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Check ‘em out and then don’t miss thesebest foods for women!
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That’s why those cravings are so hard to say no toyour body is hunting for a hormonal overhaul.
Instead of caving to your inner Cookie Monster, turn to a healthy source ofcomplex carbslike whole-grain bread.
Toast up a slice as a mid-morning mood-boosting snack.
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“Tryptophan is converted into serotonin and can aid in improved mood, less depression, andbetter sleep.
Mix pumpkin seeds into your salads and veggie side dishes for a touch of crunch and some much-needed relief.
Melon
Having a hard time buttoning those skinny jeans that just fit a couple of days ago?
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Breathe easy: you didn’t gain weight!
In the days leading up to your period, your body begins storing sodium and fluids.
Instead of trading in your favorite pants for sweats and leggings, try munching on honeydew melon to de-bloat.
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Bruns suggests increasing your intake ofwater-rich foodssuch as melon instead of reaching for a salty, bloating snack.
That sugar and alcohol-filled daiquiri you’re craving, however, does the opposite.
Skip the fruity cocktail and stick with the fruit if you want to zip up your pants.
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Bookmark thesefoods to stop belly bloatfor more smart bites!
“Whole grains cause the body to release insulin which promotes tryptophan absorption.
“The key is combining a whole-grain snack, like popcorn, with a protein source of tryptophan.
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Stick to unsalted varieties to keep salt-induced bloating at bay while simultaneously improving your mood.
So go ahead, pop a fresh bag and turn on Netflix.
If there’s any time you get a free pass to binge-watchScandalguilt-free, it’s this week.
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Just pass on the red wine.
ABritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecologystudy found that consuming the yellow-hued spice can significantly reduce feelings of depression.
The spice increases serotonin levels, which typically drop before menstruation.
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Although saffron is one of the most expensive spices, a little of it goes a long way.
Use it to whip up African, Middle Eastern, and European-inspired dishes and reap the PMS-busting benefits.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods such as chia seeds and rainbow trout.
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Thesehealthy fatscan help ease period cramping due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Beans are a magnesium-rich food that helps boost serotonin levels and diminish water retention.
“Magnesium acts as a natural muscle relaxer, giving women relief from menstrual cramps.
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When choosing a can to prepare, stick with no-salt-added varieties.
Sodium can make your body hold onto water, undermining the bean’s bloat-busting effects.
Add beans to salads, soups, or whole-grain pasta and rice dishes.
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Craving something more indulgent?
Combine with a package of organic brownie mix and combine until smooth.
Bake in a greased baking dish for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F. Enjoy!
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But fight back the urge to size up to fight the fatigue.
“Caffeinecauses blood vessels to constrict, and that includes those that feed the uterus.
When this happens, it can bring on more intense cramps,” Smith explains.
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Your love for all things salty may be to blame.
“In the days leading up to your period, your body begins storing sodium and fluids.
Carb-laden dishes
“A week or two before your period, hormone levels change.
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Estrogen levels increase and progesterone levels decrease.
“And like excess salt, consuming too many carbs can make the bloating worse.”
That means you may be boosting your energy while simultaneously worsening your cramps.
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Pair either option with some green leafy vegetables for an additional dose of energy-boosting iron.
Plus, too much sugar also makes you feel extra run-down and tired.”
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