Eating disorders while on your period
Hey all afabs, I haven't seen a post quite like this one out there so I thought I'd help get the word out. I would appreciate if you would share this and help get it out to others who still get them.
We all know the struggles that come with our period, especially with food. We get intense cravings and stomach discomfort. It's worse when you have an eating disorder. The guilt builds up whether its due to bloating or eating more, its unbearable. So here's some health facts and tips to help you cope during the already awful red week.
Health facts you need to know
Your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes during red week AND a week leading up to it. Your metabolic rate actually increases a week before and during your period! You burn more calories during that time than any other time during the month.
You should be eating 100-300 more calories during your period than usual.
So if you're feeling guilty about eating a little extra on your period, try not to. Your body is burning more and therefore it's not counting to any weight gain.
Exercise you can do on your period that will help relieve cramps
Feeling guilty about what excercise you can and can't do on your period? Same! You're scared of what pain it might cause and walking for an hour like you usually do is worse pain.
Try yoga, stretching, or if you're brave enough, swimming! These exercises will not only burn calories but will also help relieve cramps.
Yoga burns 120-170 calories each 30 minutes
Stretching burns 70-100 calories each 30 minutes
Swimming burns 300-400 calories per 30 minutes!
What you eat during your period is extremely important. The foods you eat will directly impact your weight, hormonal balance, and mood. All foods suggested will be healthy and low calorie!
Eating iron and protein rich foods are extremely important. Your iron levels will be low and chances of fainting, especially if you're still restricting, are much higher. -Kale, spinach, broccoli
Protein is going to help with cramps and help rebuild what you've lost. -Eggwhites, red meats, nuts
Vitamin B and C is a must! Vitamin B will help boost your energy and mood. Vitamin C will help protect your immune system while its weak. -Bananas, oranges
Caffeine will help control your cramps and other pains that come along with your period (the dreaded period poops). -Dark chocolate, chai tea, black coffee
Carbonated drinks are going to cause bloating like crazy! Not only are most of them packed with sugar and sodium, you will bloat and retain water- in turn- weighing more.
Processed and fried foods are high in sodium and trans fats which will cause bloating and inflammation causing your cramps and stomach pains to get worse.
Legumes are any kind of beans AND PEANUTS! Peanuts are not a nut, they are actually what is considered a legume. Legumes will cause major bloating so keep peanut butter and beans out of your intake.
Refined grains such as white bread,crackers, white rice, and pasta are high in calories with almost no nutritional value. You are eating empty calories that actually interfere with your blood sugar levels.
High fat foods such as processed meat and dairy interfere with your hormone levels and cause inflammation. You will become moody and full of pain!
Thank you so much for reading. Please keep yourselves as safe as possible. Reach out for help or questions! Remember I'm not a doctor so if you're having serious problems with your period or nutrition, please see a doctor immediately.
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