“We found that estrogen suppresses appetite using the same pathways in the brain as the adipose hormone leptin,” said Tamas L. Horvath, Estrogen Curbs Appetite in Same Way as the Hormone Leptin

Did you know that our hormones during our menstrual cycle play a big role on how much food we consume at each stage? Before we ovulate, there is an increase in estrogen. You probably feel a lot leaner after your period, and your appetite is normal.

After ovulation, our body prepares for a fetus as our egg (non-fertilized or fertilized), travels down the fallopian tube. That is when progesterone increases, and is responsible for our PMS symptoms. Our hormones are just trying to make our body ready for a child, thus our appetite increases needed for more calories to fuel the functions necessary for this to happen.

Sleep well, sweat daily, and eat food with high nutritional value. These daily habits will mitigate the symptoms and keep you on track with your fitness and nutritional program.

7 Day Exercise Plan

Day 1: Sweat it Out Day
Put on your headphones playing your favorite songs and choose one of these steady state cardio exercises for 30 to 45 minutes.: light jog, cycling, stair master, or elliptical.

Day 2: Upper Body Strength
3 Rounds, 10-12 reps with each exercise. Pick a weight that allows you to do all the rounds and repetitions with proper form.

Day 3: Lower Body Strength
3 Rounds, 10-12 reps with each exercise. Pick a weight that allows you to do all the rounds and repetitions with proper form.