We’ve all been there, it’s a few days before your period is due and you find yourself sitting on the couch in a sea of crisps, chocolate and ice cream. Somehow the carb and sugar combination makes everything seem a little bit better, even when you know it could be temporary.

The good news is that there is actually science behind these cravings and you’re not alone in having them. The hormonal changes your body experiences in the run up to your period have a lot to do with it. Fluctuations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in your system cause cravings for sweet foods and foods that are high in carbohydrates. Your body gives you a little reward in the form of a boost of serotonin (the happy hormone) when you eat carbs and sweets which is particularly welcome around your period.  The cravings usually start around seven or ten days before your period arrives and they go hand in hand with other symptoms like energy dips, mood changes, hormonal skin and bloating. The symptoms, and the cravings, usually disappear once your period starts – though ice cream is always a good idea!

But what should you do if the foods you’re craving only make you feel worse? That serotonin boost is short-lived and more often than not a carb fest ends up making you feel sluggish and tired.

If you’re craving carbs try and avoid the simple ones like crisps, bread and pasta and opt for more complex ones. If you really want a big bowl of pasta, use brown pasta – you’ll still get the delicious cheese and carb combo, but you won’t crash so quickly. Fancy porridge is a great way to carb load too. Oats are great for you, and you can top it with peanut butter, honey, granola and even chocolate spread!

Speaking of chocolate, if that’s your craving, dark chocolate is a really good option for you. You can get it in delicious flavours and a square or two is also good for you! Dark chocolate contains lots of important minerals including iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and phosphorus. This is one craving solution that actually does you some good!

You can also use it to make homemade peanut butter cups or little coconut truffles that all feel like a treat but without any of the rubbishy comedown afterwards.

Taking a supplement like Cleanmarine For Women (now known as Cleanmarine PeriodPlan) which is packed with Omega-3 with Phospholipids, Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and D3, as well as Rosemary Extract and Soy Isoflavones is a good idea too. It contains Vitamin B6 helping which helps to regulate hormonal activity, support energy production and reduce tiredness and fatigue and Vitamin B2 which helps maintain normal skin and is a great way to support your body each month.

Treating yourself every now and then is absolutely fine, and we all give in to cravings sometimes, just make sure that you’re treating every part of your body and doing something for your mindset too. Going for a walk, having a cuddle, chatting with a friend or watching something funny are all great treats too!