FEeling like a natural woman has it’s moments. That-time-of-the-month is usually not one of them. Knowing what to eat on your period can be a major game-changer, helping you to fight water retention, fatigue, those over-the-top cramps and mood swings. Thank the good lord for Ashley Rae and Our Body Book for this list of what to eat on your period to make those special days of the month a little more tolerable…
I used to despise this time of the month. I spent days in bed, chowing down Naproxen like it was candy, wanting to eat all the chocolate in sight and convinced I was dying. Oddly enough, as I’m writing this, I’m on my moon time and I feel completely fine. Don’t get me wrong, I still cramp up a bit and I may get a headache from time to time, but it’s nowhere near the agony I used to endure. It is possible to remain energized and – dare I say – normal during your moon time of the month!
8 Foods To Eat During That Time Of The Month
BANANAS
Bananas are loaded with B6 vitamins that help relieve cramping and are also packed with potassium which helps reduce water retention and bloating. Try eating at least two bananas a day during your moon time, either blended up in a smoothie, or as ‘nana ice cream, sliced over granola with other fruit or just peeled, on their own.
OATS
A bowl of oatmeal a day keeps the period cramps away…is that how it goes? Well, it could and should because it’s true. Oats are also high in zinc and magnesium, which are anti-cramp vitamins and minerals. They are one of the best whole food options for women who suffer from painful menstrual cycles. If possible, allow them to soak overnight and enjoy them in the morning for breakfast. While soaking, the enzymes breakdown and the nutritional value in the oats improve.
SPINACH & KALE
Spinach and kale are both full of calcium which has been proved to help alleviate menstrual cramps. As well, they contain high amounts of vitamin E, B6 and magnesium, which also provide strength to the body to fight off tummy pains. If your moon time is extra painful, up your intake of greens. Toss them into smoothies, make salads, eat them raw, steamed, roasted…however you’d like! The opportunities are endless.
PUMPKIN SEEDS & SUNFLOWER SEEDS
The magical “menstruation cramp relief” vitamin, Vitamin E, is also found in pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, so eat these seeds by the handful, ladies! Zinc has been said to help relieve belly bloats and pains during our moon time and is found in both of these seeds, too. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, which is said to support the absorption of zinc and magnesium, assisting in natural pain relief.
SESAME SEEDS
When it comes to seeds and menstrual cramp relief, sesame seeds are in the lead. They contain healthy fatty acids that help relax the stomach muscles and reduce cramping and are also rich in vitamin B6, calcium and magnesium. Try sprinkling them on salads, noodle dishes or eating them by the tablespoon-ful.
WATER
Okay, so water isn’t a food, and we don’t eat it, but it should be obvious that drinking a lot of water during menstruation is a must. It’s important all the time, but especially during menstruation: by remaining hydrated, chances of the body retaining water decrease and painful bloating subsides. Hot water (with some ginger) also relaxes muscles, which can reduce cramping. If you find it difficult to drink a lot of water or to keep track of how much you’re drinking, carry a water bottle with you.
To learn about more foods to eat during that time of month, visit Our Body Book by clicking through here!
