7 Nights Of Dinners To Get You Through Your Period

Cramps, bloating, energy slumps: periods are hell and we hate them. But what you eat can help. You can prep all or part of these dinners ahead (y'know, in one of those wonderful non-period weeks when you actually have the energy for stuff like cooking, and standing up). Then when Aunt Flo comes to town (blehhh), start each day with coffee (to reduce bloating), multigrain toast topped with avocado (that's carbs to satisfy your cravings, fibre to help tackle that whole monthly digestive system weirdness, and vitamin E which may help with period pain) and a banana for magnesium (yep, bloating again). Aim to eat little, often and healthily throughout the day: cut back on sugar and dairy, in favour of leafy vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, and water. Then come home, change into your comfiest PJs and enjoy one of these comforting, iron-rich meals in front of a Gilmore Girls marathon.

1. Easy Kale Soup With White Beans And Potatoes

Via umamigirl.com

What to prep ahead: The whole thing! Make this comforting, wholesome soup before Aunt Flo comes to town and heat up a bowl for a white bean iron hit in two minutes.

Bonus period points: load up on vitamin E and extra iron by replacing the potatoes with sweet potatoes and the kale with spinach.

Get the recipe here.

2. Quinoa Veggie 'Fried Rice'

Via damndelicious.net

What to prep ahead: Cook the quinoa and chop the veggies: then when you're ready to eat you can fry this baby up in about fifteen minutes.

Bonus period points: replace the frozen corn with cooked soya beans, because soya beans are full of iron and corn is gross.

Find out how it's done here.

3. Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl

Via delishknowledge.com

What to prep ahead: chop the broccoli, shred the carrots, whisk up the peanut sauce, and maybe even press and marinate the tofu the night before.

Bonus period points: mix a little blackstrap molasses into the peanut sauce for iron and flavour.

Recipe here.

4. Butter Bean & Tomato Stew

Via bbcgoodfood.com

What to prep ahead: Dice 2 carrots, 2 shallots and an onion, pop them in a Tupperware and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to embrace the deliciousness.

Bonus period points: serve with the Barefoot Contessa's sauteed spinach for extra iron and mashed potato for extra comfort.

Head here for the stew recipe.

5. Pumpkin Seed And Spinach Pesto + your favourite pasta

Via feastonthecheap.net

What to prep ahead: the pesto! Make a basilicious jar whenevs, then toss it with whatever pasta best satisfies your carb cravings.

Bonus period points: if you pick a pasta with small shells it'll be easier to eat it with a spoon, from a bowl, with one hand, while you clutch a hot water bottle to your abdomen with the other.

Pesto recipe here.

6. Stir-Fried Chicken/Tofu And Broccoli

Via nytimes.com

What to prep ahead: chop the vegetables, ginger and garlic; press the tofu.

Bonus period points: serve with this. It is in no way a risotto, but it is a great way to get some iron-rich quinoa and spirulina onto your plate.

Stir-fry recipe here - make the tofu version for a delicious and veggie-friendly iron hit.

7. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Lentils, Kale And Sun Dried Tomatoes

What to prep ahead: the lentil mixture. Keep that tasty mofo in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Bonus period points: sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for iron, vitamin A and crunch!

Recipe here.