Why do you crave chocolate during your period?
- Martyna Bajer
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
You're not alone! Many women find themselves reaching dark chocolate in the days leading up to (or during) their period, but what does it mean? And is it a healthy craving?
I want to zoom more on chocolate cravings, because according to Ayurveda, there’s deep intelligence behind them 😎
During my webinar on hormonal healing and menstrual cycle, I explain that your menstrual cycle is a dance of two doshas (Pitta and Vata naturally rise).
Pitta brings heat, intensity, transformation. This dosha governs the metabolic and hormonal changes that take place.
Vata brings movement, dryness, and sensitivity. It controls the downward flow of menstrual blood and those so-familiar cramps.
When both doshas spike at once, things can get... turbulent. So your body seeks balance (and often, it sends you running to the chocolate drawer)!
Sweetness cools Pitta’s fire. Oily, rich textures ground Vata. Bitter & astringent tastes pacify inflammation and tension.
Chocolate checks all those boxes - in theory...
But here’s the catch!
Cacao also contains caffeine and natural stimulants that worsen both doshas. It increases Pitta's heat (leading to more irritability, inflammation, skin breakouts and cramps). And it scatters Vata's mind (leading to more anxiety, sleeplessness and mood swings). So while your body wants sweetness and grounding, chocolate delivers a mixed message, one that often leaves you feeling worse.
My balancing period comforts: What to try instead?
Ayurvedic rice porridge and pudding are deeply nourishing treats that help balance both Vata and Pitta doshas, offering grounding comfort and gentle cooling. Meanwhile, turmeric latte provides soft warmth and anti-inflammatory support, calming Pitta and nourishing Vata with its creamy, stabilizing base.
Want to sync your cycle with nourishing routines and holistic wisdom?
Check out my webinar on hormonal healing and menstrual cycle or schedule your 1:1 personalized consultation!
