One reason people have difficulty sticking to a diet is that they’ve developed a habit of eating when their bored. In fact sometimes the feeling of boredom is mistaken for hunger. To help manage the boredom munchies:

1. Make sure you’re actually hungry. Hunger is a physical feeling, not an emotional one. If you don’t have the physical feelings of hunger (empty stomach, hunger pangs), try chewing gum or sucking on a sugar-free hard candy. It will keep your mouth happy without adding too many calories.
2. Get busy. If you’re bored, do something. Taking your mind off your “hunger” is the best way to keep from eating. If you’re watching tv and feeling hungry, keep the hands busy with laundry or have a glass of water or other low calorie drink.
3. Eat something healthy. If you must eat, make a healthy choice such as fruits or vegetables.

Nothing does a diet in faster than the monthly cravings that come with PMS. For many women the need for chocolate and simple carbs (sugar and refined foods) are too much to withstand. But by giving in a woman can undo all the work she’s done to lose weight.

However there may be a cure. Health experts suggest that the cravings are due in part to changes in hormones and its impact on insulin. In essence, the body craves fuel. The treatment is to have more complex carbs and fiber. This involves switching out the white breads and pastas with whole grains. Fruits and veggies are also high in fiber and offer some sweetness to help curb the sweet tooth.

I know this is easier said than done. But the goal is to not worry about losing weight during the menstrual cycle, but instead to try not to gain weight. So you can indulge a little bit. In may case, I’m trying the complex carb option, but I still have my daily dose of dark chocolate. Some things I just can’t give up.