How to Avoid PMS Weight Gain Starting This Month

To avoid PMS weight gain, it's important to devise and then stick to a plan.

PMS weight gain affects many women. It is a frustrating problem, but there are steps you can take to reduce or, in some instances, even avoid PMS weight gain. Read this article to learn specific tips about how to reduce or even avoid PMS weight gain.

Instructions

1. Keep a close eye on your stress level during PMS if you want to reduce or avoid PMS weight gain. Your hormonal shifts during the premenstrual phase of your cycle can cause your anxiety and stress level to skyrocket. When you feel stressed due to PMS, be sure to find a healthy outlet for that stress, such as meditation or Yoga. When you feel relaxed and you can sleep restfully, rather than fitfully, as so many women do during PMS, this sense of relaxation can help you maintain your emotional equilibrium and avoid PMS weight gain.

2. Don't stop exercising during PMS. Many women make this mistake, and it can lead to PMS weight gain. They disrupt their usual exercise routine because they feel bloated, crampy, moody and uncomfortable. However, it's vitally important to keep on exercising even when you don't feel like it due to your PMS symptoms if you are hoping to avoid PMS weight gain.

3. Don't succumb to cravings during PMS. The cravings for sugary or salty or fatty foods that you experience during PMS are all too real, and they can be very strong. Try your hardest to combat these PMS food cravings and stick to a healthy diet if you really want to avoid PMS weight gain. Make sure you are consuming enough foods that contain fiber and calcium, as these can help you combat cravings. The fiber in particular can fill you up, making you feel less hungry and less susceptible to cravings.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that some PMS weight gain can be actual weight gain (due to succumbing to cravings and not exercising, for example), and some PMS weight gain is actually due to fluid retention. To reduce PMS bloating and fluid retention, drink plenty of water in order to detoxify and flush your system, and also to help fill you up. If you need additional help to reduce PMS bloating, there are certain over the counter medications you can take to help with this problem, such as Midol, Premsyn and Aleve. Always speak to your doctor, however, before trying any new medication, even over the counter medications, because not all medications are appropriate for every individual.