Ever Wondered Why You Crave Chocolate When Youβre On Your Period?
Sugar cravings seem to go into overdrive at that time of the month – you know what we’re talking about… when you feel like eating a WHOLEΒ bar of chocolate to yourself?!
Not only do we feel grumpy, lethargic and sore, but our dietΒ tends toΒ change when weβre on our period.
ButΒ whyΒ does this happen, and how can we stop ourselves from falling off the bandwagon? We’ve endeavoured to find out…
Why Do We Crave Chocolate On Our Period?
ScientistsΒ believe the high hormone levels during the early part of the menstrual cycle cause an increase of insulin in the body.
Insulin regulates your blood glucose levels, and the high level of insulin in your body may resultΒ in low blood sugar. And this is why most women crave something sweet, with chocolate usually being the go-to snack.
For healthier chocolate options, try our HealthyΒ Chocolate Lava Mug Cake – which is super easy to make!
What’s more, nutritionist Samantha Gemmell tells The Healthy Mummy that we also crave magnesium on our period, which is ALSO in chocolate.
“When our period hits, nutrition is usually the first thing to go out of the window, with gals cramming chocolate in like there’s no tomorrow and eating the most indulgent foods they can,” she says.
Top Up Your Magnesium Levels
Samantha urges youΒ to put down the chocolate bar and instead reach for a cup of cocoa tea or even try adding cocoa to your smoothies in the morning to help top up your magnesium levels.
Or we suggest, givingΒ ourΒ Healthy Mummy Chocolate SmoothieΒ a go! To purchase yours, click here.
Samantha says: “You can also increase your magnesium levels with nuts and seeds and green leafy vegetables.”
Increase Your Intake Of Ginger
Other food tips Samantha has for that time of the month is to increase ginger in your diet.
“Ginger is a natural painkiller,”Β she says. “Try ginger tea, add it to stir-fries and even add it to smoothies.”
Maybe ourΒ deliciousΒ Honey, Lemon, Ginger and Chicken stir fry will help?!
Stop Bloating With Potassium
Samantha also suggests eatingΒ “coconut water and bananas – as potassium is great for women who bloat up due to salt retention.”
We’ve got a heap of healthy recipes that contain coconut and bananas AS WELL as chocolate, such as our Chocolate And Banana Loaf.
The Healthy Mummy community has been going nuts for the ourΒ Caramel Healthy Mummy Smoothie mix and with recipes like thisΒ Banana & Coconut Caramel Delight smoothie, itβs not difficult to see why!
Well, there you have it!Β
The mystery behind WHY we crave chocolate on our period…SOLVED!Β
Swap ‘Naughty’ Treats With Healthy, Affordable Treats!
For more of your favourite chocolate fixes (with a healthy twist), be sure to check out our FREE recipe hub!Β
Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is also home to thousands (and thousands) of healthy deserts and better-for-you chocolate treats!
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