I promise. It’s not just you. Because we all know that when the time of the month comes, it can bring along really nasty cravings. And when that time comes it’s so easy to grab junk food and end up feeling far worse than when you started.

So it’s no surprise we struggle with weight gain and mood swings during this time of the month.  Since we can’t avoid this, how do we prepare for this monthly ritual especially if you’re following a fitness program?

Well I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve to help you beat those cravings.

1. Increase Magnesium

Have you ever wondered why those chocolate cravings come on so strong when you have your period? It’s because your body is craving magnesium from the change in hormones during your cycle. With the fluctuations in our hormones, this is why we crave salty and sweet foods.

And you know what? Dark chocolate (80% plus cocoa) has more magnesium than any other food so it’s no surprise this is something we can get immediate satisfaction from because magnesium levels fluctuate during a woman’s cycle. The higher the estrogen or progesterone, the lower the magnesium in our body.

During the second half of the menstrual cycle, when both estrogen and progesterone are elevated, magnesium plummets big time!

I usually take 400 mg of magnesium per night but around “that time of the month” I will increase the amount to 600 mg or indulge in some extra dark chocolate.

The brand of magnesium I use is Calm and I take it with hot water before bedtime which also helps me with a deeper sleep.

This is a staple supplement for my clients because it aids in muscle recovery and regularity especially when following a higher protein diet.

2. Enter My Famous Chocolate-Peppermint Fudge Bites

To satisfy my PMS cravings and supplement my magnesium deficiency,  this is one of my go to recipes from my clients’ on plan recipe guide. After you try it, you’ll say, “Thanks Jenny! This is the perfect combination of sweetness and oooey gooey chocolatiness…

…and completely guilt-free!”

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Bars

Here’s What You’ll Need

• 2 1/2 cups of chocolate chips. Dark cocoa nibs (80% or above). For a dairy-free alternative you can go with Vegan chocolate chips
• 1/4 raw honey
• 1/4 canned coconut milk
• A pinch of sea salt to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed walnuts
• 1 tsp peppermint extract

Directions

• Add chocolate chips, coconut milk, honey, sea salt, stir in a sauce pan on medium-low heat.
• Stir continuously to avoid chocolate from burning
• When everything is combined and melted, remove from the heat and add peppermint extra and walnuts or whole food blends
• Let cool to room temperature. 3-5 hours.
• Once cooled, stir forcefully unit it loses the glossiness.
• Coat a non-stick pan with coconut oil and pour the mixture in. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours until firm.
• Cut into 30 pieces

If you’re following a structured fat loss program I attached the macros so you can easily implement it into your plan and not go overboard.

Macros

• 1 serving  is 80 calories
• Protein – 1 G
• Carbs – 9 g
• Fat – 4 g
• Fibre – 1

Try them out and let me know how it goes for a healthier and craving-free month!

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave