PMS is a dirty, dirty word. You hate it, guys loathe it but the impending monthly catastrophe is here to stay for as long as we can conceive babies.
While some ladies handle it well with none or very minimal effects of PMS at all, the rest of us aren’t so lucky. PMS is the acronym for Pre Menstrual Syndrome and its effects include lethargy, feeling sluggish, cramps, achy all over and random cravings. It’s not so fantastic to have these symptoms especially if you’re a working woman and always need to be at your best.
They say that a good diet, eating on time and daily exercise can counter or at least reduce the effects of PMS but during that time of the month, how do you keep up with your routine in spite of the lethargy and cramps? It’s almost impossible to want to hit the gym when you’re feeling, bloated, tired and would rather curl up in bed with a slice, no make it a whole cake. And a tub of cookies and cream.
Survey shows that most women crave for foods with high sugar content while PMSing. Malaysia is a nation with one of the highest consumption of sugar in the region, no surprises there especially when gourmet confectionaries and your neighbourhood auntie’s kuih muih are so easily available nowadays.
While these tasty bites bring instant gratification, you’re actually ruining what you’ve been working (out) for the rest of the month! It takes plenty of conscious effort to not give in to temptation. Replace sweet treats with wholesome foods such as whole grains and fruits. Another healthy tip is to introduce foods that will diminish the symptoms of PMS such as fish (protein), pineapple and dairy products. Doesn’t this seem like good news already?
If you really need a chocolate kick, try taking small amounts of dark chocolate instead of milk ones which will give you more energy in the long run. Don’t skip exercising during your PMS week as it’ll be more difficult for you to get back into routine once the dreaded period is over. Don’t exert yourself either, the key is moderation.
Try less strenuous exercise such as yoga as opposed to running on the treadmill. PMS doesn’t ruin your life but you can take advantage of it to slow down in life. It’s not the end of the world really if you learn to deal with it.
Suddenly PMS doesn’t seem so scary anymore does it?
