6 Foods To Munch On During Your Period To Help Ease Your Cramps

Period cravings are a cruel and unusual punishment.

One minute you're getting chocolate-wasted, and the next you're eating salt-covered everything. And before you know it, you feel twice as bloated as you did a half hour ago, and even though your taste buds may be having a party, your cramps are coming on strong.

Snacking smart can be hard, especially when your raging hormones are going to be anything but rational over the next three to seven days.

Here are six delicious, healthy snacks to curve your cravings and ease your cramping.

1. Bananas

I know myself pretty well, and while regularity is almost never an issue during that time of the month, the cramping tends to make going to the bathroom a painful (and frequent) activity.

Bananas are loaded with potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6, which all work together to keep your bowels comfortably on track.

2. Almond Butter

As tempting as it may be to inhale that In 'N Out burger with a side of fries, greasy food is not your friend during this time of the month.

Bypass the burger and instead opt for lean protein, like that of delicious almond butter. Pair it with apple slices or toast, and you've got yourself a decadent snack that beats the bloat and stabilizes your blood sugar.

3. Oranges

And by that I mean the fruit, not the sugar-infused bottle of juice.

This citrus fruit is packed with vitamin D, which regulates calcium, and in turn can help with depression and anxiety.

And, of course, anxiety typically translates to stress, which can cause the nervous system to do all kinds of ugly things to your abdominals.

Prevent the pain by snacking on one (or a few!) oranges per day.

4. Coffee

I'll admit, this one's a hit or miss. But for those of you who can take caffeine on your period, consider yourselves the lucky ones.

Caffeine is a key ingredient in pain relievers like Advil, ibuprofen, and Midol, so if you're looking for an energy boost to combat morning cramps, brew is your new BFF.

5. Tea

If tea can't fix it, then you've really got a problem.

Variations like peppermint and chamomile soothe muscle spasms, so keep some tea leaves or teabags handy at all times to combat intense aches.

6. Chocolate

Thanks to Elle Woods, we'll never forget exercise gives us endorphins, and endorphins make us happy!

But you know what really makes me happy on my period? Chocolate.

And what does chocolate give you? Endorphins!

Chocolate is a universal go-to when the going gets rough during Aunt Flo's monthly visit, and the decadent treat is packed with magnesium, which alleviates pain and boosts your energy levels.

So go ahead, take another bite. You've earned it.