Today’s Cravings

Mila Ann's post about period cravings, especially for cheese and chocolate, resonated so much with me! It's wild how our bodies just demand certain foods when our period rolls around, isn't it? And dealing with lactose intolerance on top of that definitely adds an extra layer of challenge when all you want is a big bowl of 'Cheeeese!' It makes you wonder, 'why am I craving cheese on my period,' right? I've done a bit of digging and shared experiences, and it turns out there's some science behind these powerful urges. Hormonal fluctuations are a huge culprit. As estrogen and progesterone levels shift, it can impact our mood and appetite. Our bodies often crave comfort foods – typically those high in fat, sugar, or salt – to help boost serotonin, that feel-good neurotransmitter, which can dip pre-period. Suddenly, that baked snack cracker made with real cheese or a slice of a round frozen pepperoni pizza seems like the ultimate comfort. Another common theory, especially for chocolate cravings, is a dip in magnesium levels. Many of us are naturally lower in magnesium before our period, and chocolate is a good source! Cheese also contains magnesium, albeit in smaller amounts, so it might be our body's way of trying to replenish what's missing. For me, when I'm hit with 'Today's Period Cravings,' it truly feels like an undeniable urge for that dairy goodness, even when I know the consequences for my lactose intolerance! So, how do I tackle these cravings without suffering? Beyond Mila Ann's excellent tip of using Lactaid milk for original macaroni and cheese, I've found a few other strategies. When I'm craving 'chocolate stuff a ton,' I reach for dark chocolate, which is often naturally dairy-free and still gives me that rich, satisfying cocoa hit. For cheese, I've discovered that certain aged or hard cheeses like Parmesan or sharp cheddar are naturally lower in lactose, so a small portion might be okay for me without needing a lactase enzyme. There are also some fantastic lactose-free cottage cheeses and cream cheeses on the market now that are great for snacking or adding to recipes. If I'm really eyeing those cheddar-flavored baked snack crackers, I'll sometimes look for dairy-free cracker alternatives or make my own cheesy-flavored popcorn with nutritional yeast. It's not quite the same as 'Again, cheese!' from my favorite brands, but it hits that savory spot! And for a 'Best pizza ever' moment, I seek out brands that offer dairy-free cheese options or I simply load up on veggies and a delicious tomato sauce, focusing on the other flavors. Finding what works for your body is key, and sometimes a little bit of indulgence with the right preparation can make all the difference during those monthly cravings!