a reference point for you to understand what my hormones do to my eating a regular preperiod meal would typically involve peanut butter and jam sanwhiches, whole bags of gummi candy and chips and dip. Yes my weight has been creeping up but mainly I flatline on energy and motivation after this.

Please help!

[kaiser179]

I can relate! I had horrible cramps for the entire second half of my first W30, which is really unusual for me. Have you read ISWF? I didn't read everything in great detail, but the book discusses how food impacts our hormones. I don't have a lot of good coping ideas but it does seem to get better the longer I stay compliant. I am on Day 5 of a second W30 and my cramps have virtually disappeared. Maybe try to pamper yourself with some non-food related things, like a bath or a good book? Try to get extra rest if possible.

Good luck!

[Karen]

During the second half of your cycle, your body needs more energy. Think of it this way - between ovulation and your period, your body has to assume it could possibly be pregnant, so it does a whole host of things to make sure that if an egg was indeed fertilized, conditions are just right for it to stick. So, it needs more energy to accomplish that. That's why we have those insane cravings leading up to it and through the first few days. Side note: The body also requires additional fluids and nutrients, which is why our digestion is slowed down (read: constipation) and we retain more water (read: bloated).

To combat that? Eat more carbs a few days prior to your period. Try to head it off before the insane cravings start. Sweet potato, starchy veg, etc. Some find increasing fat also helps. Take a spoonful of coconut oil or cream every now and then. And know that it's not something willpower will overcome - it's how we're hard wired. Your body is asking for something, just recognize that and find a compliant way to appease it!