Ugh. It’s that time of the month again: your period.
There have been so many gloomy days this month, which made me feel worse than usual on my period.
Beside hiding under the covers and sneaking in a heating pad at your office, eating the right things can alleviate some of the symptoms of your period. Here are both sweet and savory options:
Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt contains good bacteria that promote healthy digestion and soothe cramps. It’s also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which may reduce the symptoms of PMS. Topple it off with some berries, granola, and honey to make it fun and tasty. Plus, a yogurt parfait is one of the healthier options to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Banana Bread
The potassium and vitamin B6 in bananas ease bloating and help your uterus relax. They also regulate blood pressure and send oxygen to your brain, which can uplift your mood! They are so many ways to make banana bread – you can’t screw it up. Personally, since I’m lactose intolerant, I make this vegan banana bread.
See Also: Why We Should All Be Talking About Endometriosis
Dark Chocolate Brownies
Dark chocolate is really high in antioxidants and magnesium – things that ease cramps. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, aka the happy hormones that keep you calm and cheerful. The darker the chocolate, the better, so use a dark chocolate brownie mix along with dark chocolate chips to double down on the darkness!
See Also: Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
Whole Grain Avocado Toast
Whole grain is a great source of magnesium, which studies have shown can ease menstrual pain. Whole grain is also filled with fiber to keep you full for longer and promote healthy bowel movements. Add avocado and olive oil to the toast, both of which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Those fats are proven to ease muscle tension and reduce cramps. So, avocado toast is a double win!
Bean Burger
During your period, your body’s iron levels drop, and this can leave you feeling lightheaded and sluggish. If you’re a meat-eater, then indulge in a nice piece of steak. But if you’re vegetarian and/or want to whip up something quick, go for a bean burger. My go-to is this Trader Joe’s Quinoa Cowboy veggie burger with black beans. Add spinach and kale to that burger to get even more iron.
Baked Broccoli Tots
Broccoli is truly a superfood – it’s filled with fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, iron, and magnesium. All of these nutrients help beat PMS and soothe your digestion! You could just eat broccoli as it is with ranch or any other sauce/dressing of your choice. But if you’re in a creative mood, consider baking broccoli tots! They’re like the tater tots I ate as a kid, but healthier and tastier – plus they make me feel better during my period!
