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The Younger (Thinner) You Diet: How Understanding Your Brain Chemistry Can Help You Lose Weight, Reverse Aging, and Fight Disease
New research in nutrition and weight loss has revealed an amazing the brain―virtually neglected in all other diet plans―is the most important organ in dieting. Dieters can actually lose weight by eating foods, nutrients, teas, and spices that change the chemical balance of the brain for permanent weight loss―a major factor contributing to how quickly the body ages. In fact, everyone can take years off their age by changing their brain chemistry.
In Younger (Thinner) You Diet , Dr. Eric Braverman expands upon concepts introduced in Younger You to present a totally new approach to lifelong weight management, where the key is not found in counting carbs, fat grams, or calories. Obesity is a brain chemical imbalance, an addictive disorder, treated successfully only through the combined approach of diet, nutrients, and hormones. One of the foremost experts in integrative medicine, known for his work on the brain-body connection, Dr. Braverman teaches
-which foods naturally boost the body's production of dopamine, the chemical in the brain that tells the body to start its fat-burning engine
-how to choose foods, supplements, teas, and spices―even hormones and medicine―to avoid the effects of other aging organs that can destroy one's metabolism
-how to personalize the diet for specific health concerns, such as heart problems, aging skin, weak muscles, and achy joints
Eliminating the frustration and deprivation of conventional dieting, Younger (Thinner) You Diet will help anyone turn back the clock to a slimmer, healthier, younger you.
In Younger (Thinner) You Diet , Dr. Eric Braverman expands upon concepts introduced in Younger You to present a totally new approach to lifelong weight management, where the key is not found in counting carbs, fat grams, or calories. Obesity is a brain chemical imbalance, an addictive disorder, treated successfully only through the combined approach of diet, nutrients, and hormones. One of the foremost experts in integrative medicine, known for his work on the brain-body connection, Dr. Braverman teaches
-which foods naturally boost the body's production of dopamine, the chemical in the brain that tells the body to start its fat-burning engine
-how to choose foods, supplements, teas, and spices―even hormones and medicine―to avoid the effects of other aging organs that can destroy one's metabolism
-how to personalize the diet for specific health concerns, such as heart problems, aging skin, weak muscles, and achy joints
Eliminating the frustration and deprivation of conventional dieting, Younger (Thinner) You Diet will help anyone turn back the clock to a slimmer, healthier, younger you.
- GenresHealthNonfiction
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
25 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 3, 2014
Very informative book. Weight loss/health books make my head spin. Seriously, there are always an expert in the field telling us what we should eat. It's hard to believe which one is right. I thought this book was okay until I started making the recipes and proof in the pudding.
The premise of the book is that the four main chemicals of our brain (serotonin, GABA, dopamine and acetylcholine) are responsible for aiding us through weight loss. If their is a deficiency in any of these chemicals, we are bound to struggle with weight-loss and health. The book has self administered test that are series of questions to determine what chemical of your brain is deficient. Braverman, then discusses each chemical in detail and what is its function. There are recipes, an eating planner, logs to track progress, and food diary worksheets. He talks about supplements, sex and other relative health topics. The recipes are good, super healthy (obviously) and fairly easy.
What I took from this book was the importance of spices and herbs. It makes sense since so many natural remedies you find in a bottle at the store are derived from plants. He utilized many different spices/herbs and uses them heavily. So not only are you getting their medicinal benefits but it makes your food more flavorful. I've always used spices in the past but never used them that heavily. There is a great index at the end that list a lot of spices/herbs and explains what exactly they aid in a biological way. The indexes also branch out into produce and their benefits as well.
What made me a believer of this book are the recipes. I have made quite a few and my husband and I both notice our cravings for food diminish a great deal. When I eat his recipes, it feels like my body is getting nurtured in a very natural way. Food is suppose to be medicine and I feel this book really lives up to this famous quote.
What I would like to say is that this book is a good book to read and learn from but I believe a lot of people who are overweight, feel unhealthy and sick at times should really see a Naturepathic doctor or a doctor who has a more holistic approach. I went to one and not only did I have my bloodwork taken extensively to determine what supplements I needed but I took a hormone test where I found my hormone levels were that of a pre-menopausal women. Im in my early thirties by the way. I take special herbal tinctures everyday now which has not only balanced my hormones out but has rid me of my chronic insomnia and a lot of aches and pains. The recipes in this book aid my recovery. My suggestion to people who really want to get healthy is to read this book and then maybe determine if seeing a holistic doctor is worth it.
The premise of the book is that the four main chemicals of our brain (serotonin, GABA, dopamine and acetylcholine) are responsible for aiding us through weight loss. If their is a deficiency in any of these chemicals, we are bound to struggle with weight-loss and health. The book has self administered test that are series of questions to determine what chemical of your brain is deficient. Braverman, then discusses each chemical in detail and what is its function. There are recipes, an eating planner, logs to track progress, and food diary worksheets. He talks about supplements, sex and other relative health topics. The recipes are good, super healthy (obviously) and fairly easy.
What I took from this book was the importance of spices and herbs. It makes sense since so many natural remedies you find in a bottle at the store are derived from plants. He utilized many different spices/herbs and uses them heavily. So not only are you getting their medicinal benefits but it makes your food more flavorful. I've always used spices in the past but never used them that heavily. There is a great index at the end that list a lot of spices/herbs and explains what exactly they aid in a biological way. The indexes also branch out into produce and their benefits as well.
What made me a believer of this book are the recipes. I have made quite a few and my husband and I both notice our cravings for food diminish a great deal. When I eat his recipes, it feels like my body is getting nurtured in a very natural way. Food is suppose to be medicine and I feel this book really lives up to this famous quote.
What I would like to say is that this book is a good book to read and learn from but I believe a lot of people who are overweight, feel unhealthy and sick at times should really see a Naturepathic doctor or a doctor who has a more holistic approach. I went to one and not only did I have my bloodwork taken extensively to determine what supplements I needed but I took a hormone test where I found my hormone levels were that of a pre-menopausal women. Im in my early thirties by the way. I take special herbal tinctures everyday now which has not only balanced my hormones out but has rid me of my chronic insomnia and a lot of aches and pains. The recipes in this book aid my recovery. My suggestion to people who really want to get healthy is to read this book and then maybe determine if seeing a holistic doctor is worth it.
July 13, 2010
Some very helpful guidelines regarding what foods to eat to increase certain neurotransmitters in your brain. Problems: some questionable advice, such as suggesting the use of aspartame when a lot of obesity researchers are advising people to stay away from artificial sweeteners. The author does not do any original research, either, is not Board certified, and rehashes discoveries by others, so take with a grain of salt.
November 13, 2016
I would suggest you read Lisa's written review to get the basics, since there is no point in rehashing the same information in this review.
My comments are related to my perception, from reading this informative book, that hormone replacement therapy HRT or the use of bioidentical HRT is okay. HRT and BHRT are recommended as a strategy for women to help support weight loss. At least that was my take on it.
Because I still had questions about it, I checked with my family doctor. What I learned was that the use of HRT or BHRT is restricted to a well defined population of women AND it is for a limited time period. HRT/BHRT is not a panacea.
Women who suffer menopausal symptoms not otherwise manageable than through medical intervention might/often are treated with HRT/BHRT. And, since there is a limited window for this treatment, the use of hormone therapy, in conjuction with other supports suggested by the author, is not a long term solution*.
Bottom line for postmenopausal women, as I have come to understand, is that exercise and diet are key. The author's recipes are a great addition to the kitchen arsenal, and the combining of spices to add flavour to the food and support the neurochemistry is fabulous. I love it!
*please note that I am not a medical practitioner. Rather, the comments are made having asked the questions about BHRT.
My comments are related to my perception, from reading this informative book, that hormone replacement therapy HRT or the use of bioidentical HRT is okay. HRT and BHRT are recommended as a strategy for women to help support weight loss. At least that was my take on it.
Because I still had questions about it, I checked with my family doctor. What I learned was that the use of HRT or BHRT is restricted to a well defined population of women AND it is for a limited time period. HRT/BHRT is not a panacea.
Women who suffer menopausal symptoms not otherwise manageable than through medical intervention might/often are treated with HRT/BHRT. And, since there is a limited window for this treatment, the use of hormone therapy, in conjuction with other supports suggested by the author, is not a long term solution*.
Bottom line for postmenopausal women, as I have come to understand, is that exercise and diet are key. The author's recipes are a great addition to the kitchen arsenal, and the combining of spices to add flavour to the food and support the neurochemistry is fabulous. I love it!
*please note that I am not a medical practitioner. Rather, the comments are made having asked the questions about BHRT.
September 13, 2020
I found this book by searching for foods to increase dopamine. Having ADHD means you have persistently low dopamine. Dr. Braverman says anytime you see a significant weight change (especially gain), dopamine is involved. The brain can drive eating behavior in order to build neurotransmitters. But in our food environment, sugar is often used for the dopamine hit, when many other healthy foods would do the trick if you only knew them! The quiz at the front of the book gives you ideas of which neurotransmitters you might be lowest in. There are meal plans, and recipes. Most of the recipes have been tasty so far, although some are far spicier than I am used to. I didn't use some of the hot spices before so I am building up my tolerance, starting with smaller amounts than the recipes call for. I do find eating dopamine- and acetylcholine-boosting foods from the very first meal of the day helps, and dopamine-boosting foods do help with feeling satisfied. There are lots of different ways to look up what foods boost which chemicals. I would say this book goes overboard on the supplement recommendations though.
August 21, 2012
My mom always says "Eat this to restore your body". I didn't really believe her, but now I have read this book, everything she said makes sense. She might not know brain science, but she got the right ideas.
When we don't eat right, we deplete our resource and our brain is not supplied sufficiently and we get sick or gain weight.
Very valuable read!!!
When we don't eat right, we deplete our resource and our brain is not supplied sufficiently and we get sick or gain weight.
Very valuable read!!!
February 8, 2010
Based on a quiz in this book, I started taking vitamins d and b and I have more energy than ever
May 18, 2011
Best book on health I have ever read. He has made me a believer and changed my life.
April 5, 2015
This was my weightless bible 5 years ago! Excellent book!
Read
March 2, 2013Some interesting facts in this book. He lists what foods build up Neurotransmitters like Dopamine
July 15, 2013
Just added more to the confusion of how to lose weight.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews