One of the number one questions we get during check-in time for our custom meal plan clients is about hormones and weight gain. So today we are going to briefly go over what’s up with hormones & weight gain!
Ever wonder why you gain weight during that certain time of the month and sometimes that weight falls off and others it doesn’t? This is why!
At certain times of the month, usually right before and/or during your menstrual cycle it’s normal to experience weight gain. This weight gain comes from water retention throughout the body and it’s normal to gain anywhere between a half a pound to ten pounds. You can blame this lovely PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptom on progesterone. It rises throughout your cycle and abruptly falls when you start your period.
If you were to become pregnant it would stay high throughout the pregnancy. It signals your body’s cells to begin holding on to water in preparation for pregnancy. Once it drops off, you will begin to shed the water weight. Here is the catch, if you find yourself also gaining weight during your period this may be due to what you’re eating.
It’s typical during your period to crave carbs during the first few days of your period. The crash in hormone levels that causes your period leaves you feeling fatigued, tired, and general not so happy. Your brain will crave serotonin and energy boosters like carbs. Not to give you an excuse to overeat ALL THE CARBS, but this is actually a good thing. Your body is more sensitive to insulin at this point, so you may better handle the extra carbs.
There are, unfortunately, TWO downsides to this.
- First, you won’t see that pre-period weight drop off because the extra carbs will cause fluid retention.
- Second, if you overdo it on the donuts too many extra calories will cause you to gain weight. Luckily, due to a suppressed appetite, you will likely have an easier time sticking to your meal plan during that week if you are a WTE? Meal Plan client!
Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Check out the plans and pricing page to get started today!
And for more info, here is a chart showing you exactly how your needs change during your cycle! Graphic courtesy of Kelli Shallal, owner, and creator of WTE? Meal Plans lifestyle blog Hungry Hobby.
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