The Serotonin Power Diet by Judith Wurtman, Nina Frusztajer Marquis, Nina Marquis M.D. (2006, Hardcover)

We've all done it- eating a whole bag of potato chips or more cookies than we'd like to admit when trying to deal with stress, anxiety, fatigue, or sadness. The thing is that it works. After eating that comfort food, we feel like we can face the world once again. So food becomes a refuge and the scale reflects it.

Then, along comes the Atkins diet. No carbs. Truthfully, how long did it take you to cheat during your first bout of PMS? Even when you were being "good", how bad were the carb cravings?

The Serotonin Power Diet makes carbs permissible once again, in moderation and at the right times. One small carbohydrate filled snack, eaten about an hour before a meal can actually reduce your appetite allowing you to eat appropriate portions of healthy foods without cravings or feeling like you are actually on a diet.

Unlike many diets, I can see The Serotonin Power Diet actually fitting into my everyday lifestyle. Craving carbs during PMS or when I'm tired often derails my nutritional efforts. Having a small snack seems to alleviate that feeling that I've failed in my efforts and relieves my cravings.

I bought this book because I feel most of the symptoms apply to me. It is helpful to me to read that others have similar symptoms as me and this is a great way to deal with them. We could all use a mood boost every now and then. Even if this does not apply to you, the information in this book could help someone else. It is good to be informed.