Let’s dive a little deeper into the exact types of foods that may help us during that time of the month.
If you’re anything like me then you massively over-indulged this Christmas, you’re still recovering from the New Year’s eve hangover and any hope of feeling confident in a bikini in time for that Italian escape in a few months’ time is fading quickly.
So, in true Bridget Jones style I’m now on the January detox bandwagon and in search of that ‘new me’ all the diet plans promise I’ll discover… so far all I’ve found is that the gym is WAY too busy, I can’t get through a single day without craving chocolate and I miss spending endless days sprawled across the sofa watching every Christmas film going.
Maybe starting a little smaller with the New Years resolutions might be more realistic.
Taking inspiration from Josie’s recent blog about letting your hormones rule your life and an article I spotted on The Chalk Board, perhaps I should start with eating right on my period this month.
Usually during that-oh-so-special-time-of-the-month I can be found curled up under a duvet, convinced that death is imminent, eating everything carb-heavy or chocolate-laden in sight. Not so detox-friendly.
I’m hoping by making informed food choices I’ll be able to avoid the usual side effects and stay energised for my journey to Megan Fox-dom.
Here’s 10 diet-friendly foods to eat on your period and make things a little more tolerable:
1. Fruit
Especially bananas, plums, figs, watermelon and berries. Vitamin-rich fruit is supposed to boost your mood – plus they give that sweet fix we all crave.
2. Nuts and seeds
Raw, unsalted and unsweetened of course. Opt for pumpkin, sunflower and sesame; they’re packed with all kinds of nutrients that are good for your body.
3. Vegetables
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and broccoli are filled with iron to replace what’s lost during your period. Why not try a green juice or smoothie?
4. Wholegrains
Brown rice and quinoa are both great as they fill you up. Apparently, the magnesium reduces muscle tension and vitamins help combat fatigue.
5. Oats
I am obsessed with overnight oats for a quick and delicious on-the-go breakfast. High in zinc and magnesium, they are also one of the best whole food options for those of us who suffer from painful menstrual cycles.
6. Legumes
Like green veg, beans are an excellent source of iron to restore your body’s balance. My detox-friendly favourites are kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils.
7. Fish
Salmon is great. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it will help deal with cramps and crankiness. If you don’t like fish, walnuts or avocados are also good.
8. Eggs
Calcium and vitamin D are the perfect combo for reducing PMS symptoms. Orange juice is also a great source of vitamin D.
9. Yoghurt
A low-fat source of calcium, yoghurt can help reduce PMS and relax your muscles. If you’re also going dairy-free or are intolerant, try broccoli, kale and almonds instead.
10. Tea
Ok, so technically not a food but if you’re trying to cut down on caffeine it can be a life saver. Camomile tea helps reduce the tension that leads to anxiety and irritability, whilst ginger tea is known to relieve nausea and bloating. Whatever you choose, just be sure to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.
If you have any fantastic food suggestions or tips on how to beat PMS, please tweet @totmorganic.
Daisy, from Bath.
