Sometimes you find yourself enjoying your regular diet without problems. And one day you wake up craving for chocolate or some sweets.Does this scenario sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Studies have shown that around 90% of women have food cravings at various stages of the menstrual cycle, and usually they crave chocolate and other foods. Changes in hormones, serotonin, and energy levels are the factors causing these food cravings.
Don’t worry! Having food cravings doesn’t necessarily mean you should give up dessert or snack on junk food. Your body needs sweet treats that can provide the benefits your body will be happy to use.
Let's understand more about these cravings and learn what the best healthy period snacks are.
Why Do Period Cravings Happen?
Days before your menstrual cycle begins, your estrogen and progesterone levels start to change.
These changes could affect:
- Appetite
- Mood
- Blood sugar
- Serotonin ("happy" hormone)
- Energy
When your serotonin levels take a temporary dip, your body will need to satisfy itself with comfort foods like carbohydrates and chocolate.
Some nutrients which your body needs during these times are:
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Good fats
- Protein
- Fibre
Instead of resisting these cravings, you can choose healthy options for them.
What Makes a Good Snack During Your Period?
The most effective healthy period snacks often include:
- ✔ Protein to keep you feeling full
- ✔ Fiber to give you sustained energy
- ✔ Healthy fats to provide satisfaction
- ✔ Minerals that occur naturally, such as magnesium
- ✔ Lower amounts of refined sugars to help prevent energy dips
Although no snack is going to completely rid you of your PMS symptoms, making better choices can help curb your cravings. If you're choosing snacks for diabetic patients, it's also important to consider overall carbohydrate content, added sugars and portion size.
7 Healthy Snacks to Keep on Hand During Your Period
1. Cacao, Hazelnut & Date Fudge
Best for: Satisfying chocolate cravings without the sugar crash
Sometimes, all your body wants is chocolate. Instead of reaching for a sugar-loaded candy bar, try something that's naturally sweetened.
Our Cacao, Hazelnut & Date Fudge is made with freshly blended whole dates, roasted hazelnuts, almond butter and real cacao. Dates naturally contain fibre, while nuts provide healthy fats that make this rich, fudgy treat more satisfying.
It's proof that comfort food can also be thoughtfully made.
2. Almond Flour & Cacao Cookie
Best for: Staying fuller while enjoying a chocolate treat
A cookie during your period? Absolutely.
Made with almond flour, homemade almond butter and vegan 70% dark chocolate, our Almond Flour & Cacao Cookie packs 9.8g of protein per cookie. That protein, combined with healthy fats from almonds, helps create a more satisfying snack than many conventional cookies.
When you're craving chocolate, this is one cookie you can genuinely look forward to.
3. Cacao Almond Butter
Best for: Quick chocolate cravings between meals
Some cravings don't need an entire dessert.
Spread our Cacao Almond Butter on gluten-free toast, pair it with apple slices, banana or rice cakes, or simply enjoy a spoonful when you're craving something chocolatey.
Made with roasted almonds and real cacao, it delivers creamy comfort while adding healthy fats and protein to your snack.
4. Cacao Almond & Berry Rocks
Best for: Crunchy chocolate cravings
Not everyone wants a soft dessert.
Sometimes you're craving something crunchy.
Our Cacao Almond & Berry Rocks combine rich vegan dark chocolate with almonds, seeds and berries to create the perfect balance of crunch and indulgence.
It's a satisfying alternative when you're reaching for chocolate but want something made with thoughtful ingredients.
5. Salted Caramel & Cacao Brownie (Available in Delhi NCR)
Best for: When only a rich dessert will do
Let's be honest.
Some period cravings aren't asking for fruit.
They're asking for brownies.
Our Salted Caramel & Cacao Brownie layers fudgy vegan dark chocolate brownie with smooth salted caramel and crunchy walnuts to create a dessert that feels indulgent while being made without maida or refined sugar. If you enjoy nutty chocolate desserts, a walnut brownie is another comforting option.
Because sometimes comfort comes in brownie form.
6. Amaranth & Cacao Millet Cake (Available in Delhi NCR)
Best for: Treating yourself without compromise
Some days deserve cake.
Our Amaranth & Cacao Millet Cake is rich, moist and deeply chocolatey, made with 70% vegan dark chocolate, gluten-free flours and wholesome ingredients.
Whether you're sharing it or enjoying a quiet slice with your evening tea, it's the kind of dessert that makes difficult days feel a little better. For stronger dessert cravings, a sugar free cake can also be an option when you want something rich and satisfying.
7. Berry Cacao Oat Cookies
Best for: Tea-time cravings that need something sweet
Periods often come with the urge to snack throughout the day.
Instead of reaching for biscuits made with refined flour and sugar, choose something that's equally comforting but made with more thoughtful ingredients.
Our Berry Cacao Oat Cookies combine gluten-free oats, cranberries, almond butter and vegan dark chocolate for the perfect balance of sweetness, texture and crunch. If you're looking for a nostalgic treat, a jim jam biscuit can also satisfy a sweet craving from time to time.
They're especially lovely alongside a warm cup of tea. If you prefer treats without refined sugar, sugar free cookies can also be a convenient option for satisfying sweet cravings.
Other Foods to Eat During Your Period
While feeding your cravings, you should consider adding those foods which will offer some essential nutrients naturally. You can also keep Gluten Free Snacks on hand if you prefer gluten-free options alongside nutrient-rich foods.
Such foods include:
- Nuts and seeds for healthy fats
- Leafy vegetables for iron
- Oats and millets for fiber
- Fruits for vitamins and hydration
- Yogurt for protein and probiotics
- Lots of water to keep you hydrated
Eating balanced meals along with your favourite foods is one of the simplest ways to help yourself during your menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
Chocolate cravings during periods are totally normal.
Don’t try to resist the urge to eat snacks; instead, have some treats on hand that will indulge your craving and be made from the right kind of ingredients at the same time.
Whether you’re having a cookie loaded with protein, a decadent fudgy bite made with chocolate and dates, creamy cacao almond butter or a brownie after dinner, there’s no need for you to give up indulging in chocolate.
Here at The Cinnamon Kitchen, we believe that the best comfort foods are those that are both delicious and made from wholesome ingredients. If you are in search of healthy and tasty treats, then you are at the right spot. You can either visit our bakery website or find us on the quick commerce for healthy wholesosme bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I crave chocolate before or during my period?
One of the most commonly observed craving during periods is that for chocolates, as it gives an amalgamation of sweetness, richness of flavors, and fats, which is very satisfying to most of us. The dark variety of chocolate is also known to contain magnesium and flavanols naturally, which is another reason why it is the number one PMS craving.
2. What are the best healthy snacks for period cravings?
Healthy snacks which contain protein, fiber and healthy fat such as protein cookies, chocolate fudge made with dates as well as nut butters and oat cookies can assist you in satisfying your cravings as well as staying full.
3. Are there specific foods to eat during your period?
Female underging their periods ideally should include foods that are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, iron, and magnesium in their diets. Foods such as nuts, seeds, oats, millets, leafy greens and real cacao are all excellent choices.
4. How can I satisfy period cravings without eating too much sugar?
When consuming snacks, opt for ones that pair well with chocolates, like nuts, dates, and oats. It is important to select products that include nuts, oats, dates, or almond butter for better nutrition.
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