Period Weight Gain: 4 Reasons Why You Look Fatter During Your Periods
For many women, periods mean miserable cramps, stubborn breakouts, and lots of bloating, but is it possible to put on a few kilos during your cycle? Turns out yes, and for that, you can thank those fluctuating hormones.
Have you ever noticed that your jeans get tighter during that time of the month? While you can blame your last cheat meal, it is also true that you tend to gain weight during periods. You can gain up to kilos just in those five days. However, you do not have to fret as a lot of period weight is water weight and it is only temporary. But what exactly makes the scale tick up? Read on to find out.
1 Your Hormones Fluctuate
The female sex hormone estrogen is the number one culprit. It peaks during the latter part of the menstrual cycle right before your period and leads your body to retain a lot of water, indirectly causing you to gain a few extra kilos. The good news is that estrogen level drops as the period starts and so you will get some relief. But again, progesterone levels rise during the second half of the cycle causing water retention. Progesterone also makes your breast increase by a full size during periods. However, this is also temporary and your breasts will come back to normal in no time.Ā Period Pain, Migraine or Bloating, How to Beat 8 Menstrual Problems For Good!
2 You Give In To Your Cravings
You surely do not crave fir broccoli during your periods, it is always something sweet and savoury. Unfortunately, those salty chips, munchies, and doughnuts only contribute to water retention. And if you are soothing yourself with pizza and ice cream you are only consuming more calories. If you are trying to lose weight, make sure that you stock up on lean protein and Greek yoghurt to keep your weight loss goals on track.
3 You Overdo On Caffeine
We understand your caffeine cravings but suddenly introducing more coffee or carbonated beverages into your diet can lead to bloating and discomfort. Plus, carbonated beverages contain added sugars that make the reading on your scale go up.Ā How to Stop Period Cramps? 5 Mistakes That Are Making Them Worse During Your Menstruation.
4 You Do Not Workout At All
You are lazy and tired during that time of the month and hitting the gym could be the last thing on your mind. Sweating it out can keep your body weight in check. But if you do not feel like going to the gym, you can always do some soothing yoga poses at home to quell your cramps and also burn a few calories at the same time.
Luckily, there are some fixes to minimise the period puffiness. It may seem counterintuitive, but the best way to stem water retention is to drink more fluids.Ā Also, eat foods rich in vitamin B and magnesium to flush out the bloat. Further, 30 minutes of exercise daily can help release endorphins and combat the hormonal effects.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2019 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).