Archives for January 2019

Food cravings are an almost given part of life for women, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired women’s health entrepreneur and author explains that the insatiable urge for your favorite candy bar isn’t necessarily caused by hunger, but often by hormones. Keep reading for insight on how to stop cravings before you do – or chew – something you’ll regret.

Q: What hormones can trigger cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There are many hormones that can make you want to eat when you’re not really hungry. Serotonin and leptin are the usual suspects. Pregnant women may experience cravings thanks to progesterone, which, among other things, can affect a woman’s appetite.

Q: What other reasons might a person crave a certain food?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Legitimate hunger is the obvious answer. However, thirst, a nutrient deficiency, and even boredom may be to blame. Selective cravings, for example, which occur when you want a specific food, may be more because you are bored. Non-selective cravings are when you want to eat, but you don’t know what. This may be the beginning stages of actual hunger, although it may also signify thirst.

Q: How can a woman reduce cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Reducing an overwhelming urge to eat when you’re not really hungry isn’t always easy. However, managing stress, getting a full night’s sleep, and drinking enough water can all help. Further, eating a balanced diet, one that keeps you full and energized, can also stave off unwanted food cravings.

Q: Is it true that eating a high protein diet is effective against non-selective cravings?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Lean protein, which is already essential for overall health, has been shown to reduce nighttime cravings by around 50 percent. Since it takes longer for the body to digest, it can keep you feeling full for longer and is generally more satisfying than vegetables, although fruits and vegetables should make up the bulk of your daily food intake.

What was I doing? Where are my keys? Was I supposed to pack lunches today? If you find yourself asking these and similar questions more often every 28 days, you might have PMS brain fog, says MarlaAhlgrimm. And you’re not alone.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, most women feel a little more forgetful than usual when Mother Nature comes to call. This is due to a sharp drop in a brain chemical, serotonin, which is brought about by a rise in progesterone. It’s no fun feeling like you’re making your way through each day in a daze, but it’s only temporary and not a cause for concern.

The goods news is that, if you’re willing to track your cycle, there are ways to improve your mood and memory.

• Keep a journal. Marla Ahlgrimm says to keep a notebook handy so you can make a note of when your cycle starts. This is the day after your period. Keep track of when during your cycle you begin to feel sluggish and forgetful.
• Get enough sleep. Sleep is important every day, but even more so when your brain doesn’t want to get started in the AM. Give yourself and extra 30 to 45 minutes of downtime each night during the week or so you aren’t thinking clearly.
• Try an iron supplement. If you feel worse when you are menstruating, your mental fog might be due to iron deficiency anemia. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this is common in women who have heavy periods. Any time you lose a great deal of blood at once, your body will struggle to make up the difference. Eat plenty of lean beef, beans, and leafy greens. Iron supplements should only be used after consulting with your doctor .
• Talk to your doctor. Finally, Marla Ahlgrimm insists that your doctor is the best person to help you overcome this or any other issues stemming from your menstrual cycle. Talk to them about ways you can reclaim your energy and memory.