Dear BeingGirl Experts,

Well, right before I get my period I start eating A LOT! I gain a few pounds. I'm not just talking like a big huge meal and then a little small one. I crave lots of foods and bad ones too, like chocolate and hamburgers. I've become depressed lately because I've been eating so much. Why does that happen to me?

Sadie

---

Dear Sadie,

Every day, including right before and during your period, you need to make healthy food choices, even when you want to feed it more!

Food cravings may be caused by the increased responsiveness to insulin related to increased hormone levels in your body before menstruation (period). When this happens you might have symptoms of low blood sugar as your brain lets your body know it needs fuel. Including complex carbohydrates (food in wholegrain form like brown rice, wholegrain breads, oats) in your diet will provide a constant flow of energy to your brain and is healthier. This will help with cravings too.

Remember to always make healthy food choices!

Your BeingGirl Experts