Joyous and Energetic

This is from a reader on antidepressants who learned about the Serotonin Power Diet on iVillage.
- Nina

2/21/07
I cannot get over how energetic and high spirited I feel, I know I am eating fewer calories, but I am very satisfied and have not had any cravings, which is remarkable for me since I usually have PMS cravings and binges this week, and my six-year-old came home with so much Valentine's candy it seemed liked Halloween, I haven't wanted or thought about it.  I will keep you posted on my progress, thanks much for your interest.  Janet (Atlanta, GA)

2/26/07 Nina, I lost 5 lbs the first week of the program, this is the first time I have ever lost while on medication! What a relief, it is possible and I feel great, not hungry, not missing anything. I felt a little out of sorts Friday and Sat, but much better today. Happy on Serotonin, Janet

3/12/07
Hello Nina, just an update, today I started week 4 and have a total loss of 8 lbs, this is awesome for me.  The chapter in the book on intensifying your workout was a big stimulus for me this past week, and I have cranked up my strength training too.  My clothes are looser and my arms look much leaner and fit.  This plan is a wonder for me, thanks much.  Janet  

Comments

[Carolyn Stevens]

what foods can you eat on this diet, how much and when?

[Nina Frusztajer]

Hi! You can check out some of our recipes on our Adara weight loss clinic web page http://www.adaracenter.com/recipes.html. Basically, you flip your menu eating more protein earlier in the day and more carbs in the afternoon and evening, and you have between one and three serotonin-boosting carb snacks every day. Women's caloric intake is around 1400 per day. We recommend wholesome, unprocessed foods but basically you can incorporate any foods you enjoy can be eaten (well, OK, high fat desserts are not allowed!)
I hope you find this way of eating feels great and allows you to lose weight.
Regards,
Nina

[Gina]

When eating oatmeal of a morning, is that a half cup of cooked or before it's cooked? Also one piece of regular bread or 2 pieces of diet bread?

[Nina Frusztajer]

HI Gina,

measure 3/4 cup of cooked oatmeal for breakfast. Yes, bread would be one regular slice or two diet slices.

- Nina

[MARTI]

WHAT CAN YOU HAVE FOR BEVERAGES WHEN YOUR ON THIS DIET AND WHEN YOU HAVE PASTA IS IT O.K TO HAVE FAT FREE CHEESE ON IT.

[Marti]

WHAT VEGIES ARE THE BEST TO EAT ON THIS DIET

[Nina Frusztajer]

Beverages with calories are counted as either a carb or a protein (for example, a fruit and yogurt smoothie is great for breakfast along with a carb); a skim milk latte is a protein. Any calorie-free beverage is perfectly acceptable.

Up to 2 T. fat free cheese is fine on pasta if you are having a fat free sauce such as marinara. A T of olive oil is fine, too, on the pasta.

All veggies are fine but limit carrots and beets to two cups a day. Peas and corn count as a starch but you can have 1/2 cup of either and count it as your vegetable serving.

[Beth Crystal]

Hi there,
I just heard about your book today and I have to say that I am a bit skeptical. i, too, have tried everything including low carb but healthy meals, exercising 5 times per week and being so very careful. I get very frustrated by the lack of weight loss or in fact the weight gain. My nutritionist basically told me that she feels so bad but there is nothing else she can try to help me. When I told her about this book she said that with my metabolism I would definitely gain weight with this diet. I am a bit confused...do you have any research to back up this diet???