Today, I woke up super hungry and craving the spiciest noodles. I probably emptied my dad’s snack cabinet and mom’s pantry. Chili oil on my eggs, rice, everywhere! And while I am writing this, I just cannot stop thinking about those ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookies.

I checked my period app and yup, my period is in TWO DAYS! Are you having the same issues as me? Do you struggle with similar cravings when you are nearing your date? If your answer is yes, follow along this article to understand why. Let us both find alternatives to being a snack-monster.

Why Do You Crave Hard Before Periods?

Don’t hate yourself for wanting to eat extra strips, a big cookie, and let’s not forget spicy noodles. This feeling of wanting to devour your pantry is all your hormones, literally!

While nearing your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuates, hence the big craving.

When you eat spicy or salty food, your serotonin levels rises. Your serotonin level fluctuates and decreases before your period, and that’s why eating all sorts of food just hits the spot.

Your body loves a mind boost, and that’s how cravings happen. The first day of the month you plan to stick to your diet, and within few days you are taking a spoon of nutella in an unhealthy amount.

read: Periods: 8 Practical Ways to Get Through Work or School During it

What Does Your Cravings Mean?

Your cravings are not random, they want to communicate with you about your body’s needs during periods.

Let’s find out what each craving might mean

Chocolates

Sweets are probably the most famous cravings out there specially during the time of the month. As your period approaches, you might think about your favorite chocolate.

Craving sweet means your body wants comfort, it is how you boost mood. When you do crave chocolate, try to reach for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate have plenty of antioxidants, with less sugar. Healthy way of taking your sugar in.

Salty Savory Food

I don’t know about you, but when my date is near, I reach out for bbq pringles. I love a good diet coke too with it.

As your period approaches, your hormones are on a rollercoaster. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone takes a dip and messes with your fluid balance and sodium levels, creating the craving.

Your body makes you crave salty savory snacks to help retain water and avoid dehydration. Eating too much salt in your cravings can lead to more bloating, which is worse.

Carbs

Carbs is another mood booster. Nearing your period and even the sight of your partner angers you, everything irritates you. This is where comfort foods like pasta, rice, fries, bread comes to hug your body.

These cravings are all linked to the serotonin drop, I’ve talked lot about serotonin today, what is it?

Serotonin is your mood booster hormone, this hormone regulates your mood.

The trick here is to choose the right carb for your body. A huge portion of pasta can be cut down into half with added veggies. Air-fried potatoes over oil- fried fries. There are many ways you can go for healthier options regarding carbs.

Spicy Madness

Spicy food like noodles, tacos, nachos can just add a zing to your tongue and your mood. Your body knows you the most, and it wants you to feel good.

Spicy food can trigger the release of endorphins.

Endorphins are another mood booster, they are produced when you need to relieve pain, reduce stress.

Spicy food doesn’t just help you feel the kick of life, but also helps your body in pain. This pain is cramps! spicy food is said to improve circulation and reduce cramps.

But, too much of it can irritate your stomach. Enjoy your spicy pallette but in moderation. They can be fun to eat but the consequence are pretty scary.

Dairy

Tub of ice-cream? A big glass of cold milk? cheese?

Craving dairy in periods is your body’s way of saying, “I need calcium”. These frisky hormonal changes can bring your calcium levels down.

If you are lactose intolerant, try plant- based alternatives and leafy greens. They boost your calcium without the extra calories.

Meat

Cravings aren’t random. Don’t worry, you are not turning into a meat monster. You just have low iron right now. Craving meat during these times is a reminder of iron.

Red meat, poultry can help in your period. If you don’t eat meat, spinach, tofu, lentils are great alternatives too.

Your cravings are communication, listen to your body and nourish yourself with better alternatives. But, it’s completely fine to give in your cravings in moderation.

Fight The Cravings?

As I am writing this article, I am thinking about dinner. So, trust me I know how you feel. The urge to devour the cake, oof what do I do?

I want to fight my cravings, a little indulgence won’t hurt so I follow the following tips

• Stay active. Light workout or walks can distract you
• Do not watch food videos. They make you want to order food online
• Look for healthier alternatives
• Make sure you put your pantry filled with those alternatives
• Stay hydrated. Sometimes, the cravings are just result of dehydration
• Portion it out. Add healthier ingredients to your cravings
• Eat small frequent meals
• Take a long rest. Make sure to sleep good
• Want comfort? Try a hot drink
• Cravings are normal, be kind to yourself.

Lastly, Embrace it

Cravings are normal, sometimes, it’s okay to enjoy food more. Your body means no harm to you, it is always on the lookout for you. Every craving you have is just your body’s way of protecting you.

So, listen to your body and give it what it needs. Just make sure, it is in moderation. It’s okay to have an extra cookie!