No - Don't Look!

I feel I need to warn the men - this post is on pms, however, if you want to score major brownie points, continue reading so that you can say all the right things to your significant other when she needs it the most.

I was surprised by a question the other day, and I thought, “I wonder how many other women have this question?” So I decided to write a post on it.

Is it normal to gain as much as 5 pounds of water weight during your monthly cycle? Short answer: YES!

I go through this every month. I will gain 3-5 lbs. for 4-7 days during my cycle. And it’s the same routine every month. I look in the mirror and have this conversation: “Geeze, I’m so puffy and bloated today. Yes but you are on your period. I know but, wow, I sure hope none of it stays for good. It won’t – you do this every month- get over it. I know I know.”  Ever have this conversation with yourself?

Now, I’m an intelligent woman, but somehow, during this time, it’s like I lose all common sense. I mean really – Every. Single. Month.

Anyone else have this problem?

So until they make a magic pill that will really take care of all our symptoms, here are a few tips to get you through this crazy, bloated, stressed time of the month.

1.    Don’t look at yourself naked in the mirror. Seriously, you will end up having the above conversation with yourself.

2.    DO NOT, under any circumstance, WEIGH yourself. You can gain 2-5+ pounds during this time. Wait until 3-4 days after your cycle has completed before you weight yourself. That’s right; it will take that long to lose it.

3.    Watch your sodium intake. Fast food and convenience foods are loaded with sodium and will make you even more bloated.

4.    Don’t drink carbonated beverages – same deal – more bloat.

5.    Refrain from foods such as broccoli, cabbage and beans, which can make you bloat.

6.    Eat natural diuretic foods such as asparagus, cucumbers, celery, onion, eggplant, and watermelon.

There has also been some research that indicates including certain foods into your overall diet will help elevate pre-menstrual symptoms. These foods include:

Oatmeal

Premenstrual mood swings and crazy cravings come down to a shortage of the brain chemical serotonin, says Judith Wurtman, Ph.D., coauthor of The Serotonin Power Diet. The only thing that helps—and it helps instantly—is to eat carbs, because that's the only way the brain makes new serotonin," says Wurtman, who adds that the serotonin boosters need to be eaten straight with no fat or protein.

Dairy

Science backs up the old warm-milk remedy for insomnia and restlessness. Turns out calcium can reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension, says Mary Dallman, Ph.D., professor of physiology at the University of California, San Francisco. Adding milk, cottage cheese or yogurt into your diet may help reduce stressful PMS symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.

Spinach or Swiss Chard

Magnesium has been linked with lessening some of those pms symptoms. First, the mineral can help lower your stress levels, keeping you less likely to fly off the handle. Also, not getting enough magnesium can trigger migraine headaches and make you feel fatigued.

If you eat a healthy diet, you probably eat a lot of these foods anyway. If not, just follow one of Get Fit’s sample menus and you will soon be on your way to a more stress free cycle – and so will your family!

Food sample sources: Dr. Weill, MD. Women’s Health