You must have been asked such a question: “Do you gain weight during your menstrual cycle?” Weight gain is one of various physical changes that is brought about by natural fluctuations in hormone levels and muscle contractions. If you worry about a couple of pounds that you add in this week, you should think better of it. You can control your weight by minor changes in your diet and lifestyle. These methods ensure that you do not gain weight while on your period.

You should have a proper diet plan with complex carbohydrates, plain protein and fiber. People who are undergoing hormonal changes always have the strongest cravings. However, you need to make sure that foods which you are eating are good for your health. If you adore sweet things, you should avoid them during the period. Foods which are high in refined sugar could cause weight gain. Besides sweet stuff, you should reduce consumptions of caffeine and alcohol. “Before and during your period, the serotonin levels may fluctuate immediately” said Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine (Source: Livestrong.com) . The effect of serotonin is regulating your mood and energy. In case of low levels, you may crave high – carbohydrate foods in order to promote serotonin production. Eating regularly and frequently is good at limitting cravings and avoiding peaks and crashes in hunger and sugar content in blood. You can also take a vegetarian meal or acai berry diet. Fruits and vegetables help you produce the desired effect in losing weight. Choose foods which are low- sugar, high- fiber and low- fat. Small meals at intervals and in adequate quantities can help to manage food cravings. You can also follow the Food Guide Pyramid.

A word of advice: You should do regular exercises by many ways such as jogging, biking, swimming and walking. Exercise help you maintain your ideal weight, lessen the risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke and limit premenstrual symptoms (fatigue, headache, food cravings, mood swings).  For the best results, you should participate in cardiovascular exercises at least 60 minutes a day. You can break the time up into several smaller sessions if you find that excersing for 60 minutes may seem impossible. No matter how you do, you will have similar effects.

Remember that you should keep track of your menstrual cycle and your current weight. It’s necessary to decide minor changes in your diet plan or regular exercises.

It’s not difficult to prevent weight gain during period, is it?