Killer period cramps, endless bleeding (making you want to rip your uterus out) and crazy cravings is something we've all negotiated with, in the larger part of our adult lives. Turns out, giving into those junk food cravings and reaching out for that slice of deliciously hot pizza that your devil of a body DEMANDS, is actually bad for you? Who knew? (yes, the human body is 80% part evil and 20% part cheese)
So, here is our humble attempt to appease the period demon and experience a relatively pain-free, stress-free period next month. We bring to you a list of super-foods to power through your period.
1. Dark Chocolate
Of course, chocolate makes the list! This is your go-to snack when the junk food cravings set in. The intense desire to consume enormous amounts of sugar during menstruation is a common trait all women share. Make sure you reach out for a bar that is over 70% cocoa, the magnesium content helps a great deal in soothing and relaxing your muscles.
2. Adrak Chai
This is something I absolutely swear by when the cramps hit 10 on the pain scale and your abdomen seems to be squeezing and choking your intestines.
Boil a 2-inch piece of ginger (crushed), 1 teaspoon of saunf and 3-4 cardamom pods in about 1 cup of water. Add 1 tablespoon of tea leaves, leave to simmer for 1-2 minutes and then add milk + sugar (desired quantities). Sip on this magical potion slowly and steadily to ease away those cramps.
3. Peanut Butter
Who said getting rid of period camps means eating healthy? Grab that spoon and get working. Peanut Butter contains high quantities of Vitamin E- a wonderful element that helps with inflammation and cramping.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, meaning it can be used to help ease menstrual cramps. Try sprinkling it into tea, oats or some roasted vegetables. Actually just try it in a bowlful of piping hot daliya, sweetened to your heart's desire (brown sugar, peeps). Find the recipe here.
5. Water
Considering the fact that we are basically made of water, and it is essential for your body to function in all ways possible, hydration is the obvious answer. Down as much you can on any given day, to feel like you own a new and improved uterus.
6. Green Leafy Vegetables
Yes, these can be a pain in the ass but spinach, bathua and arbi ke patte all contain high levels of anti-cramping magnesium, in addition to Vitamin-A, C and E, proven to help alleviate PMS symptoms.
#SpoonSuggests that you roast spinach leaves with a dash of oil, salt, pepper and some crushed garlic in a hot oven at 175C for 10 minutes for crunchy spinach crisps that taste best sprinkled with chaat masala and a squeeze of lime.
7. Pineapple
Juicy, sweet and marvellously sticky, pineapple chunks are the ultimate solution. Not only do they help in muscle relaxation, but they have the added charm of being the much-needed spirit-booster of the month.
8. Dahi/Low-Fat Yoghurt
Probiotic yoghurt contains friendly bacteria (Flashback: Grade seven Biology lessons) which help resist bloating. Plus, studies suggest that calcium is a great cramp-pain reliever. Breakfast for the dreaded-period month is now sorted.
PS: Breakfast yoghurt is incomplete without berries and nuts!
9. Walnuts
The time of the cheap Chinese, ugly-floral, gel-based, hazardous- to-life hot water bag is now officially over. Keep a bowlful of these by your side and let the Omega-3 do its job.
10. Bell Peppers
All peppers are rich in fibre and have a high-water content which helps fight bloating, cramps and even gas. Containing high levels of potassium, bell peppers help combating puffiness caused by sodium in the food we eat. Sausage and peppers sandwich, anyone?
11. Fish
Go for lighter options like halibut, salmon and mackerel that contain high levels of both magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids. The next time you hit the supermarket, make sure to pick some up good salmon for an old-fashioned Fish Tikka night!
12. Basil/Tulsi ke Patte
You may fall in love with this herb, after all. Basil contains caffeic acid which is a natural painkiller combating the pain associated with periods. Settle in to make this Walnut-Basil pesto that combines the power of both superfoods and tastes absolutely smashing over some pasta or roasted vegetables.
We promise you, consistent consumption of these food items will take you to the golden age where period beginnings hurt a little less, making them almost bearable, ALMOST.
And here, is an accurate representation of how we all feel on the last day of this hell-ride.