The Real Reason You Eat More on Your Period (It's Not Just Willpower) | Ep 332

Do you find yourself feeling out of control around food in the days leading up to your period? You aren't alone, and it isn't a lack of willpower. In this episode of the What's Eating You Podcast, we break down the biological and psychological science behind why your body actually needs more energy during your luteal phase.We explore what happens when you restrict your intake during this time, how drops in dopamine and serotonin drive sugar cravings, and why this hormonal shift can be particularly challenging for women with ADHD. Finally, you'll learn three practical strategies to navigate your cycle with self-compassion and avoid the familiar guilt spiral.@01:57.19 The science of your metabolism and energy needs during your menstrual cycle@03:39.82 Why restricting food leads to intense cravings and binge eating@08:50.78 The role of hormones (progesterone and estrogen) and dopamine@11:25.92 How ADHD intersects with hormonal drops to impact eating behaviors@14:18.43 3 strategies to navigate period hunger without reacting to discomfortI am Steph, a Clinical Psychologist who helps women enjoy food without binge eating or guilt.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical or psychological advice. If you are experiencing significant distress related to eating or mental health, please seek support from a qualified health professional.Need support?If you’re struggling with binge eating, food noise, night eating, or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, Stephanie offers a 1:1 session to help you stabilize your eating and rebuild a healthier relationship with food.Book a retreat call HEREVisit the retreat website HERE FREE Resources:Download my [FREE binge eating tracker tool] To access more of my courses use this:https://stan.store/mindfoodstephDo you have any questions? Ask Steph here. Social media:TikTokInstagramFacebookHelp lines  Review the podcast on Apple By sharing, following, or rating the podcast, you help me reach more people so they can understand the importance of mental health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.