Why Am I Craving Chocolate? Understanding Period Cravings for Parents & Tweens

Have you ever wondered why your tween suddenly craves chocolate or salty snacks around their period? These cravings aren't just random. They're your body's way of asking for what it needs during menstruation!

When Do Period Cravings Start?

Period cravings typically begin during the luteal phase. It’s about 7-10 days before your period actually starts. This is when hormonal fluctuations kick in, with estrogen levels dropping and progesterone rising. These hormonal changes continue through your menstrual period as your body sheds its uterine lining.

During menstruation, your body loses blood and nutrients, which can trigger specific cravings as your body tries to replenish what it's losing. It's completely normal and actually serves a purpose!

Common Period Cravings & What They Mean

• Chocolate - If your tween is reaching for chocolate, their body might be seeking magnesium. Menstruation can deplete magnesium levels, and chocolate (especially dark chocolate) is rich in this important mineral.

• Ice - Chewing ice can help cool down someone who's feeling overheated during their period. But a strong craving for ice (called pica) can also indicate low iron levels, which is common during menstruation due to blood loss.

• Salty foods - Cravings for chips, fries, or other salty snacks might indicate your body needs more sodium. These foods can also boost serotonin levels, which helps improve mood during hormonal shifts.

• Increased hunger - Many tweens simply feel hungrier during their period. This is normal! Their body is working hard and needs more energy to replace lost nutrients.

My Personal Experience

Growing up, I had intense cravings for chocolate brownies and cups of ice during my period. It turns out I had low iron as a tween due to heavy periods. My doctor and mom helped me with iron supplements and vitamins to replenish what my body was losing.

The chocolate cravings made perfect sense as my body needed magnesium! Dark chocolate is actually the best choice for period cravings because of its high magnesium content and other beneficial properties.

My appetite also increased during my period, which is completely normal. Remember, your tween is not only losing blood and nutrients, but they're also a growing child who needs proper nourishment.

Supporting Your Tween

Understanding that period cravings are your body's way of communicating its needs can help tweens feel less confused about these new sensations. At RedDrop, we believe knowledge empowers tweens to listen to their bodies and respond with healthy choices.