Hormones and protein

As a woman, and I'm sure to a lesser degree men too, hormones play a huge role in my emotions, my decisions and my level of hunger. In addition, the kinds of foods I want change based on hormone fluctuations. Curious about how I would handle that with my new way of eating and looking at food, I was a bit afraid yet eager to see what changes, if any, I would experience.

The answer: Almost none.

Yesterday my mood changed the same way it always has, my level of energy was lower, I felt like I was "hit by a truck" (a common way a girl describes the feeling), muscle aches came and went, etc. And yet only at around 4 did I feel more hungry than any other day. I allowed myself an additional snack and more fat than on other days.

When I counted up the calories, though, they were STILL under 1500 for the day! Because I aim for 1300 each day, hitting 1500 is within my daily allowance. I want fluctuations so that my metabolism stays high. And even on a day when I would normally eat at least 1000 more calories than any other day, I didn't. I didn't need it.

I think it's because of ONE thing. Protein. I start every day with a chocolate protein shake (GNC Total Lean). They have 25 grams of protein, 170 calories and only 2 grams of sugar. They're a great way to start the day because protein does so many good things for your blood sugar, level of hunger and energy. By doing this each day, I think my blood sugar leveled out well enough to handle the hormonal shifts without me having to suffer much from it.

This is only the first month, but I'm excited about this change!