It’s coming up to that time of the month and suddenly your jeans are that little bit tighter and you just can’t do up that button? Well, you’re not alone! The scale really does move during that time of the month. Some women can gain up to 3kgs during their period!
But don’t stress! It’s probably water retention, and the likely culprit: (you guessed it) hormones!
The female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone peak in the lead up to your period, and high levels of them can indirectly cause water retention, as well as breast swelling, enlargement and tenderness. These hormonal changes also contribute to those awful sugary/fatty cravings we discussed in the previous post. All of this together can lead to a bloated feeling and potentially cause you to gain those few extra pounds.
The good news: Oestrogen levels drop as you start your period, so you’ll feel some relief just in time! But how do you manage this in the meantime?
Here are my top tips:
1. Beat those cravings (see previous post for tips on how to do this)
2. Keep moving! Even though hitting the gym may be the last thing on your mind at this time, working up a sweat might help keep your body (and the scale) stay in check. Sweating helps you shed that extra water weight and the endorphin boost helps kill those cravings. So get out of those pyjamas, put down the chocolate bar and get your body moving to work up a sweat!
3. Caffeinated drinks can act as a natural diuretic - meaning you pee out that extra fluid your body’s holding. However be careful with this one! Too much caffeine is never good for anyone - everything in moderation!
4. The best thing you can do this time of the month! Step off and away from the scale and wear that comfy clothing that makes you feel like a million bucks! Just remember - your body will return to normal as your period passes.