Your Monthly Chocolate Craving: Is it All in Your Head?

By SheSpeaksTeam Aug 18, 2012

Blaming your next chocolate cravings on PMS may soon be a thing of the past as new research suggests the monthly cocoa cravings are nothing more than a myth. NBC News reports about the latest chocolate study results that are set to appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Appetite.

Researchers involved in the study worked with a group of 35 women measuring their chocolate desires during their cycles before and after menstruation. What they found was that women (in the phase just before and during their menstrual cycle) did not have an intense desire to chow down on chocolate before and after being presented with a bowl of the sweet stuff. Furthermore, the women did not crave high calorie fattier foods during their periods either.

The new research contradicts old studies that found women had a greater desire for chocolate just before and after their menstrual cycle. The difference between this new study and the old ones is that the latest one made sure to filter out women who had eating disorders. The new study is also different because it is fairly small, with just 35 women surveyed, it may not be a large enough group to accurately determine cravings. Researchers from the study conclude, “Further research is needed to determine the role of food cravings in response to emotions across the menstrual cycle.”

What do you think of the new study that suggests women do not actually crave chocolate before or during their menstrual cycles?

Do you have any once-a-month cravings that you just can’t live without?

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Comments

by countrycass21 | BROOKHAVEN, MS

Sep 21, 2012

I eat chocolate whenever I want. Love it. The survey though did not have enough women to conclude anything. But I don't think I crave chocolate more when I'm on my period at all.

by melodybrgs | unsubscribe, NY

Sep 09, 2012

I think we can all chalk that up with the same person who said after a breakup all we want to do is cry and eat ice cream

by cocoabella | EL PASO, TX

Aug 31, 2012

35 women does not make a study! They need a real study with a broader reach of women included for more conclusive results.

by Easy2Save | LEBANON, OR

Aug 28, 2012

Dark Chocolate is my favorite sweet I could eat it everyday! I never have craved one certain thing each month I think it may just be a myth.

by tychinna | SEATTLE, WA

Aug 25, 2012

This is true i think that women just want it and actually don't crave it. So to me there is a deference between a want and a craven. When I'm on my cycle i don't want to eat most of the time because of cramps so Chocolate is the last on my mind.

by AnAmericanHousewife | Unsubscribe, AL

Aug 21, 2012

I agree it's a myth. I'm one of those people that never really craves chocolate. I don't particularly care for it. If it's something like chocolate chips I usually pick them out or avoid them. If it's a cake or something I can eat it - but if there is another option (like vanilla, white, etc.) available, I'll choose that instead. Chocolate has never done anything for me. It's just a personal preference as I don't really care for the taste.

by drgnfly2010 | machesney Park, IL

Aug 21, 2012

my daughter eats chocolate all the time, she loves twix bars. but she loves to eat popcorn with her own seasoning mix

by Brandywww | FAYETTEVILLE, AR

Aug 20, 2012

I have to agree with a lot of the people here, it's more like once a day. Chocolate is nice and I do crave it, but my biggest is salt! Chips, popcorn, etc.

by mariedmandi | andover, KS

Aug 19, 2012

For me, I really do have an increased desire for chocolate (sweets) I'm sooo irregular with my cycle (anywhere from 28-60 days!) that I just pay attention to my cravings...3 or 4 days later, the light days have to be put to use. So for me it's kind of an indicator. Not so sure about this new "research"

by loreilly86 | SAN DIEGO, CA

Aug 19, 2012

I think chocolate cravings never go away for most women, no matter what day of the month. For me personally, dairy in general is a huge obsession of mine. I love frozen yogurt, every kind of cheese you can think of, ice cream, and if it happens to be chocolate...forget about it!

by MissELF | CONNERSVILLE, IN

Aug 18, 2012

Once-a-month craving? Haa......try once-a-day!!! Lol.

by heavenly41 | PORTLAND, OR

Aug 18, 2012

My cravings are all month long. I never deny food across my lips if it's one of many favorites. And chocolate! Just last night I devoured an almond chocolate Magnum ice cream bar. Pure bliss!

by msfriendly | MONROE, WI

Aug 18, 2012

Craving chocolate once a month??? More like once a DAY!!!! LOL!