This Sh*t is Bananas

Could bananas be your secret PMS weapon?

I have never had absurdly abominable period symptoms. I always just experience some ‘average’ cramping, bloating, back pain, acne and minor digestive disturbances. The wild part is that these PMS symptoms are so culturally accepted. For so long I believed that they were a mandatory part of my monthly cycle, but since doing the Whole30, and now living with a Whole30 lifestyle, my symptoms have completely vanished. I did not even think my period was coming the last two months because I experienced no sign of acne, bloating, or cramps. These pre-period requirements had always been my warning sign that danger was-a-comin! My actual cycles have been remarkably quick and painless, with very slight bloating, but all of my other typical symptoms are no where to be found. It is almost too good to be true.

What you put into your body has a powerful and direct effect on how your body treats you.

I completely understand that not everyone has the time or means or even desire to do something like the Whole30, and that is totally fine. I will still share one of my favorite tricks of the trade, that gives your body a little extra TLC (and proper nourishment) to soften the blow as your monthly friend arrives.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S

No monkeying around here. Bananas are one of the most productive foods that you can eat before, and during, your period to minimize PMS symptoms.

Costello Captures

Potassium - duh - we all know that these beautiful yellow fruits are packed with potassium. This essential mineral and powerful electrolyte is water soluble, which means it constantly has to be replaced. Bananas are a popular fruit choice among athletes to prevent muscle cramping. Period cramping is caused from contractions of the uterus, which is a muscle, so they serve the exact same purpose in all women, athlete or not. Potassium also prevents water retention in the body by regulating sodium levels, thus reducing salt-induced bloat.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) - Mood booster. This vitamin is essential for creating the neurotransmitters that regulate emotion, like serotonin and dopamine, which as a result reduce anxiety, depression and irritability (i.e. that feeling that you want to kill everyone who breathes in your direction while you PMS)

YUM - this benefit packed snack tastes delicious and sweet while still remaining a low glycemic food. #winwin

My favorite way to eat a banana is in the form of banana nice-cream!

Simply blend:

+ 1.5 frozen bananas

+ 1/2 cup of fresh almond milk

+ 1 tbsp of organic cacao

| Delicious and Nutritious |

Fuel your body for success and create healthy habits that will flourish long after your period ends.

A banana a day keeps the cramps-bloating-irritability away.

XO ExWel