Managing your fitness goals with PMS

keep-calm-it-s-only-pms-2If you have female anatomy, chances are you have succumbed to the PMS demon that has overcome your body and controlled your soul at some point in your life. You want to eat all of the “bad” foods you shouldn’t have, you don’t want to exercise because you feel like a walking blimp, and you’re ready to throw in the towel and give up on your fitness goals (for this week, anyway). PMS affects every body differently, so it’s unreasonable to think there are specific anti-PMS methods that will work for everyone, but here are some of my thoughts about PMS and staying on track during your fitness journey:

1) This, too, shall pass. Keep reminding yourself that PMS doesn’t last 365 days of the year even though it feels like forever. The scale may frustrate you, but emotional eating won’t help either. Focus on maintenance during this time period rather than losing weight. If you can talk yourself into exercising and not eating everything in the house, count that as your success for the week!

2) Your symptoms will be worse with PMS if you eat poorly throughout the month. If you are someone that feels completely out of control with PMS, consider the rest of the month as your “prep” time. You will find that your cravings and other symptoms are dramatically lessened with PMS if you don’t consume sugary, processed foods on a regular basis.

3) Keep exercising, no matter what! Exercise will help to relieve cramping and headaches, lessen cravings, and keep you focused. Throwing in the towel and not showing up to your workout will also increase the chances of you ending up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Get up and get moving even though you don’t want to – keep yourself mentally in the game!