Cravings Before Your Period: What Your Body Is Really Asking For
You know that week before your period when you suddenly want to eat everything in sight?
The chocolate. The chips. The baked goods.
You feel hungrier, moodier, and maybe even a little “out of control.”
First things first: you are not broken.
You’re not weak, undisciplined, or “bad” at eating healthy.
You’re simply in your luteal phase—the second half of your cycle when your hormones shift dramatically. And those cravings? They’re actually messages from your body. Today, we’re going to decode them and learn how to respond with nourishment, not judgment.
What’s Going On in the Luteal Phase?
Let’s zoom out for a second. Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about your period—it’s a full monthly rhythm. During the luteal phase (after ovulation and before your period), a few key things happen:
• Progesterone increases
• Estrogen decreases
• Serotonin dips (your feel-good mood chemical)
• Your metabolism speeds up, meaning your body is burning more calories
So when you feel more tired, anxious, snacky, or just off, that’s your body working overtime—and asking for support.
Craving Chocolate?
You might be low in magnesium, which supports muscle relaxation, mood, and stress resilience.
Nourish instead with:
• A square of dark chocolate (80% or higher)
• A smoothie with raw cacao powder and hemp seeds
• Leafy greens, black beans, and pumpkin seeds
Craving Salty Snacks?
You might be low in minerals or slightly dehydrated, especially if you’re bloated or retaining water.
Nourish instead with:
• Miso broth with seaweed and tofu
• Lightly salted roasted chickpeas or air-popped popcorn
• Hydrating foods like cucumber, celery, and citrus-infused water
Craving Baked Goods or Carbs?
This usually means your body wants energy and your brain is looking for a serotonin boost. This is super common when progesterone rises and estrogen falls.
Nourish instead with:
• Roasted sweet potatoes or oats topped with nut butter
• Whole grain toast with avocado and nutritional yeast
• A banana with walnuts or a date stuffed with almond butter
Craving Everything?
If your cravings feel nonstop, it could mean your meals aren’t satisfying you during the day—or your blood sugar is on a rollercoaster.
Nourish instead with:
• Balanced meals that include fiber, healthy fat, and plant-based protein
• Avoiding skipping meals—especially breakfast
• Limiting added sugars that spike and crash your energy
Here’s the Big Shift:
Cravings aren’t a sign you’re “failing.” They’re information. They’re your body’s way of speaking to you.
When we learn to listen—with compassion instead of criticism—we can respond with love. With food that truly nourishes. With choices that honor what we need, not punish what we feel.
You Are Allowed to Eat. You Are Allowed to Feel. You Are Allowed to Be Supported.
If no one’s ever told you this before, let me be the one to say it:
You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through your cycle every month.
You can understand your body instead. You can support it.
And yes—you can still eat the chocolate if you want it. No guilt required.
Want help decoding your cycle and learning how to eat for hormonal balance?
That’s what we do inside my Nourish to Flourish program.
Because feeling amazing in your body isn’t about restriction—it’s about reconnection.
Let’s get you back in sync.
You’re only one meal away.