There is only one thing I want while I’m on my period: food. I’d love nothing more than to spend those 3-7 days lying on a couch, wearing a robe and stuffing my face (and you’re welcome for that mental image!). But while my brain says “pizza please”, “Thai time!” and “I scream for ice cream”, I know that deep down, my body is craving something else. And while I’m usually quite happy to ignore my body’s pleas, I thought I should at least consider what it needs. So click through the gallery below if you’d also like to know what foods can help your body to ride through the crimson wave.
Spinach
Or whichever leafy green veggie you prefer. Salad is probably the last thing you’re keen on eating, but even just having one on the side or a green smoothie in the morning will give your body a dose of iron, which it desperately needs during menstruation.
Salmon
A 1996 study published in Obstetricians and Gynecology found that women who consumed fish oil daily had significantly less menstrual pain than they did before. The researchers put this down to its high omega-3 content. Supplements aside, salmon is one of the best ways to boost your intake of the good stuff at mealtimes.
Walnuts
If you’re not much of a fish fan, nuts (and walnuts in particular) contain a decent amount of omega-3s, so add these to salads and snacks as much as possible.
Bananas
Since we’re already on such a desirable topic, does anyone else have to deal with diarrhea while on their period? If so, snack on bananas – they’ll help to regulate your bowels.
Dark chocolate
Hands up if you’re moodier than usual at that time of the month? Fantastic news – you can most definitely have chocolate to make you feel better. It contains serotonin, a ‘happy’ hormone that will help to lift your mood.
Steak
Tuck into a good rib-eye, or up your intake of legumes if you’re a vegetarians. Your iron levels tend to drop while menstruating, so eating foods full of the essential mineral will help to balance your body again.
Plums
This fibre-rich fruit will work to curb any sugar cravings, without leaving you with the crash that lollies and other treats would. Watermelon and figs are other great options.
Broccoli
The mini-tree veggie contains a whole bunch of vitamins, calcium, potassium, and magnesium – all of which alleviate PMS symptoms. Also, if you tend to feel bloated, gassy or fatigued during your period, you’ll be pleased to know broccoli can help with this, too!
Tea
Yes, this last one is technically a drink, but it’s too good to leave out. There’s a type for almost every symptom! Sip on chamomile to relieve cramps, ginger for nausea, peppermint for bloating and cinnamon to soothe your stomach.
Great foods somehow I eat better a few days into my period
Just reading this again as having a bad one. What no icecream or choccie biscuits!
Great article BH. I like to munch on 70% Dark chocolate.
Thanks for all these great articles. Love these quick, easy articles.
Some of the best top foods to be eating period or no period
Steak & Spinach!!!!!