MARIAH STRONGIN, NAPLES, FL
Whether you are a bystander or the one experiencing it, who loves that time of the month?
During that week, I feel distant, unattractive, emotional…I could go on, but am I right ladies? It is so great!!
It’s that time of the month our significant others or roommates have no idea what to do — do they help or do they keep their distance? I am sure we all have different experiences. I personally would like to be cuddled and cared for — is breakfast in bed too much? I sure do not want to be asked what is wrong — at all! Let me complain, let me cry, let me be in pain from cramps. It’s only a week.
I am on birth control pills. Without them, I only had one period a year. After the current pandemic, I look forward to doing a deep dive into my hormones and having them fully checked out. All women should. Asking questions to better understand your hormones is like finding the keys to a piano — without them you aren’t playing much. And, without the proper knowledge, you will be in the dark with all things health, fitness, emotions, etc. One thing I have learned while studying nutrition and listening to doctors, is that everyone’s body is very different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to your body or health. What works for your friend or favorite influencer may not work for you, because every body is different.
My appetite the week of my period:
First, I get hungry for sweets — my go to is anything chocolate or cookie dough ice cream!
I also crave red meat — a burger or nice piece of steak.
As I get closer, I lose my appetite.
A couple days before, I am starving! Fats are the last thing the stomach digests, so I eat some healthy fats like peanut butter to keep myself satisfied.
Finally, during my period, I eat normal.
As for my body:
The week before I feel extremely bloated all over. My body looks like there are new layers of fats over every muscle. When I had my eating disorder, it used to drive me crazy, but now I accept it and I know it will go away just as quick. My body needs it for my period — like it is going into hibernation.
During my period I am usually tired — exercise, eating a little extra, staying hydrated helps. When I am back to normal, my body sheds the prior week, mostly.
The body is a crazy and magnificent thing. It is so delicate. I can’t wait to learn more about my hormones. My hope for you after you read this, if you are feeling how I am, is that you feel less alone. It’s a lot to go through every month and all of us women are in it together. It is only one week a month — we got this. As for our significant others or roommates, I hope something here helps you to better understand what women go through — and how to help them through it.
