Customer Reviews

Naturally Slim and Powerful

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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 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!

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 depressed, lethargic, and less likely to move around. In contrast to a man's body, nature has designed a woman's body to preserve the species, thus insuring that she stays close to her offspring and keeps them safe. Lipetz and Pilcher state, "Depression also makes women more likely to care for their young because nursing and nurturing children alters brain chemistry and relieves depression. This mechanism favoring the feeding of babies is so perfect that low serotonin even alters critical hormones to increase the production of milk and fat." The ramifications of this theory for today's modern woman are clear. Skipping breakfast for women is a sure-fire method to gain weight and feel depressed. Going on a diet can prove so disastrous to a woman's mood and motivation that low self-esteem develops. According to Lipetz and Pichler, "Dieting just a little - eating about 1575 calories per day - can result in impaired vigilance, poorer immediate memory, and longer reaction times."

What is the leverage point here? Women need to keep in mind that men and women have critically different nutritional requirements. Diets that work for men do not work for women. If women are to stay mentally sharp, they require lots of breaks and frequent meals. Above all, they must monitor the carbohydrates they are eating. In case you have concluded that men seem to have all the benefits here, be aware that the story is not over yet. Scientists believe that lower levels of serotonin are the cause of much higher rates of suicide and violence for men. On the other hand, higher levels of serotonin in men are correlated with social dominance, approaching others, and other forms of social cooperative behaviour. ---- by Sonia Herasymowych, PhD

This is the first diet book I've ever read from cover to cover! The explanations all made sense with what I've been feeling. I am about to start this diet program. However, I still have many questions and would like the author to consider them. I spent an hour tonight searching for the website and thought something was wrong with my computer. I'm glad I found the reviews by other readers and that my coputer is o.k.! Has anyone tried writing to the address advertised in the book?

This is important information! I have new awareness of dieting behaviors like irritability, depression, preoccupation with food, binge eating, and others. Good news is, we can improve our sense of well-being by controlled eating of specific carbohydrates. Learn how insulin is a factor in fat-loss and search the charts for how your favorite carbs are affecting your insulin response, measured by a system called glycemic indexing. I have renewed hope that with the help of this science I can learn to live a disciplined lifestyle like that of a naturally slim person.

A few of the reviewers have mentioned not being able to access Dr. Lipetz's website/phone number...

An eating disorders counselor advised me - unfortunately - that Dr. Lipetz was killed in a car collision a number of years ago. Not wanting to accept this, I researched the internet for any current news about him, and I have been unable to find anything.

His death doesn't diminish the great research he's contributed to the whole weight loss conundrum.

As a Health and Wellness Coach, I have refined my diet and my way of life over the years. And it has taken me years of thoughtful research to finally figure out what I need to eat to maintain my body in health and style. Dr. Lipetz's approach is one more refinement...and the first that really addresses both the needs and the social empowerment of women through nutrition.

I implement this plan, but not without difficulty. Don't even get me going about all the poor food choices that we are bombarded with on a daily basis. It's truly a "Day at a Time" for me. BUT - when I am able to get past the cravings - which this approach eliminates - I feel great!

I have also found that my intuition is a terrific guide - when I listen and heed it. Food has a charge for me...either negative or positive. And the research Dr. Lipetz provides is certainly in alignment with my food experiences.

Food truly IS medicine! To all who read this book and undertake the recommendations of Dr. Lipetz, I wish you "Happy Eating"!

And if you'd like to connect with me, feel free to email me at: delaynna@hotmail.com

At age 56, I finally found some information about a womans dietary needs that makes sense to me. I have been following a high protein formula and working out with a trainer for 2 years without substansial results. This program is geared toward women and teaches the different nutritional and hormanal needs of women. I have really enjoyed reading this book and have incorporated many of the ideas into my life with great results. The results are an increase in Seratonin and weight loss! I was ready to give up on finding a program that could give this to me! I am just sad that there is not any new books from this author. His website is gone and I don't know what happened to him but he has provided a great service for women.

I have some questions and was disappointed that the web site and phone number do not exist. Has the publisher contacted the author about this probelm? Having studies showing the difference in dieting men v. women is great. It's about time! Cant' wait to start it. Has anyone found the Good Calorie products in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or a national grocery store chain? Good luck everyone!

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'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.