What to eat & avoid on your period
I don’t know about you, but sometimes day one of my period makes me want to dive face first into Magnolia’s caramel cake. Other times, my appetite is gone and I want to sit and cry because of those day one cramps. Disregard my extremes because there actually are certain foods you should avoid (caramel cake) and ones you should add to your grocery list to make your cramps a little less excruciating.
What you need:
Foods rich in iron, magnesium & omega 3’s. A low intake of iron can lead to fatigue, pain, and that dizzy feeling you have when you get out of bed after trying to nurse those cramps. It’s also important to stay super hydrated to avoid dehydration headaches, bloating & water retention.
Dark chocolate
Turns out chocolate’s not so bad after all. Dark chocolate is full of iron which you need since you’re losing so much blood. It also has a ton of magnesium which is great for alleviating PMS symptoms.
Spinach
Another gem that’s full of iron and magnesium. Whip up that smoothie!
Ginger
Aside from its obvious health benefits, ginger is an anti inflammatory food that can ease the pain in your muscles and also reduce nausea.
Flaxseed oil/ nuts
Full of fatty acids to alleviate constipation that sometimes comes with menstruating. Flaxseed oil and nuts are also a great source of magnesium.
PRO TIP: mix all three aforementioned ingredients with some dates, mango, nutmilk & you have yourself a healthy ass smoothie
What you don’t need:
If it’s not generally considered a “healthy” food, it’s probably best to avoid it while on your period.
Excess sugar
A lil sugar won’t hurt nobody but eating a whole pint of ice cream might make those cramps worse and the sugar rush will make you crash and burn.
Red meat:
Red meat is high in prostaglandins, the same compounds that help your uterus shed its lining. Too much of this compound will result in cramps. Although meat is high in iron, avoid it while on your period and get your iron from vegetables and supplements.
Fried foods:
Foods that are high in trans fats actually elevate estrogen levels. You want to keep your levels within a healthy range to reduce period pain so think twice about that fried chicken!
But girl, don’t worry you can still have your cake & eat it too
Sometimes you need a day to just eat whatever the fuck you want if that’ll make you feel better emotionally. But before you dig into that Ben & Jerry’s pint, Moon Cycle Bakery is here for your sugar cravings. This online bakery delivers decadent yet healthy & nourishing cakes and sweets straight to your door! A true period life saver. Get into it!