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It’s something we ladies all go through each month. The cramping. The cranky. The cravings. Ugh, how do we even survive?
Well, let me tell you, it’s even harder when you’re on a diet. In fact, I have something I like to call PMS brownies. From the Walmart bakery, this small square tray of brownies is frosted with the most amazing fudge icing. Best part? They are cut in quarters, so the size of each brownie is epic.
Every month without fail, I have bought these brownies to help me get through my trying couple of days. But since starting the Jump Start Diet back in February, I have avoided the brownies at all cost.
But let’s be honest, any crampy, cranky girl will tell you that willpower—or reason, for that matter— tends to be non-existent during our “visit from Aunt Flo.” So what can a poor dieter do to ease her menstruating misery while still being healthy?
Lucky for us, the Jump Start Diet has recipes for snacks and desserts for every kind of craving you could have plus meditation and stretching moves that not only can calm the cranky, but also easy your cramps.
Try 1 oz dark chocolate (over 70%) with a piece of fruit:
The lack of sweetness keeps you from wanting to eat the whole bar, but still gives you the chocolate feeling your body craves.
Make chocolate yogurt:
Mix 6 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp raw honey, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder. Trust me. It’s fabulous.
Make banana pops:
My personal favorite. Just drizzle melted dark chocolate over a banana on a stick and freeze. Totally incredible.
Seek out healthy ice cream:
Skinny Cow is an amazing brand with individual servings rarely going over 150 calories. Also coconut milk ice cream treats are completely fabulous (although a bit pricey). So Delicious is one of my favorite coconut milk ice brands.
If you’re craving salty…
Reach for chips and salsa:
If you can keep your chip intake to about 15 chips, it’s an appropriate snack.
Embrace the Popchips:
It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of these. They taste better than real chips in my opinion—oh so sinfully good— without being bad for you.
Enjoy some popcorn:
You’re allowed 3 cups Newman’s Own Natural Flavor Popcorn with 8 walnut halves on the Jump Start Diet.
Now what about those really bad cravings? I usually only crave fast food during these lady times, so yesterday would be one of those days to consult my fast food plan. If you haven’t informed yourself of the better options out there yet, make sure you do! You don’t want to find yourself picking something that seems healthy (like a McDonald’s salad) only to find out you’ve consumed just as many calories and fat as a Big Mac.
Yesterday, I treated myself to a turkey burger from Hardee’s to ease my own womanly woes. It’s nice to know that at the times when all I want is to sink my teeth in something that tastes indulgent, I don’t have to sacrifice my diet to do so.
So you see ladies, there is hope. For even more tips like mediation advice and yoga poses, visit the Jump Start Diet page of SELF magazine. It definitely saved my day.
Feel free to email me at NikkiRoberti@HerCampus.com or tweet me anytime @Nikki_Roberti.