Serotonin Power Stories

"It is a real joy to me that this diet is something I can live with"

2010-02-19T23:00:56-05:00

It warms our hearts to hear stories of success from readers like HB below who posted her words on The Serotonin Power Diet forum (and we are touched by the positive words about our program!):

"Hi, SPD Fans.

"I just had an interview with a nurse because we are signing up for long-term health insurance. During the extensive and nerve-wracking interview, I had the pleasure to state and later think about the fact that, last September, I made a life-style change. That's when I began the SPD. My satisfaction comes in realizing that something HAS changed. My lifestyle has, in fact, changed, thanks to the SPD. Counting the months, I realize that I have been eating and living a new way for 6 months!! I am amazed and thankful. I am not yet down to my goal weight. But, that is beside the point, to me. The great thing is that what worked for me in September works for me now. I have intended to make this a permanent change, and now, counting up the months, I am encouraged to discover that it has sustained me through six whole months. I am so relieved that this diet is satisfying and do-able. I know that I will need to tweak as I go along. But, I am thankful that I can live like t
his happily, while enjoying life, food, health and weight loss. It is a real joy to me that this diet is something I can live with. Are there others here who are thinking that this will be a lifestyle forever rather than a diet to get through till the number is right on the scale?

"I am posting here [on The Serotonin Power Diet forum] because I really don't know very much about Facebook, and I don't want my SPD posts to be on my Facebook. If anyone knows how to make a Facebook post on the SPD site not show up on my Facebook page, I would appreciate it. It is not at all because I am ashamed of SPD. I am happy to share it with anyone who is interested in the subject. But for those friends who are not, I don't want to have diet posts show up.

"Nina and Judy, I wish that you would go on a big book tour, so I could meet you and thank you both personally for the health and encouragement you have brought to me. I am lighter, fitter and healthier because of you. It is true that I am not at my goal. But, I see that my goal will come, and that the SPD will be part of my life forever. Thank you for the gifts you have given to me and the rest of the SPD community. God bless you both!!! :D ;) :) :-* ;D

[SPD] is a way [of eating] for the rest of my life

2010-02-05T00:09:11-05:00

From a reader who gained weight on antidepressants:

"This is the first plan I've followed that it's not about the scale or struggling thru the eating plan till I can eat "normal" again. The destination is today, not 6 months or a year from today.

"I am eating normal and healthy, today, I am eating in a way I can for the rest of my life, and I am eating in a way that I think can become 2nd nature in time.

"I feel like it is about feeding my body and gaining control of what food does to me. I'm not thinking about what I'm going to weigh in 6 months, I just feel like I know in 6 months I'll still be following SPD and if I can feel as good as I do right now I'll be happy."

"This is best diet on the planet"

2010-02-05T00:01:08-05:00

From one of our readers whose weight gain is related to antidepressants:

"Here is the encouraging news: This is the best diet on the planet. You will lose weight if you follow it. And you will feel satisfied because of the carbs. I have just lost about 20 lbs., and have a good 40 more to lose."

"The greatest news...is the fabulous mood I found myself in"

2010-01-24T22:56:47-05:00

From a reader who reports the following since beginning The Serotonin Power Diet:

"I have grown so much from what has happened and developed spiritually and am really grateful that my health is improving.

"I slept an entire night - no getting up, no insomnia, just a full sleep.

"The greatest news though is the fabulous mood I found myself in. We went to get my low-fat carby snacks and I did not lose patience in the market or get tired. I had my carb snack and then we ate lunch out at a restaurant that has customizable menu choices. I found myself grinning on the way home and singing around my house. I am so happy--really calm and happy for the first time in ages. My aches are also going away--in 2 days my aches are diminished. This is how I felt 'before' - the multiple illnesses. When my husband I first met and we had fun all the time.

"I was doing the low carb diet thing so I could lose and feel better - husband was very supportive. I found the serotonin power research and decided to change over. I was a little afraid to tell him - thinking he might think here we go again...but today I confessed and he was fine with it. He said he would enjoy reading the research (he was a life sci/bio major) and noted that low carb diets taught me alot. The first time I did low carb (years ago) I felt good until I had to add whole grains back - then I got sick, and sicker. That is how we figured out the gluten intolerance. Now I tried low carb again and my fibro pains came back with a vengeance--lo and behold, my serotonin was being blocked. Inadvertently using the low carb diet has taught us a lot.

"My mom is so thrilled she also bought the Serotonin Power Diet Book and is enjoying reading it - she is...starting on phase 2 or 3."

Still 250 pounds thinner!

2009-12-10T14:46:39-05:00

A wonderfully inspiring story from Judy: A few days ago I bumped into a former weight loss clinic of mine who I had not seen for about 3 years. I was so happy to see her, and what she looked like, that I almost cried with delight. For this client was not your ordinary individual seeking weight loss help. She was special; someone who fought many obstacles to lose over 250 pounds. Alyssa (not her real name) had been a thin, active attractive young adult before she experienced a variety of severe emotional disorders which effectively stopped her normal life. She was hospitalized for an extensive period for psychiatric treatment. Alyssa told us that it was common practice at the inpatient facility for her and the other patients to order vast quantities of take-out foods such as pizza and Chinese food that they consumed most evenings. Alyssa, like nearly every other fellow patient on mood stabilizing medications, developed new seemingly insatiable food cravings and an inability to ever feel full. So she ate and ate. Ultimately Alyssa recovered from her emotional disorders, but the medication regime, which caused her to eat almost constantly, left her weighing over 500 pounds. She could barely walk without being out of breath and experienced an almost constant need to eat. As she began to resume life outside the hospital, she resolved to lose the weight she had gained. But she feared that an ordinary diet would leave her desperately hungry, and she did not know how to begin to exercise. While she continued to take her medications, we helped her over almost two years with our weight loss plan that took away the incessant food cravings she had been experiencing. At first we told her to eat 5 meals a day and three high carbohydrate snacks so she would not feel hungry. The foods were considerably lower in fat and calories than what she had been consuming, and as the weight came off, we reduced the number of meals and calories she was eating. We also found a personal trainer who worked with her weekly to improve her stamina and increase her muscle strength which was weak due to her almost total inactivity. At first, she could not walk up and down the three steps in front of her apartment building without holding on for support. One of the first things the trainer did was help her buy walking shoes to support her weight. She could only walk around the apartment with difficulty when she first started to exercise but after several months, she was able eventually to walk 3-4 miles each day. And most importantly as she lost weight, she gained confidence in her ability to live a life without any restrictions due to weight or lack of fitness. As we worked together, I felt privileged to learn and share in her plans of what her future life would be like when her weight would no longer restrict her. And seeing her a few days ago, happy with her work, looking radiant, exuberant and full of good humor, I felt doubly privileged to learn that her future had arrived.

Sugar to Relieve Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

2009-12-10T14:45:42-05:00

We have heard from a number of weight loss clients who also suffer from fibromyalgia that sweet and starchy snacks like breakfast cereal, as well as carbohydrate meals such as pasta, particularly eaten in the afternoon and evening, helped relieve their pain. Of course it is well-known that low doses of antidepressants effectively relieve fibromyalgia pain, and all of our clients with fibromyalgia have been on antidepressants. To remind myself of this form of therapy, I visited this fibromyalgia site which I thought gave a nice overview of the use of antidepressants to treat fibromyalgai: Fibromyalgia Symptoms. They write "Though antidepressant drugs are typically used to treat mood disorders, they have also proven effective in relieving the pain and sleep-related disorders of fibromyalgia. When people with fibromyalgia receive antidepressant prescriptions, it is typically in order to interrupt pain cycles and restore restful sleep. Antidepressants are prescribed in lower-than-usual doses in order to treat these symptoms. Many people with fibromyalgia also suffer from depression. In these cases, antidepressant medications are prescribed in order to lift mood. However, regular doses of antidepressants are required in order to improve depression." Judy just shared this story with me: A few days a weight loss client told me that she eats sugary foods to help her pain. She has been suffering from fibromyalgia for decades and her treatment has included a variety of antidepressants. “They work,” she told me, “to control pain most of the time. But every so often the pain breaks through and then I have to eat something sweet. The sugar takes away the pain for about 30 minutes and it’s enough of a reprieve so I can deal with it when it comes back.” Our client was afraid that if she went on a diet, she would no longer be able to use sugar when her pain again became intolerable. But to her immense relief, we told her that our diet plan insisted that she eat carbohydrates either in the form of a sugary or starchy snacks at least twice at day. And if she followed the plan, she could count on much longer periods of relief from her pain. “It isn’t the sugar itself that is taking away the pain,” we explained. ”But sugar and other starchy carbohydrates trigger the production of serotonin in the brain. And this brain chemical, serotonin, will diminish the pain you are feeling.” “Well I guess I won’t be losing any weight on your diet,” she told us sadly, "but if the pain goes away, I guess it is worth it.” “Au contraire” we answered (using our very limited French), on the contrary, you will lose weight very easily. Because serotonin not only takes away pain, it takes away appetite and gives you back a better mood. But you don’t have to eat sugar. Any carb except fruit will get the brain to make new serotonin. You just have to be careful and eat the carbs on an empty stomach. Avoid eating protein with the carbs when you need to make serotonin for pain and appetite control because the protein prevents serotonin from being made.” “What is a sweet snack I could eat on my diet?” she asked. “Well," we answered, “how about those sugary crunchy very low fat breakfast cereals?” “You mean like Captain Crunch?” she asked. “Sure,” we answered. “But you can’t eat the whole box. You have to follow the diet guidelines and measure your portions. You only need a certain amount for the brain to make serotonin. Any extra will just add unnecessary calories.” “Pas de problem.” she answered in her limited French. “Not a problem. When can I start?” Each person needs to experiment with their eating to find a diet that best controls their symptoms. For anyone, we always recommend a balanced diet that includes wholesome carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats whether your goal is pain control, weight loss, or general well-being. We just like to let people know that a little sugar can go a long way in making you feel good.

"...the results are amazing"

2009-11-08T20:57:56-05:00

Here's what one reader has said after keeping 20 pounds off for a year and a half:

"It's hard to stay skeptical on this program, as the results are amazing. And I am sure you have noticed that it is not just about the pounds melting off, but the added energy, restful nights, and the general feeling of contentment."

- B.D.

"Loving it!!!"

2009-11-08T20:56:19-05:00

We love hearing when people feel so good on The Serotonin Power Diet - weight loss is the icing on the proverbial cake. Here's what one reader wrote:

"Feeling so good already and so satisfied on the diet! My cravings for sugar have gone!!! and my mood is FANTASTIC! Loving it!!!"

- B

"[THIS DIET] IS AMAZING!"

2009-10-14T22:15:08-04:00

We are always so thrilled when people respond so well to the diet, like one of our readers:

"The diet is going so well - I am so happy with it and I love eating the carbs and the snacks! I feel like a different person already, no more cravings for sugar, more energy, sleeping well and feeling in such a good mood! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CREATING THIS DIET! IT IS AMAZING! Tomorrow will be one week on the diet - so I will weigh myself tomorrow and see how much I have lost."

- B.S.

"I have zero cravings"

2009-09-13T00:08:10-04:00

From another enthusiastic reader:

" I just started about two weeks ago and have lost about 5 pounds so far. Amazing. I have been prescribed antidepressants for a sleep disorder and they are still adjusting the dosage. I was very concerned about weight gain and found this diet simply by the grace of God and Google. I was sceptical at first, but I must say that so far any cravings are contained and I feel in control. That in itself is a miracle as I have always felt slave to my carbohydrate cravings. This diet is like a walk in the park and I simply can't believe I'm not only hungry, but I have zero cravings. Who-dah thought! ;D"