We’ve all heard (and lived) the cliche of craving chocolate when we’re on our periods, but we’re never really taught why this happens and why the chocolate is actually serving a purpose!

Your menstrual cycle has a major influence on your appetite.

Hormone levels change from phase to phase, resulting in a difference in appetite throughout the month. Not only do these changes affect your overall appetite levels, but they influence what types of foods you want as well (hence the chocolate during your period trend).

Let’s dive into exactly what’s happening in each phase. 

Menstrual Phase / Period Week 

During the menstrual phase, your body is shedding its uterine lining, the result of which is a decrease in energy levels and an increased need for warmth and comfort.

Nutrient-rich foods and hydration are very important during this time in order to replenish your body’s supply. During this phase, you may feel a big difference between the first couple days and the last couple days.

The beginning half of the menstrual phase may bring about lethargic, sluggish feelings, and a major craving for comfort foods.

But by the end of the week, you start feeling higher energy levels and a more level appetite as your body transitions into the follicular phase. 

Follicular Phase

During the follicular phase, your estrogen levels start to rise in order to prepare for ovulation. Increased estrogen can bring higher energy levels and motivation.

You can expect your appetite to be much more level, if not lower than the menstrual phase, so lighter, nutritious meals are ideal for this phase.

Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can help support the increased exercise and physical activities you’ll experience during this phase.

Ovulatory Phase

The ovulatory phase can be very similar to the follicular phase, but you may experience a slight increase in appetite.

Your energy levels will remain consistent, and you may feel more social during this phase.

Cravings for dense foods, like protein-rich foods and complex carbohydrates, may increase, especially as you move into the luteal phase.

Luteal Phase

During the luteal phase, progesterone levels increase. You’ll experience the most cravings and the least motivation during this phase, as well as mood swings and other premenstrual symptoms.

Your body is burning more calories in this phase, and therefore naturally needs more food!

Complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins can help manage the mood and energy fluctuations, but don’t deny yourself the treats you’re craving – your body needs the calories and your heart needs the comfort! 

Understanding how your appetite fluctuates throughout the month can help you make better decisions for your mental and physical health.

Women’s bodies don’t function on 24-hour cycles like men’s do, so our diet regimes shouldn’t either! Learning your own unique rhythm can help you trust that when your body is telling you it needs more food, it’s telling the truth!

To help you get started, you can download my quick guide to the phases here.

This will provide a summary of each phase’s characteristics and easy things you can implement each week. My in-depth tracker to help you dive deep into your own unique rhythm is coming soon, so stay tuned!