HOW I KICK THE PERIOD BLOAT - Useful Tips

I just want everything CARBY and SWEET! 

I am almost sure I am not the only one who dreads having her period and the bloating that comes with it. For me, the week leading up to my period means my eating and cravings go way off! My sugar craving during this period is almost unbelievable. I just eat every carb in sight. uggghhhh!  Like my brain suddenly tells my stomach all the food is going into extinction. lol.  Then when my period finally comes I just can’t drink water no matter how much I try. Typically, my water intake goes from 3 litres per day to about 1 litre. And of course, I get constipated too.  Oh, let’s not talk about the mood swings. DON’T GO THERE! lol

Me: Don't touch me. Me again: I want to be cuddled . LOL

Phew !

To relieve from this bloating right after my period, here are a few things I do that have worked for me over time. You might want to try them too.

·         DON’T LET GUILT MAKE YOU STARVE YOURSELF just because you over-ate during your period. No. It’s very normal so don’t beat yourself up. Simply go back to the healthy meals you would normally have and continue where you stopped.

·         INCLUDE PROTEIN WITH EVERY MEAL and cut back on the crabs. If you tend to overdose on the carbs and sugar during your period like me, then the first thing you should be doing is to eat protein rich foods. Foods like oats, bread, pasta tend to make you retain water especially if you eat them at night. Go for a protein rich breakfast (E.g vegetable omelette) and add a good amount pf protein to your meals throughout the day.

 

I feel awesome! Duuh! *Side Eye*

·         UP YOUR CARDIO to help get rid of the water weight.  This for me is always a game changer. I normally do about 20-25 mins of cardio each time I train but the week immediately after my period I double the time of my cardio. It is said that you can fight constipation/bloating by just walking for at least 15 to 20 minutes each day. Trust me this works! You sweat more with cardio and the water weight falls off through your sweat glands.

·         INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE to help flush your system. If your water intake drops low like mine during your period then you should take it right up immediately after. It is important to avoid alcohol, soda and beverages during this time and focus on just WATER.  Your body will thank you later.

 

Wouldn't that have been perfect?!

·         AVOID SUGAR AND SUGAR SUBSTITUTES because your body doesn’t need it right now. I find that my body can’t tolerate a lot of sugar right after my period. Maybe because I over indulge during in carbs and sugar during my period. If this happens to you as well, beat the bloat by leaving out sugar–free candy and gum, diet drinks and other foods that contain sugar from your menu.

·         CUT BACK ON THE SALT INTAKE to reduce your sodium.  Salty foods tend to make us retain a lot of water. At this time, you will want to cut back on the amount of salt you ingest to help reduce overall bloating. Instead of reaching for crisps, canned foods, ketchup, processed foods generally, you should opt for fresh vegetables, yoghurt, nuts and fresh fruits.

 

Ugghhh the struggle! always feels like a few days apart. 

·         DRINK SOME TEA to soothe your belly. I find that green tea and peppermint tea help with my bloat. Research has shown that peppermint tea especially works to decrease bloating and tends to relax the digestive muscles. You might want to invest in this!

Do not forget that everyone’s body is different and these tips shared are things I find that work for me.  I hope someone finds them useful too. If it helps you, do let me know!

Keep crushing  those goals.

Love always,

Ella. xx