what i ate today 4/28/26

Period cravings can be incredibly intense and difficult to manage, especially when you're trying to maintain a balanced diet. From my own experience, I've found that allowing yourself some flexibility during this time can really help avoid the guilt that often comes after overeating. For instance, volume eating—focusing on larger portions of lower-calorie, filling foods like veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains—can satisfy hunger without drastically increasing calorie intake. I totally relate to the craving for specific foods during this time; Taco Bell’s chicken cantina bowl with extra chicken and potatoes is a great example of customizing fast food to better fit your appetite and preferences. Adding extra protein helped me feel fuller longer. Also, swapping rice and beans out of the bowl was a small but intentional change to better control carb intake, which helped balance my meal. For snacks, I discovered that sugar-free iced tea or items like chips can be decent occasional treats when you're studying or busy. Keeping track of calories is useful, but I try not to stress too much during my period since my body needs extra fuel. My overall calorie count ended up around 1,890 for the day, which was fine given my activity level—about 6,000 steps. Incorporating simple homemade adjustments, like creating a shaken espresso dupe for myself and my boyfriend, makes daily meals more enjoyable and personalized. Planning ahead with meal prep also reduces last-minute cravings leading to overeating. In summary, listening to your body, allowing yourself some indulgences, and making small tweaks to favorite foods can all contribute to handling period hunger in a balanced and satisfying way.