For the Women: Hormonal Eating

[tmgrant7]

So my biggest and most frustrating obstacle is monthly hormonal eating. It was controllable until my last child was born and she's now 8.5. Sometimes the cravings start 10 days out, sometimes its more like 3 or 4, but I can tell you that during these times I have more food cravings than I EVER did during pregnancy. Example... if there is no chocolate and/or caffeine in our house or whatever the craving is (but especially chocolate), I will drive, walk, or run to the store 1.5 miles away to buy some (or beg and plead for my dh to pick some up on my behalf).

I'll be 39 in May and have had several blood tests done for peri-menopause, etc. since my early 30s with the results showing "normal" hormone levels.

Any advice, tips, or tricks that you ladies use to get past this problem would be greatly appreciated!

[tmgrant7]

OK, so I'm the only one with this problem. How do I delete this thread?

[Netty]

Tiff,

I can't say that I have the same problem, but I do have cravings for chocolate everyday at 3pm. This started when I was pregnant with my 2nd child. Everyday, at 3pm, I would have a twix and a Dr. pepper...WOW...while I was pregnant! Yeah, for serious :-) Now, it has become something for me that is a mind over matter situation. The hard thing is that the candy bowl is at my desk because I keep it full for all the other people in the office...it is in my job description actually (not my choice). Therefore, I walk by it every time I get out of my chair...I have had to just tell myself no and grab a water or just walk around for a moment to distract myself from the thought. It is a matter of control. I know that this could be different for you, and I can't even begin to put myself in your place, I am just trying to encourage you that it is okay...The mind is a battlefield and you just have to choose to win the battles.

Don't get me wrong...there are days that I give in and grab one of those little chocolates. I don't beat myself up for it, I am not perfect...I just try to win the battle next time. We win some we lose some. You are in the winning phase...you are trying to change your life. This is just one part of the journey. Hang in there and you will ultimately WIN!!!

Best of luck and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Annette (Netty)

[scourtney7]

Wow Netty!!! Awesome story of will power!!! Had to the same last night as I was visiting my parents and my dad pulled out Hershey Bar's, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Peanut Butter (not all natural). We can do this!

[FitRunner]

I mostly just get very tired. I can sleep another hour or two around that time of the month. I rarely get food cravings of any sort that are so specific, actually - I mostly want a category like meat, fruit, potatoes, pasta, or something like that. And mostly when I'm hungry. From what I understand, though, cravings like that can indicate a need for a nutrient in the food - not that I have a guess as to what it might be, but you might want to check ingredients in chocolate against what the body loses in the menstrual blood as a first screen. Maybe something would turn up, maybe not. But it's a strategy that's googlable with relatively little effort :)

[EclipsenFitness]

I have massive chocolate cravings too.. usually a day or two before and usually after 2-3pm.. I just go ahead and drink Chocolate Shakeology now that i have it :D lol. but i used to just pop a Hershey Kiss or four!

[Netty]

Wow Netty!!! Awesome story of will power!!! Had to the same last night as I was visiting my parents and my dad pulled out Hershey Bar's, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Peanut Butter (not all natural). We can do this!

Yeah, will power with the chocolates...but if it were COOKIES...I am done for!!! Especially fresh, home baked cookies!!!

[tmgrant7]

I tried a Chocolate Shakeology sample last night for the first time with a banana and a tablespoon of organic PB. It was like drinking a Reese's with a hint of banana. Oh My Gosh. I think I'll try that this month (perhaps DAILY as a preventative measure for my chocoholic self)! Double Yum.

[Netty]

Glad to hear...I just ordered my Chocolate Shakeology and I can't wait for it to get here!!!

[chrisiclow]

So Netty what would the choc shakeology replace in the nutrition plan

[Netty]

I am definitely no expert on it, but I believe it can be an entire meal replacement. For me, because I am not a huge breakfast person, I drink my shakeology for breakfast and then continue the rest of my day with a mid-morning snack, light balanced lunch with a protein and veggies, and then an afternoon snack such as an apple with some peanut butter and then a sensible dinner, another protein and maybe a carb. You could probably check with Dave or Monica for exact facts. Like if you are wondering if it replaces two of your proteins and 1 carb since you are following the nutrition guide fat shredder...I know you are trying to keep up with the allowable intake of that level.

Hope that makes sense :-)

How are your workouts coming?