For girls, when Aunt Flo arrives, they enter a “I don’t want to move, don’t bother me” cold state. Many people think that during menstruation, they cannot exercise and can eat whatever they want without gaining weight, thus considering menstruation as a brief period of stagnation in their weight loss journey. In fact, the menstrual period is actually a good time for weight loss.
Does metabolism speed up during menstruation, allowing you to eat without gaining weight?
Remember! Not quite
Women’s metabolism speeds up during menstruation, but the rate of acceleration is only about 30% more than usual. Eating high-calorie or high-fat foods can still lead to weight gain.
If women feel like eating more before menstruation but don’t gain weight, it might be due to hormone levels increasing before menstruation, leading to sodium and water retention, pelvic congestion, and edema, resulting in a temporary increase in body weight. After menstruation, the excess water and blood are expelled, making the weight measurement lighter. So, overeating can still make you gain weight!!!
Follow these 4 tips to drop weight every day!
1. Eat a balanced diet
Stick to a nutritious and light diet during this time. You can consume low-fat, high-protein foods like chicken, fish, beans, and vegetables; substitute staple foods with corn, yams, oats, and brown rice to reduce carbohydrate intake. Eat until you’re 70-80% full, avoid high-calorie snacks and sweets to help maintain health and control weight. Avoid fried foods, processed meats, and sugary drinks, as these high-calorie foods can easily lead to fat accumulation.
2. Moderate exercise
Although the body may feel weak during menstruation, moderate exercise is beneficial. In the days leading up to menstruation, you may experience some discomfort, so opt for light exercises like walking, yoga, and simple stretches. These activities promote blood circulation, alleviate discomfort, and help burn calories. As menstruation progresses, gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise. For example, in the days after menstruation, engage in activities like jogging and aerobic exercises. Adjust the exercise intensity based on your individual physical condition, and stop if you experience pain or discomfort.
3. Ensure sufficient sleep
Sleep is crucial for weight loss, especially during menstruation. The body requires extra rest to recover and readjust during this time. Aim for 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep per day to support metabolism and hormone balance. Quality sleep helps control appetite and reduces emotional eating due to mood swings. Avoid using electronic devices before bedtime and maintain a quiet, dark, and cool bedroom environment to improve sleep quality.
4. Manage emotions
Due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, women may experience mood swings, and emotional stress can elevate cortisol levels in the body, promoting fat storage. Therefore, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude is essential during menstruation. Relax through activities like listening to music, reading, chatting with friends, to reduce stress. Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises to calm your emotions and stabilize your mind and body.
