Don’t throw away the seeds after carving pumpkins this year! Pumpkin seeds have been shown to help alleviate cramps and other PMS symptoms due to their high levels of magnesium. They’re tasty and you can make them sweet or savory! The cinnamon also helps with cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties! For a sweet cinnamon sugar recipe click here and for a savory recipe click here. (tip: use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of butter, butter can actually make cramps worse)
2. Apple Cider Glazed Salmon
Salmon is a little pricey but if you’re looking to splurge and make a delicious (and easy!) autumn meal that ALSO helps with cramps, look no further! Salmon helps to alleviate cramps because of the omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, the apple cider gives it a nice fall touch. Find the recipe here.
3. Pumpkin Popcorn
This yummy fall popcorn recipe is perfect for binging some Netflix which will inevitably be in your plans while on your period. Popcorn helps combat PMS symptoms because it increases the ability of the body to absorb tryptophan which can help us have a better mood and sleep better. Tryptophan comes from protein so try adding some almonds, walnuts or pecans to your popcorn! Get the recipe here.
4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
There’s nothing more comforting than some warm bread on a chilly evening. Bananas, dark chocolate and peanut butter all help combat cramp pain by minimizing bloating and cramping. Plus, this can really curb some of those intense period cravings! Find the recipe here (we like to add dark chocolate chips as well for a little more chocolate).
5. Avocado Toast with Pomegranate Salsa
I don’t know about you, but I loooove a good avocado toast and this one has a fun autumn spin on it. Like salmon, avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help decrease bloating and soothe cramps. Check out this delicious fall-themed avocado toast recipe here!
Photo by Kerstin Wrba on Unsplash