Blogpost door Alison Dowling.
We've all experienced it. Your period is coming and you have the strongest craving for CHOCOLATE. That's actually how Zazubean started! The question from 2 women who wanted to make a chocolate bar for PMS with really effective herbs. A year later, the Lunatic bar was born.
Why does it happen?
According to studies, we statistically crave chocolate more around menstruation, based on our desire for physical and psychological comfort, as well as a physiological need for more calories and nutrients. Some of the most common premenstrual cravings include carbohydrates, salt, red meat, caffeine, sugar and chocolate. Why? And what does the body actually need?
When we reach menstruation, both estrogen and progesterone reach their peak levels. Estrogen causes these unpleasant feelings such as irritability, sadness and overwhelm. Progesterone, on the other hand, makes you want to curl up at home, put on some sweatpants, put on a good movie and never leave. These feelings are representative of our hormonal peaks. Several factors can contribute to these noticeable ups and downs, but their presence and power is undeniable! When we crave chocolate, or hide under a blanket all day, our unconscious desire is to counteract these extremes and return to a sense of greater balance.
So what should I eat and when?
When we feel irritable, sad or stressed, we are more likely to turn to carbohydrates and sugars because they give us a boost of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of well-being and happiness. Try oursFlirtbar for a raspberry, cherry, superfood hit of chocolate-y carbs! The darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar content. This means you get all the calming effects without raising your blood sugar levels and disrupting your energy levels and sleep.
Progesterone begins to rise after ovulation. At this point we enter the luteal phase and appetite increases naturally. According to studies, chocolate cravings are also common at this time. This may be because your body needs a boost of the nutrient magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral used in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the human body! Between ovulation and menstruation, our physiological need for magnesium increases. Magnesium is an important component of steroid hormones; testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. These are hormones that increase after ovulation. Because the luteal phase lasts for 14 days, you may be quite exhausted by the time your period arrives and you'll be desperate for a drink.65% salted almondsbar!
Cocoa beans are an excellent source of magnesium. Magnesium helps us manage and reduce irritating premenstrual symptoms such as cramps, constipation, insomnia, headaches, bloating, anxiety and breast tenderness. Our minimally processed chocolate bars are a great antidote! Try itSlinky Super dark(85% cocoa). While supplementing with magnesium is a great way to support the body during this phase of your cycle, it's also recommended to have a bar (or three) on hand around this time! ;) Green vegetables and oats are also good options because of their high magnesium content.
The calorie requirement increases around menstruation. Make sure you fill your diet with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and plenty of protein. If we ignore this increase in need, we are more susceptible to quick fixes that don't last. During the menstrual phase, we naturally remove the uterine lining, but also cleanse the body of various toxins and take time to rest and reflect. This time of letting go, rest and reflection can require more energy. Try our coconut sugarBuffbar. Coconut sugar is less processed than standard sugar and contains soluble fiber to help slow blood sugar spikes. Zazubean chocolate supports you with all your premenstrual desires!
Good quality organic dark chocolate, from a female-run company like us, is best for hormone supporting consumption. Our bars are refined sugar free and are organic, gluten free, vegan and made with women's wellbeing in mind! The best premenstrual plan is to listen to the body's desires (the body knows best!), while also maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
