Ever Wondered Why You Crave Chocolate When You’re 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?!

Ever Wondered Why You Crave Chocolate When You’re On Your Period?

Not only do we feel grumpy, lethargic and sore, but our dietΒ tends toΒ change when we’re 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.

chocolate lava mug cake

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.

Double Chocolate Smoothie

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.”

Ten Simple Food Swaps To Reduce Your Sugar Intake

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.

Chocolate 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, it’s not difficult to see why!

Banana & Coconut Caramel Delight Smoothie

Well, there you have it!Β 

The mystery behind WHY we crave chocolate on our period…SOLVED!Β 

chocolate heart

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!

The March round of theΒ 28 Day Weight Loss ChallengeΒ is the BUDGET round – withΒ ALL meals for the ENTIRE day UNDER $10 – take part here and lose weight PLUS save money!

Join The Healthy Mummy 28 Challenge

The good news is you don’t need to sign up to a gym to lose weight. Our challenge is affordable, realistic and easy to follow and made for busy mums.

Think of the challenge as the best value personal trainer, dietician, meal planner, chef and motivational coach that you have access to every day.

Click here to sign up.

Look at the amazing results our mums have achieved on the 28 day weight loss challenge.

RenΓ©e Harrison

renee-loses-41kg-2016 WL mum of the year winne

Mum RenΓ©e, from Central Queensland, has overcome depression and anxiety stemming from an abusive relationship and transformed her bodyΒ losing 41kgs*Β (from 115kgs to 74kgs) withΒ The Healthy Mummy Smoothies, free snack recipes and portion controlled high protein meals.

She says:Β β€œPreviously I lived day by day, but now I embrace life as it were my last day on the earth!”.

Elle Temple

Elle Temple

Smashing her weight loss goal ofΒ 25kgs*Β (from 83.6kg to 58.6kg) withΒ The Healthy Mummy 28 Day Weight Loss Program, Elle now focuses on toning up. Elle says:

β€œToday I am thankful that I am no longer afraid of having photos taken of me. I love that I have photos toΒ look back on and am proud of how far I have come. From being β€˜obese’ and having no energy to tackle my day, to being a healthy weight and being able to spring around with my crazy toddler”.

Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge here.

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