Hey there! I know you’re probably wondering if that shrimp cocktail in your fridge is gonna make your period worse. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about eating shrimp and other foods during that time of the month
Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely eat shrimp during your period! In fact, shrimp can be super helpful because it’s packed with iron and protein that your body needs during menstruation
Why Shrimp is Actually Great During Your Period
Let me break down why shrimp isn’t just safe, but potentially beneficial during menstruation:
- Rich in Iron: When we’re bleeding, we lose iron. Shrimp helps replenish that!
- High-Quality Protein: Keeps your energy levels stable
- Low in Fat: Won’t contribute to period bloating
- Contains Omega-3s: These fatty acids can help reduce period pain
- Good Source of B-vitamins: Helps with energy when you’re feeling fatigued
Best Ways to Eat Shrimp During Your Period
I’ve found these preparation methods work best when you’re menstruating:
- Grilled shrimp with lemon (light and refreshing)
- Steamed shrimp (avoids extra oils)
- In a salad with iron-rich leafy greens
- Boiled shrimp (simple and clean)
Other Period-Friendly Foods to Pair with Shrimp
Here’s what I like to eat alongside shrimp during my period:
Foods to Add:
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Sweet potatoes
- Quinoa
- Fresh fruits (especially water-rich ones)
- Dark chocolate (yes, really!)
- Nuts and seeds
- Yogurt
- Lentils and beans
Foods to Avoid:
- Salty snacks (goodbye, chips!)
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Super spicy foods
- Processed sugars
- Red meat
My Personal Period Diet Tips
When I’m on my period, I follow these guidelines:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Eat Regular Meals: Don’t skip meals, even if you’re not feeling hungry
- Listen to Your Body: Some days you might need more iron-rich foods than others
- Prep Ahead: I like to have period-friendly snacks ready to go
Managing Period Symptoms with Food
Here’s how different foods can help with specific period symptoms:
| Symptom | Helpful Foods | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cramps | Ginger, turmeric, omega-3 rich foods | Caffeine, alcohol |
| Bloating | Water-rich fruits, cucumber | Salty foods, carbonated drinks |
| Fatigue | Iron-rich foods (like shrimp!), leafy greens | Sugar, processed foods |
| Mood swings | Dark chocolate, nuts | Caffeine, alcohol |
When to Be Careful with Shrimp
While shrimp is generally great during your period watch out for
- If you have a shellfish allergy (obvs!)
- When it’s not fresh
- If it’s prepared with lots of salt or spicy seasonings
- If you’re taking certain medications that might interact with seafood
FAQs About Eating During Your Period
Q: Will eating shrimp make my cramps worse?
A: Nope! If anything, the omega-3s might help reduce pain.
Q: How much shrimp can I eat during my period?
A: Same as usual – about 3-4 ounces per serving is perfect.
Q: What’s the best time of day to eat shrimp during my period?
A: Any time! Just make sure it’s fresh and properly prepared.
Pro Tips for Period Nutrition
- Meal Prep is Your Friend: Cook period-friendly meals ahead of time
- Keep Healthy Snacks Handy: For those unexpected cravings
- Don’t Stress Too Much: One unhealthy meal won’t ruin everything
- Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s different – what works for others might not work for you
The Bottom Line
Shrimp isn’t just safe to eat during your period – it can actually be super helpful! The key is combining it with other nutritious foods and staying away from stuff that might make your symptoms worse.
Remember, everyone’s body is different, so pay attention to how different foods make you feel during your period. And hey, if you’re craving that shrimp cocktail, go for it! Just maybe skip the spicy cocktail sauce if you’re sensitive to it.
Keep it simple, listen to your body, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Your period doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you love – it’s all about making smart choices that help you feel your best!
Disclaimer: While this advice works for most people, if you have specific health conditions or concerns, it’s always best to check with your healthcare provider about your individual dietary needs during menstruation.
Foods to avoid during your period
When you have your period, you want to step away from processed foods, like ice cream, chips and cookies, even if they sound like they’re calling your name.
Here’s what to avoid and why:
- Sugary foods: “Foods that are really sugary and sweet will increase your insulin levels. And high insulin levels can cause imbalances in female-factor hormones,” Dr. McClure explains.
- Salty foods: Salty snacks can cause water retention. That can mean more cramping and bloating during your period.
- Simple carbs: Carb-loading during your period can contribute to bloating and constipation. And because refined carbs can also contribute to swings in blood sugar levels, they can leave you feeling tired and trigger headaches.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Starting your day with a few shots of espresso and ending with wine or spirits isn’t going to do you any favors. Caffeine and alcohol can both play a part in dehydration, which can make your period feel that much worse.
Not all period-related discomforts can be managed with diet alone. If period aches, pains, fatigue or mood changes are interfering with your life, talk with a healthcare professional, like an Ob/Gyn or primary care provider.
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What to eat while on your period
The best foods to eat during your period are ones that are rich in iron, antioxidants and fiber.
“These healthy, natural foods will help keep your energy levels high, reabsorb extra estrogen and decrease inflammation,” Dr. McClure shares. “Really, they’re the best foods to eat any time of the month, but they can help you cope with period symptoms, too.”
Let’s take a look at some of the best period-friendly foods.
Iron helps your body create red blood cells. And replenishing blood lost during your period can help you stay healthy and keep you feeling your best.
“Iron-rich foods help restore your blood counts,” Dr. McClure reiterates.
Some of the best sources of iron include:
Animal products
- Beef (opt for clean cuts and eat it sparingly)
- Chicken
- Clams
- Eggs
- Turkey
- Shrimp
Vegetarian proteins
- Beans (canned or cooked in a pressure cooker to decrease inflammatory effects)
- Peas
- Lentils
- Tofu
Fortified foods
- Fortified bread, pasta and cereal
Fruits and veggies
Nuts and seeds
Antioxidants are an important part of any healthy diet, and getting your fill while you’re on your period can also help you feel your best.
Foods rich in antioxidants can help tamp down inflammation that can cause cramping, bloating and other period woes. What’s more, some kinds of antioxidants, like polyphenols, have been shown to improve mood.
Good sources of antioxidants include:
- Dark berries, like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cherries
- Orange foods, like apricots, cantaloupe, grapefruit and sweet potatoes
- Green foods, like avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens and limes
Fan-favorite dark chocolate also packs an antioxidant punch.
“Dark chocolate is a good source of flavonoids, which are a class of antioxidants,” Dr. McClure advises. “The darker the better, that way you get more of the cocoa solids — which is where the benefits stem from — and less of the sugar.”
Even still, keep your dark chocolate intake on the lower side. And save room for other healthy, period-helping foods.
When you have your period, it can help to eat foods that help rid your body of excess estrogen. Fiber is key to that.
“Some animal products and added oils contain estrogen. And they can cause your uterine lining to become abnormally thick. That can lead to more pain, including menstrual cramps,” Dr. McClure explains.
Eating fiber can help keep that from happening. Because fiber (among its many superpowers) helps you poop. And excess estrogen leaves your body in your poop.
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Fruits
- Vegetables (especially cruciferous veggies, like cauliflower and Swiss chard)
- Carrots
- Apples
But easy does it when you’re upping your fiber intake, Dr. McClure warns. “If you’re not used to eating a high-fiber diet, you’ll want to make changes slowly. Too much fiber too fast can cause bloating and other stomach discomforts.”
Sipping on H2O is a healthy habit every day. But during your period, keeping hydrated is even more important.
Water a little boring for your taste? Jazz it up by adding some of your favorite fresh flavors to it, like lemon slices, berries, herbs or cucumbers.
And it’s not just downing a glass of water that can help keep you hydrated. Upping your intake of hydrating foods can help, too. Try: