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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

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Original poster

Period sabotaging any weightloss

11 replies

Ophentru · 17/10/2023 04:59

For half of the month I'm able to follow a healthy eating plan. Three meals, less than 1500 calories a day and lots of walks to lose weight gradually.

However for the other half of the month when period is on way and during, I become an out of control sugar and carb fiend. I feel rubbish if I don't eat for a couple of hours and can't seem to make do with standard portions.

So any weight I may lose during good two weeks is just put back on.

I don't know what to do as clearly its hormonal. I've always felt off around period and had bad eating habits as well as low mood then but no idea what to do. I accepted it as normal but now feel like I'll never be able to lose weight.

FYI no pcos, never on hormonal contraception and prefer not to take it. Five months post partum which is making periods more extreme perhaps.

Any ideas on a supplement to help? Maybe more b vitamins? I prefer to avoid gp as they've never been any use.

OP posts:

Starsinyoureyes12 · 17/10/2023 05:05

Hello

Just wanted to reply and say I was exactly the same. 5 months PP is still really early in terms of your periods, hormones etc. My periods were really heavy, more extreme than normal for maybe 6-8 months then they settled down. The baby is a year old now and I’m just starting to feel like myself, and managing to eat better, do proper exercise etc. Be kind to yourself, you will get there :)

Original poster

Ophentru · 17/10/2023 05:16

@Starsinyoureyes12 thank you! Its good to hear its normal. Maybe I'm expecting too much five months post partum. I don't have that much weight to lose really but it just feels like 1 step forward ten steps back sometimes but I'll try and give it more time

OP posts:

headcheffer · 17/10/2023 05:18

Try eating at maintenance during those two weeks, it made a big difference to me. Fine you might not lose weight those two weeks but at least you're not gaining. I also don't weigh myself the week of my period I wait until it's finished.

DuranNotSpandeau · 17/10/2023 05:20

I had a book years ago that helped me with my hormonal symptoms which led automatically to a more healthy diet.
It advises so many changes in order to stabilise blood sugar, and others that help other symptoms you might have (eg bloating, painful breasts). I didn't really get into the supplement side of it but there was a section on that.
It wasn't easy to make the dietary changes but it made a big difference to my wellbeing and moods, and I lost a bit of weight too (I was pretty slim at the time though so not much to lose).

https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/marilyn-glenville/natural-solutions-to-pms/9780749922115?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20533721646&cq_con=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvrOpBhBdEiwAR58-3Hp7NI0jW9oITiTJC6SIinD1-xCAiRAOpmTsrdnxAN10H4D4Cefv4xoChU4QAvD_BwE#GOR001701486

Natural Solutions to PMS By Marilyn Glenville | Used | 9780749922115 | World of Books

Buy Natural Solutions to PMS: How to Get Rid of Your Premenstrual Symptoms for Ever By Marilyn Glenville. Available in used condition with free delivery in the UK. ISBN: 9780749922115. ISBN-10: 0749922117

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rubydoobydoo · 17/10/2023 05:21

Starflower oil is really good for regulating hormones and has helped me.

I would work out your maintenance calories for the 2nd two weeks of your cycle and eat closer to that to give yourself more leeway with carbs!

Starsinyoureyes12 · 17/10/2023 05:21

Hopefully things will settle down a bit for you. Sounds like you are doing great, and the walks and fresh air will be good for you and your baby. Have you tried swimming? It’s a bit of a break too if you have a partner or someone that can mind the baby for a while.
if things don’t improve with the periods though, probably worth getting your iron levels checked x

Unabletomitigate · 17/10/2023 06:48

Take a look at Mindy Pelz on youtube, she suggests mapping eating to menstrual cycle. SO mostly low carb, and then healthy low GI carbs when the body needs it for hormone production, and wants them due to those hormones. The cravings are due to the need to produce hormones, and the effect of those hormones on the body.
Lets face it, we have to live in our bodies, we might as well work with them rather than against them. Your body has different needs at different points in your cycle, so its not really rational to try and eat the same way all the time.

Twitch45 · 17/10/2023 06:58

Starpowa Hormone Balance gummies help stabilise my mood around my period. They might work for cravings too?

Twitch45 · 17/10/2023 06:59

Not sure why my post was hidden!

110APiccadilly · 17/10/2023 07:08

This may not be practical for you at 5 months PP and it may not work for you, but my experience is that if I exercise quite a bit round when my period is due I feel tons better. Could you look at going to the gym/ doing a class/ going for a bike ride/ etc a couple of times when you're feeling grim because of the period?

Original poster

Ophentru · 17/10/2023 16:03

Thanks everyone, will look into your links and advice as want to try something new and hopefully will find magic formula

OP posts:

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