For women, losing weight is impeded by many stumbling blocks. From premenstrual cravings, stress, and when the scale does not budge, gals who work hard to shed extra pounds are often discouraged by the setbacks of weight loss. These side events can dampen the spirit to push on and lose weight. But despite these impediments, there are ways to triumph in the war on weight loss.

The menstrual cycle, PMS or whatever you prefer to call the monthly irritation of ovulation, loss of blood, food cravings, bloating and emotional highs and lows are all attributed to the body’s makeup. In the throes of the final 14 days of the menstrual cycle or the luteal phase, the progesterone level elevates. As a result, the serotonin production is reduced as well as dopamine and endorphins. These two chemicals help the body defend against stress.

The chemical imbalance darkens the mental mindset (mood) and stimulates the appetite. Moreover, the body may endure a hypersensitivity to insulin increasing compelling one to nibble, snack and eat food. The best way to circumvent these frenzied food cravings is by changing your normal eating schedule altogether. In other words, if you normally eat breakfast at eight AM, take your lunch at noon and eat dinner at 6:30, alter your the frequency and amount that you eat.

For example, eat four to six mini-meals spread throughout the day. These meals do not need to be high in calories. One snack could be a bowl of bran cereal with skim milk, a piece of cheese, and a cup of fruit and so on. According to registered dietician Gay Riley, R.D., founder of NetNutritionist.com, the intake of four to six meals will stabilize the body’s blood sugar, ease fatigue, reduce bloating and minimize the tendency to over eat.