Many women struggle with an increase in body weight during their period. Of course, this can quickly become frustrating and make your mood even worse. Why this doesn't have to be the case and how you can keep your weight under control during your period is explained below.
The most important facts about calorie consumption during your period at a glance
- It is normal for women's body weight to fluctuate during their menstrual cycle.
- Often, women's weight is temporarily increased simply because of water retention.
- During the period, the female body can consume up to 300 calories more than usual.
- A moderate exercise programme during the period consumes additional calories and increases well-being.
- Despite the increased calorie consumption, women should keep an eye on their diet.
Why does body weight fluctuate?
It is perfectly normal for our body weight to fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. This is due to a number of different factors. For one thing, our hormone levels fluctuate. Our metabolism is also influenced by our menstrual cycle.
Depending on the phase of the cycle, we tend to have more water retention, for example. These inevitably show up on the scales, although they have nothing to do with an actual increase in body weight.
Increased calorie consumption during the period
It is not uncommon for women to eat a little more than usual during their menstrual period and thus their daily calorie intake is slightly increased. As long as it's within reason, you don't have to worry about your weight.
Fortunately, we women not only eat more than usual during our period. We also consume a little more calories. Metabolic activity increases by up to 10 per cent during your period. Depending on normal calorie consumption, this can mean up to 300 extra calories burned per day for some women.
Avoidable mistakes in everyday life
Of course, the increased calorie consumption during menstruation is only one aspect that plays a role in your weight. You are allowed to have an extra piece of chocolate when you are on your period. However, that doesn't mean you should let yourself go completely.
Especially when typical menstrual cramps become noticeable, many women like to retreat to bed or the couch. Sporting activities are cut out of the daily routine and cravings are countered with junk food.
Despite the slight increase in calories, this behaviour quickly leads to weight gain in women. Apart from that, you don't do yourself any favours this way if you have PMS symptoms or period pains. Both are exacerbated by lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet. 
Exercise during your period
Many women don't feel like exercising at all during their period. This is understandable, of course, given the possibility of period pains. However, it is worth getting over yourself and being physically active despite menstruation. Moderate exercise sessions can even help to relieve menstrual cramps.
Exercise also increases your calorie consumption, which is also beneficial for weight gain. If you want to feel fit and well despite menstruation, exercise should be part of your daily routine.
Lack of performance during sport
Fluctuations in performance during sport are another typical phenomenon that we women have to deal with during our menstrual cycle. For example, your period is not the best time to strive for new personal bests in training. In the follicular phase, on the other hand, you will most likely feel particularly fit and able to perform.
Therefore, train at a lower intensity and avoid putting too much strain on your body during your period. Instead, make sure you exercise regularly. Moderate endurance training, yoga or Pilates, for example, are good ways to stay active during your period.
Eat a balanced diet
Of course you are allowed to indulge yourself during your period. However, despite the increased calorie consumption and possible cravings, you should be careful not to overindulge. Fresh fruit and vegetables, for example, should be on your menu every day, while crisps and the like should be the exception.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you avoid period pains. Of course, it also ensures that your calorie intake doesn't go completely off the rails during your period.
Calorie consumption during your period: our conclusion
As you can see, it's really not that bad if you eat a little more than usual during your period. After all, your body consumes a few extra calories during this phase of your cycle.
Of course, this doesn't mean you should just lie on the couch and eat sweets all day. But you don't have to worry about your weight either.
After all, weight fluctuations are perfectly normal during the female cycle. So don't drive yourself crazy and learn to take care of your body and accept it as it is.
