Best Foods to Eat During Periods

What to Eat for an Easy Period!

Your monthly period is when you discuss with full gusto the pains of womanhood! When your uterus sheds its lining, you’ve to deal with painful cramps, mood swings, fatigue and bloating. It’s also when you crave junk-food and forget eating healthy. The good news is that these nutritious foods to eat during periods will make things easier.

As if your periods weren’t taxing enough already, things can worsen if you’ve deficiency of certain vitamins or poor eating habits. Fortunately, it’s easy to get around this with nutritious food and lots of water. Try out these cool secrets to easier chums and be better prepared every month.

5 Foods to Ease Menstrual Cramps

1. Go green

Loading up on fruits and veggies is one of the best things you can do while you’re on your periods. Indulge in fibre-rich foods that your body needs when menstruating. Eating green leafy vegetables is a must as they’re rich in iron. In fact, they make for some of the best foods for menstrual cycles. Gorging on juicy fruits packed with vitamin C will keep you hydrated, feed your body much-needed nutrients and increase iron absorption. Just make sure you don’t overdo things as this can lead to bloating.

2. Boost your fatty acids intake

Nuts, seeds and fatty fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are one of the essential foods to eat during periods. Fatty acids also decrease the severity of cramps and help relax your muscles. Loading up on walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds is also a great idea. Do stock up on salmon and mackerel or fish oil supplements too. Your children will also love these innovative snacks!

3. Beans and lentils can be magical

Beans, legumes and whole grains are also terrific foods for an easier menstrual cycle. The proteins, fibre, iron, essential amino acids and complex carbohydrates derived from these foods help boost your energy and regulate your mood swings. Now, won’t hubby be pleased about that?

Beans and lentils can be magical

 

4. Chocolates… and more of them!

Eating a couple of pieces of dark chocolate prior to and during menstruation can soothe mood swings and ease period pains. Dark chocolate has antioxidants and it’s known to release serotonin – a hormone that helps improve your mood. Jumping in joy? Well, do remember moderation is the key as too much chocolate can bring bloating and unwanted weight gain. Oops.

5. Water, water everywhere

Remember, your body needs to be hydrated all the time during your menses. Drinking more water will also help ease bloating caused by water retention. Strange? Well, our bodies retain water if we’re not getting enough but when you start having more, water’s released and you’re left feeling light and healthy. Also cut down on your salt intake and avoid sugar-spiked fruit juices to keep body sugar levels even.

Once you’ve learnt the foods to prevent menstrual cramps, start making healthier choices. Drink enough water, do light exercises, and de-stress yourself. Practice deep breathing exercises to calm down especially when you feel those familiar stirrings of irritation. What’s more, running after the kids won’t leave you feeling quite so bone tired if you’re eating right!

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