So we all think about chocolate when we’re PMS-ing but what foods will actually make you feel better?

When you eat chocolate you get a sugar high and you feel good in the moment, but then there is that crash afterwards.  So what do you need to eat when you’re PMS-ing to feel better long term?

The big thing you can do is to drink all of the water.  You want to fill up on water and get at least eight glasses/cups each day.  And if you don’t like water, try adding lemon or limes into it (I cut up a whole bag of lemons and throw them in the freezer to use as ice cubes and make them last longer).  Or you can add any kind of fruit to infuse your drink.

Try eating foods with more calcium.  You can find these foods in yogurt in soy products, and also milk of course. 

Instead of grabbing those chips, why not grab some nuts.  They have omega-3 fatty acids and they can help you to feel fuller longer.  They also have heart benefits so they can help you there.

Try eating more complex carbs.  They can help you keep your cravings in check because you’re getting carbs, but they have more natural sugars and fiber, these include sweet potatoes, squash, lentils, and oats.

Try limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake.  It is tempting to drink a glass of wine to take the edge off the day, but it can really just hurt your sleeping ability.  You also want to limit your caffeine, you don’t want tea or coffee six hours before you go to sleep.

You want to increase your iron when you’re on your period to make sure you can replace what you lose every month.  Eat lean meat or try taking an iron supplement.

Eat lots of leafy greens.  You want to make sure to have dark veggies like swiss chard and kale which have lots of iron and b vitamins that can help fight off fatigue.  There is also a lot of Vitamin B in broccoli, and it’s delicious!

Try limiting your salt intake.  Instead of eating processed food, try grabbing more veggies and fruits in your diet.  Salt is a big source of bloating and breast tenderness during PMS.

Eat more foods with vitamin D.  You can find vitamin D in salmon or other fish.  There are studies where vitamin d may help reduce irritability in PMS.

When you’re reaching for that chocolate, why not try eating a healthier snack instead, and you’ll feel better longer.  And if you really need that sugary treat, try making this healthy chocolate chip cookie dough.

 

About the author

Alice Cash is the Marketing Manager for Jubilance by day and an award winning Theatre Director by night.  Leading the podcast Weekly Woman, she loves her candid conversations with women from all over the world about how they live and the amazing things they are doing to make a difference. Alice is also the editor of the bi-monthly newsletter the Jubilee, a blog dedicated to the power of female wellness especially concerning menstruation.  She’s worked in France creating theatre pieces and taught drama and filmmaking to women and children in Haiti.  She graduated from Georgetown University and holds two master degrees from NYU and The New School.  Alice has traveled to  40+ countries, including Tibet.  She is a New Yorker and can often be found in Central Park, searching out the best bubble tea, or directing a play, you never know where she’ll show up. @alicesadventuresinwonderworld
Jubilance PMS Support Relief Bottle

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