The 5 Best Period Comfort Foods - And What To Avoid

Cravings during periods are a well-known phenomenon that most women will face at some point of time in their menstrual cycle. We've all been there—that time of the month comes around and we find ourselves with an inexplicable craving for a certain food. And not just any food, but a specific food that we normally wouldn't even think twice about. For some of us, it's chocolate. For others, it's something salty like chips or french fries. 

But why do we get these cravings in the first place?

We tend to crave comfort food on our periods for two reasons: hormones and brain chemistry. First, let's look at hormones. During our periods, our bodies experience a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen levels. This drop in hormone levels can cause feelings of fatigue, irritability, and sadness—all of which can lead us to crave comfort foods.

What's more, the drop in progesterone levels can also lead to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And when cortisol levels are high, we tend to crave high-fat, high-sugar foods because they give us a temporary energy boost. So if you find yourself reaching for the cookies or chips during your period, now you know why!

In addition to hormones, our brain chemistry also plays a role in period cravings. Certain foods can increase levels of serotonin, the "feel-good" chemical in our brains. And when serotonin levels are low, we're more likely to feel tired, anxious, and depressed—all of which can lead us to seek out comfort foods.

Why do certain foods make us feel better during our periods?

For many women, food cravings are one of the most frustrating things about getting their period. One minute you're craving something sweet, the next you're feeling sick to your stomach. For many women, comfort food is a must during their period. There's just something about a warm, hearty meal, or a cup of your favorite chocolate drink that can make even the most cramp-filled day feel a little bit better. 

If you find yourself reaching for comfort food when you're on your period, there's no need to feel guilty about it! Your body is just trying to tell you something. 

Our bodies are going through a lot of changes and we need certain nutrients to help us through it. For example, we lose a lot of iron during our periods, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. So, it's no surprise that we often crave red meat or other iron-rich foods during this time.

Another reason why we crave certain foods during our period is because they help us deal with the hormonal changes we're experiencing. Foods that are high in fat and sugar can help increase levels of serotonin, which can help improve our mood. So, if you're feeling down in the dumps during your period, reaching for some chocolate or other sugary treat might not be a bad idea after all.

Best Foods to Keep You Comfortable on Your Periods

There are certain foods that can help ease period symptoms and make you feel better. Now that we know why we crave certain foods during our period, let's take a look at some of the best comfort foods to eat when you're on your period. Trust us, these will hit the spot and help you get through your time of the month with ease!

1. Chocolate 

Chocolate is a classic period craving for a reason: it contains magnesium, which can help with cramps, and it also releases endorphins, which can help boost your mood. Chocolate can help improve your mood thanks to its ability to increase serotonin levels. So if you're feeling down, reach for a bar or drink a cup of your favorite chocolate mix, and indulge! 

If you're looking for a sweet way to ease your period cramps, reach for a dark chocolate bar next time you're feeling discomfort. Look for a bar with at least 70% cocoa content for the most benefit, and avoid bars with added sugar or corn syrup. With its muscle-relaxing compounds and magnesium content, dark chocolate just might be the best thing—especially for relieving period pain.

2. Leafy Greens

 

Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. They're also an excellent source of folic acid, a nutrient that's important for women of childbearing age because it helps prevent birth defects. The high levels of vitamins and minerals in dark leafy greens help reduce inflammation and ease period cramps. 

3.  Everything Salmon!

If you're looking for a food that's packed with nutrients and can help ease period cramps, look no further than salmon. This delicious fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon is also rich in vitamin D, another nutrient that can help reduce inflammation.

4.   Spanish Omelet  

A Spanish omelet, also known as a tortilla Española or tortilla de patatas, is a classic dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a hearty meal that is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is relatively easy to make. The omelet is packed with nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium, which are all essential for helping to reduce cramps. Additionally, the omelet is high in protein and low in fat, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce bloating. And finally, the omelet is a good source of energy, which can be helpful for combating fatigue.

5.  Wholesome Fruit Bowls

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help ease cramps and bloating. Try to incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as possible into your diet during your period.

Foods to Avoid especially when you have Period Cramps

1. Red Meat

Red meat is one of the worst offenders when it comes to foods that make you feel bloated during your period. That's because red meat is high in saturated fat, which can lead to inflammation. So, if you're looking for something lighter to eat during your period, try opting for grilled chicken or fish instead.

 

2. Spicy Food

When you're already feeling crampy and bloated, the last thing you want is to add heartburn to the mix. Unfortunately, that's exactly what spicy food can do. So, if you're craving something hot and spicy, hold off until after your period is over.

 

3. Processed Food

Like red meat, processed food is high in saturated fat and can cause inflammation. In addition, processed food is often high in salt, which can lead to water retention and further bloating. So, if you're looking for something quick and easy to eat during your period, opt for whole-grain toast or oatmeal instead of processed cereal or a frozen pizza.

 

Making Period Comfort Food at Home

There's nothing like a good period comfort food to take the edge off those pesky cramps and PMS symptoms. And while it's always nice to eat out at a restaurant, sometimes you just want to stay in your comfy clothes and relax at home. Luckily, with a little bit of effort, you can make your own delicious period comfort food right in your kitchen! Give these recipes a try next time you're feeling under the weather—you won't be disappointed.

With a little bit of creativity, you can make your own period comfort food right in your own kitchen. Here’s an idea to get you started.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are always a good choice when you're in need of something sweet. It’s the go-to food for period cravings plus it’s easy to make. 

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup sweetener of your choice

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or Dotty Chocolatey Bliss Powder

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips. 
3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake until cookies are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes; transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Enjoy!

SUMMING IT UP

Craving comfort food is completely natural. Even though you're feeling some pretty intense symptoms during your time of the month, that doesn't make it any less annoying. While you want to take as much medicine as possible, you'll also want to eat something. 

So next time you're feeling those uncomfortable period cravings coming on, don't fight them—embrace them!  While there's no magic cure for period symptoms, what you eat (and don't eat) during that time of the month can definitely make a difference in how you feel, but you know your body and you’ll do well to listen to it. Go ahead and indulge!