Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is no joke! For the ladies, I’m talking about suffering from cramps, bloating, lethargy, hanger pangs (yes, hanger is real because I can feel hungry and angry all at once). Most of these can be better managed by eating the right foods and diet, while maintaining an active lifestyle.
And for the poor guys who have to endure our monstrosity during that time of the month, we understand your pain. Here’s how you can help your missus be less cranky. Always remember, “a happy wife(/girlfriend), is a happy life”.
Hopefully, with this list of foods, it will help ease your PMS, satisfy your cravings, boost your moods, so that you’ll won’t be keeping bae at bay.
[adrotate group=”4″]
1. Salmon and Tuna
Rich in Omega 3 and fatty acids, this bowl of Mix Bara Kaisen Don ($18.80) from Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya will not only satisfy your sashimi cravings.
Chock-full of salmon and tuna, it will work its magic in relaxing those intense period cramps and tense muscles. Yums! Being a big fan of chirashi dons, I could eat this all the time as long as it helps lift my spirits.
Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya: Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road, #12-02, Singapore 238896 | Tel: +65 6509 9618 | Website | Opening Hours: Daily 12–3PM, 6–10:30PM
2. Bak Kut Teh
A Chinese herbal soup that is made with boiling pork bones, garlic and pepper over hours. Pepper has antibacterial properties, aids digestions and prevents bloating in the stomach, which is often experienced before our period hits us. Also, the hot broth is good for when you are suffering with cramps, as it warms the body up, and eases the pain.
Out of the many bak kut teh places I’ve tried, Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh’s signature pork ribs soup ($7.50) is super peppery, and by that I meant choking on the heat upon sipping on the broth. It’s that potent, I’m sure it’ll cure your cramps in no time.
The garlic in the soup also aids in boosting the immune systems, keeping you strong during that time of the month.
Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh: 208 Rangoon Road, Hong Building, Singapore 218453 | Tel: 6291 4537 | Opening Hours: (Tues – Sun) 7am-10pm
3. Halia Susu & Tissue Chocolate Prata
Halia Susu ($1.50) is a drink you can get from any Indian food stall, which essentially is a beverage made with ginger and milk. Using ginger to alleviate cramps, nausea, and heavy menstrual bleeding is an age-old herb remedy. The drink is comforting and keeps the body warm after finishing the entire cup.
While you’re at it, order a tissue chocolate prata ($3) to snack on. While the chocolate used here is likely to be just syrup and has probably already lost its natural benefits, the combination of Halia Susu and chocolate makes for a heart-warming after-meal dessert.
If you must, run to the nearby supermarket and get a bar of dark chocolate which releases endorphins, aiding in boosting your mood when you’re feeling cranky and worn out. It also doubles up as a natural painkiller for period cramps.
Address: any nearby Indian food stall.
4. Eggs
Don’t be stingy on the portion of your foods while on your period, it’s the time when your body needs most energy to get you through the day without being overwhelmingly tired.
What you need is a big hearty plate of proteins, especially in the morning to curb your hunger pangs and cause you to feel more satisfied. Incorporating eggs into your meal, along with wholesome meats will do the job in stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
Country scrambled eggs -with beer beiser sausage/center cut bacon/honey baked ham ($18) at Nassim Hill Bakery is great for our increasingly huge appetite. The scrambled eggs are prepared using four antibiotic and hormone-free eggs.
The dish is not heavily seasoned, making it easier for customers to control the flavour according to their own preference. Do cut back on the salt as it’s a factor that causes muscle spasms in the legs.
Nassim Hill Bakery: 56 Tanglin Rd, Tanglin Post Office #01-03, Singapore 247964 | Website |Operating hours: 8am – 11pm (closed on Mondays)
5. Steak
It’s time to unleash your inner carnivore! Go ahead and get mad with red meats, they are high in iron replenishing your body from the loss of it. However, stick to leaner meats as other parts may be too fatty and high in cholesterol, causing you to be bloated.
You could get your meaty cravings fixed at The Chophouse. The New Zealand Grass Fed Sirloin ($29) at 220g – 230g, served with watercress, grilled tomatoes, and the choice of Bearnaise sauce, red wine sauce or black peppercorn sauce. It will whet your appetite, which some might experience a loss of during your period.
Also, you could have it in smaller portion as a source of protein when ordering a bowl of salad at other food joints or at home. Vegetables add on to the iron intake that you need too.
The Chophouse (Vivo City): #01-161-162, 1 Harbourfront Walk, VivoCity, Singapore 098585 | Tel: 6376 9262 | Website | Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 10pm, Sun: 11am – 10pm
6. Cheese
Cheese is one of the most common cravings a girl can have during her period, mainly for its ability to sooth a person’s mood. For boyfriends and husbands, when your lady is throwing tantrums at that time of the month, why not treat her to a lovely lunch at the Wine Connection Cheese bar.
The Cheese Raclette Set ($39++/pax, Minimum of two sharing pax), comes with hearty sides like potatoes, a platter of cold cuts, beef pastrami, Serrano ham, and pork roulade. Along with a plate of freshly imported mesclun salad from France. Bound to make her gleam in joy when she sees the bountiful dishes laid on the table.
Need I mention, just watching the cheese melt will elevate your mood?
However, do try to cut back on the alcohol while you’re there, as it can put you back into your PMS rage if too much of it is consumed. You may also experience tenderness in your breast, lowering of blood levels, and causing you to be slightly emotional.
Wine Connection Cheese Bar: #01-05, Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, Singapore 237885 | Tel: 62381278 | Monday – Thursday: 1130am – 2am, Friday – Saturday: 1130am – 3am, Sunday 1130am – 12 am
7. Acai Berry Bowl
Somehow pretty foods have a way in easing one’s pain aesthetically. Not sure how that works, but I become a lot happier when thoughtfully prepared foods are presented to me, extra bonus when it’s actually healthy.
That apart, the Acai Bowl ($13.50, Large) from Project Açaí packs a slew of benefits — firstly, this bowl will fill you up to the brim, lessen your complains on being hungry. Secondly, acai berry is rich in calcium which helps to line the uterus and stomach, so less pain will be felt when it starts to contract during your period.
Thirdly, the bowl is laced with generous amounts of bananas! It is rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which will fight off water retention, bloating, and unnecessary muscle cramps, and help with sleeping like a baby at night. Fourthly (the list could go on…), there are so much antioxidants that it will help with irregular periods. So much yay! in one bowl.
Project Açaí: 27 Lorong Liput, Holland Village, Singapore, 277738 | Website | Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 1130am – 10pm (or until sold out)
Alternative address: 391 Orchard Road, #B2-32A Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872 | Opening Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 930pm (or until sold out)
