Sweet Chocolate Combinations to Help with Cramps

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s one of the sweetest times of the year. Who doesn’t love dressing up, having a party, and eating candy? Especially chocolate!

If you’re one of those lucky people that has their period on Halloween - good news! Chocolate may help ease your period cramps. There’s a reason why chocolate hits the spot. It has all the nutrients that we crave to make us feel good. Quite literally.

The nutrient that makes chocolate so good for us is magnesium. Your magnesium levels tend to be lower on your period because of the cycle your hormones go through.

Magnesium is effective in helping your muscles relax. Research has shown that it helps with PMS related migraines. It may also be effective in soothing period cramping.

Who knew a period remedy could taste so sweet?

Milk chocolate is easy to grab and go at the checkout counter of grocery stores. But seek out dark chocolate instead. For one thing, it contains less sugar. While tasty, high sugar can actually make cramping worse.

Dark chocolate also contains more magnesium as well as antioxidants. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the better.

Some people don’t like dark chocolate because it tends to be more bitter. But if you like the possibility of a sweeter way of helping your symptoms, read on. You can reap the benefits and have a tasty treat.

These combinations are delicious and may help give your period pains a one-two punch.

Peanut Butter

Who doesn’t love a peanut butter cup? Peanut butter and chocolate are an amazing flavor duo, but it turns out that they’re good for you.

Peanuts and peanut butter contain healthy fat, extra magnesium and vitamin E. All which contribute to a healthy, less painful flow. If you’re prone to water retention and bloating, skip the salted variety and mix in some dark chocolate chips for a quick snack.

Ginger

As if your period isn’t already bad enough, there’s nausea to contend with. Totally the worst, right? But reaching for some dark chocolate covered ginger could be your new best friend.

Ginger is perfect for settling an upset stomach which is why many turn to ginger tea or chews. This root also works as an anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever. In a 2016 study, ginger showed to have the same effect as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID).

Plus, ginger is warming with a slight spicy flavor. Those of us who tend to feel cold around our period will appreciate this combination.

Bananas

Bananas are amazing on their own as a post work out snack to reduce general cramping. They’re also great for period cramping, bloating and constipation. Potassium helps with smooth muscle contractions so your cramps don’t feel out of control. The fiber helps with the bloating and the cramping.

Frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate are perfect for your sweet tooth. Or if you’re a granola or oatmeal person, top your breakfast with these before starting your day.

Oranges

Ever notice how smelling an orange can put you in a better mood? This fruit is amazing over all for your period. Oranges can improve your mood if your period’s got you going through mood swings. The water content keeps you hydrated and the fiber keeps you from feeling bloated.

Plus they contain vitamin C which aids in iron absorption which is crucial during your period.

Melt some dark chocolate chips, peel your orange into segments, dunk, eat, and repeat.

Pumpkin Seeds

It’s not just for fall! Adding pumpkin seeds to your diet are beneficial as well. Not only do they contain magnesium, but they also contain zinc which can help with cramping and bloating.

And if you find you have irregular periods, it may regulate your cycle.

For a festive snack that you can enjoy all year round, consider chocolate pumpkin seed bark. As a quick go-to, add pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate chips to your oatmeal or yogurt.

Popcorn

Who doesn’t love a good salty/sweet combo snack? A little salt is okay, but like peanut butter, don’t go overboard.

Popcorn is so amazing because it’s a whole grain. Whole grains are very efficient at boosting the production of serotonin. Serotonin is what’s responsible for improved mood and better sleep.

For your next Netflix binge, drizzle some dark chocolate on top, throw in some nuts, and reap the benefits. Pass the popcorn, please!

Do you have a healthy go-to period snack that we missed here? Have you tried any that you can’t get enough of? We would love to hear about what you’re snacking on for inspo! Share the snack love in the comments below.