Period Weight Gain? Here’s Why and How to Help Prevent It
Periods Are Uncomfortable Enough Without This Extra Weight Gain
Have you noticed that your clothes fit a bit tighter or the scale goes up during your period? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! A lot of women experience small changes in weight around their cycle. It’s really annoying, I know, but it’s completely normal. Personally, I get so bloated, I feel like I’m a few months pregnant! Of course, this always happens when I want to wear something nice for an event—ugh!
Remember, your period is a natural part of life. Understanding why it happens and knowing it won’t last forever can help you feel better about it. Sometimes it’s also a good chance to check how you feel about your body. Are you being too hard on yourself? It's important to be kind to yourself and accept how you feel during this time. Trust me, we’ve all been there!
So how do you handle the extra weight and emotions during this time? It can be tough, but once you realize that weight changes, cravings, and other shifts are normal, it gets easier to be kind to your body.
Here are some simple things that help me feel more at ease:
Wear comfortable clothes: Instead of fighting the natural bloating, I suggest going for something a little looser. For me, baggy sweatpants and a comfy T-shirt will always be a win with me during that time of the month, or even a comfy, loose-fitting dress can make all the difference in how you feel.
Eat mindfully: Cravings for carbs or sugar are totally normal, and it’s okay to honor them (I have no problem honoring them!). Instead of feeling guilty, go for foods that make you feel good and satisfied—fried shrimp and fries with “box brownies” will always make that time of the month a little bit better. Balance is key; enjoy what you're eating without restricting yourself too much.
Stay hydrated: I know, it sounds weird to drink more water when you feel like you're already holding onto it, but staying hydrated actually helps your body get rid of that extra water. Trust me, it works! You may be going to the bathroom every 20 minutes, but you’ll be getting rid of that extra water weight (strangely enough).
Fiber and potassium: Eating foods high in fiber, like fruits and veggies, and foods high in potassium, like bananas and leafy greens, can help with digestion and ease bloating. Plus, it helps you feel better overall. With my fried shrimp and fries, I do incorporate some healthy foods as well; I do try to be mindful of not just getting too out of control with my cravings and blaming “my period,” even though it’s so easy to do that.
Gentle movement: Sometimes, just going for a walk or stretching can help with bloating and make you feel more confident. Even a little movement can make a big difference. I’ve done gentle movement while on my period as well as my normal workout routine and have felt great with both; it just depends on how I feel that day.
Body positivity and kindness: These changes are completely natural and don’t define who you are. Take time to do things that make you feel good and say positive things to yourself. This can be a little hard, and it gets that way for me sometimes—the changes in our hormones during that time can get the best of us sometimes. But you have to remember it’s all about treating yourself with love, especially during those tough days!
So, next time you're dealing with period weight gain and the bloating that comes with it, remember, it’s totally normal and won’t last forever! It’s definitely annoying, but just take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and try some simple tips like wearing comfy clothes, staying hydrated, and eating mindfully—it gets me through every month! It’s all about finding balance and giving yourself the love and care you deserve during this time. Trust me, we’ve all been there; just give it a few days, and you’ll be back to your normal self!
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