Naturally Slim and Powerful: A Woman's Guide to Losing Weight Without Losing Her Mind

In their groundbreaking book, Naturally Slim and Powerful, Philip Lipetz and Monica Pichler describe this crucial relationship as follows: "Insulin controls serotonin synthesis. Tryptophan, the amino acid that is made into serotonin, is ordinarily stored in reserves that are not available for serotonin synthesis. Insulin causes stored tryptophan to be released and transported into the brain where it is converted into serotonin. Insulin's primary function is to control the blood sugar created when you digest carbohydrates. Therefore, eating carbohydrates elevates serotonin. This is why dieting women with low serotonin develop uncontrollable carbohydrate cravings." Lipetz and Pichler go on to give evidence that this is not true for men. A man's serotonin level is not affected when he skips meals, or goes on a diet. What the research validates is what women have complained about for a long time; namely, that men can lose weight easily and with less effort than women. Furthermore, men are not nearly so subject to the depression that accompanies low serotonin levels in the brain. What is going on here? The answers arise from compelling scientific advances. Fundamental differences show up in the brains of men and women. To begin with, women's brains have much more serotonin. Next, female sex hormones enhance serotonin activity; male sex hormones inhibit serotonin activity. Scientists today use Biological Evolutionary Theory to explain why this occurs. This theory states that our biology today is a product of our evolutionary past. In effect, our bodies are still subject to the same forces and genetic drivers as when we were living in prehistoric times. Ten thousand years ago, before the advent of agriculture, humans were hunter-gatherers. When prehistoric man got up early in the morning, and had nothing to eat, his body signaled, "We are in a famine! Get out there and start hunting!" His serotonin level, and hence his mood, was relatively unaffected. Nature designed his body to protect the species. Consequently, he could go without food all day, and still have the strength, speed, and stamina to carry out the hunt. His ability to think was not at its peak, but he could still function without feeling depressed and lethargic. Today's male still carries the ability to miss breakfast and lunch, yet go like crazy all day as long as he stays task-focused. At times like these, he is running on adrenaline and testosterone. At night, he comes home to immediately clean out the refrigerator and recharge his batteries on the couch. His cognitive illusion is that he is thinking efficiently despite his poor eating habits. A woman's scenario in prehistoric times was very different. As a gatherer, when prehistoric woman got up in the morning and did not eat within the hour, the body signaled, "We are in a famine! Shut all systems down and conserve energy! Start storing fat!" Her serotonin levels would begin to plunge, making her depre

I'm not a beginner when it comes to health issues, I have read everything on the market to understand and resolve my health issues; but Naturally Slim and Powerful has made a drastic change. I have suffered for the past 35 years with PMS and the last five years with severe yeast symptoms. When you live in a brain fog for weeks at a time, have severe migraines twice a month and just want to hibernate from life - you are a desperate housewife. I already knew from Eating According to My Blood Type what foods worked best for my chemistry - but knowing when to eat them is what finally made the difference. Now that I am eating a sweet potato in the morning and then protein for lunch - my brain fog is completely gone. My clarity of thinking and ability to concentrate is 100% better. The migraines are reduced and my moods are more stable. Thank you Dr. Philip and Monika for changing my life. PS - I just tested for yeast yesterday and I am 90% improved after 3 years of treatments.

I was amazed when i got on the scale. On the 15th day of this program, i had lost 5 1/2 pounds. I am feeling great emotionally and physically. To me, this is not a diet, this is a new way of eating. The recipes are delicious and i eat as much as i need to. I don't feel at all deprived of foods i enjoy. I also have more energy and it seems as though my concentration skills have improved too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was different from other "diet" books that I've read. I have not yet started the diet but intend to as soon as I've restocked my shelves with "Good Calorie's". I am, however, disappointed in the web site (or lack thereof) information. I noticed that the other reviews mentioned this problem also. Has anyone contacted Dr. Lipetz? If not, please do.

I have been following the dietary suggestions in this book for almost a year and it has changed my life. My husband says I'm more fun to be around, my boss says I have made dramatic improvements in (what was already very good) performance, and I am at peace with myself. I do wish the web site links and product information were accurate!