I thought Aunt Flow's visit would be different this month :(

[AnaRobin]

I'm on day 18.  I've been on my period for the last 4 days and while my flow has dramatically decreased (thank goodness!!!) I've been very lethargic.  I'm supposed to be experiencing tiger blood right now and I'm just not.  My pants are tight because I am bloated, which is so disappointing because I was thinking it wouldn't be as bad while on Whole30.  Also feeling a bit blue, which is normal for me, but, once again, I was hoping for better due to being super healthy.  Anyone experience this? 

[ShannonM816]

It takes time for these things to change. It's pretty normal to be tired and bloated and blue during this time of the month, and you have seen some improvement. Depending on what your diet and general health was like before, it can take more than 18 days for major changes to happen. Just hang in there and keep making good choices that make you healthier, and it will continue to get better and better.

[Karen]

Here's a different perspective - your flow is a lot less. Doesn't that mean your period isn't the same as pre-whole 30? Isn't that a step in the right direction?

Bloating - whole 30 or not - is part of pms. It actually has a purpose in the whole survival of the species thing. Between ovulation and your period, your body has to assume it's pregnant, and it spends a lot of energy (hunger, lethargic) to ensure your body is ready and the right hormones are being made. Eat more compliant,starchy carbs and fat during PMS to help your body cope. The body also needs lots of water to stay hydrated to support a potential baby (bloating) and a lot more nutrients (slower digestion to absorb more nutrients - leads to constipation). Drink and eat enough to tell your body it doesn't need to hold onto as much. Whether we like it or not, pms has a purpose and we can't expect it to go away. You may expect it to lessen at some point if you support your body appropriately during it, but 18 days may be a little too soon for more significant changes. Hang in there.

[AnaRobin]

It takes time for these things to change. It's pretty normal to be tired and bloated and blue during this time of the month, and you have seen some improvement. Depending on what your diet and general health was like before, it can take more than 18 days for major changes to happen. Just hang in there and keep making good choices that make you healthier, and it will continue to get better and better.

Thank you for the encouragement!  It helps.

[AnaRobin]

Here's a different perspective - your flow is a lot less. Doesn't that mean your period isn't the same as pre-whole 30? Isn't that a step in the right direction?

Bloating - whole 30 or not - is part of pms. It actually has a purpose in the whole survival of the species thing. Between ovulation and your period, your body has to assume it's pregnant, and it spends a lot of energy (hunger, lethargic) to ensure your body is ready and the right hormones are being made. Eat more compliant,starchy carbs and fat during PMS to help your body cope. The body also needs lots of water to stay hydrated to support a potential baby (bloating) and a lot more nutrients (slower digestion to absorb more nutrients - leads to constipation). Drink and eat enough to tell your body it doesn't need to hold onto as much. Whether we like it or not, pms has a purpose and we can't expect it to go away. You may expect it to lessen at some point if you support your body appropriately during it, but 18 days may be a little too soon for more significant changes. Hang in there.

iI appreciate the info and advice.  Not sure why I expected for the Whole30 to be the "magic pill" in this area, but your perspective is encouraging.  Many thanks.