I started the Schwarbein Principle a couple of months ago. First of all, I didn't really understand the rationale behind her diet. I suppose she has lots of knowledge about nutrition and endocrinology, buy she doesn't deal with the emotional reasons why we eat. I don't believe any program can solve that problem, for the individual. i found that my craving for carbs in the beginning, was greatly curtailed and my sugars were under control. But now, after the novelty has worn off, I am once again eating more carbs than I should: For instance, I am eating a snack after dinner, as well as the 2 snacks I am allowed. I know I am supposed to be in the "transition" period and that healing can be very gradual, but how do I hang in there without becoming discouraged. Anyone "been there, done that" and can supply me with some encouragement. I am afraid I haven't yet mastered carbs. ie. which are legit. and how much is an acceptable amount. There is a lot of nutritional info. to absorb at once.Thanks, Dawn

hi dawn this is Amy
I have been on the SP for about a month. Things are going really slow but steady. I have only lost 8 pounds in that amount of time but at least it is a loss not a gain! Anyway I am writing back to you because i saw in your journal you are on an anti-depressant. That could acount for your carb cravings...also unfortunately some SSRI can cause weight gain or inability to lose weight. I gained 30 pounds in nine months on prozac,then more on celexa.

Thanks Amy for your encouraging words. I am on Celexa now and will discuss this with my specialist. It must take courage to decide to quit meds. without your doctor's approval, at least that is what it sounded like you did.?!

Hi Dawn,

You're right it is a lot of nutritional info to absorb, and it sounds like you are doing pretty good - having an extra snack isn't all that terrible. Are you following her rules of P/V/F/C for each snack and meal. Although I am not strictly on this plan anymore I did my best for a while (couldn't give up nicotene or all low fat/fake sugar) and when I followed it I went through several stages that I'm sure a lot of others who follow the plan will recognize - at first I was very hungry and felt the need for an extra snack or two, after that I started to get full on very little food as long as it was following the P/V/F/C formula, after that I was still satisfied but became hungry on a clockwork like schedule - about 10 minutes before a scheduled snack - I was ravenous . I broke the extra snack habit by really persevering for a few nights - eating after dinner used to be my real problem. At first I skipped my afternoon snack and moved it to an after dinner snack, but then I found I really needed my afternoon snack and just concentrated on doing without the after dinner one - it wasn't easy but I think it was more of a habit than a real need for more food. I wish I could say that it just went away by itself, but although it didn't, breaking that habit was not as hard as you might think. You might also try reducing the size of your meals so that if you do have a third snack your daily total is still within whatever limit you're aiming for.

As for the anti-depressants, I've been on many and although you would need to see if your Dr. thinks it would be right for you I found that Wellbutrin worked well for me without many of the side effects some of the others have - it actually reduces the appetite in many people and has little risk of sexual side effects.

BTW Amy - I think that 8lbs loss in a month is great - especially since SPII is not a fast weight loss plan - it's taken me almost a year to lose less than 10lbs even on really drastic plans

"BTW Amy - I think that 8lbs loss in a month is great - especially since SPII is not a fast weight loss plan - it's taken me almost a year to lose less than 10lbs even on really drastic plans"

thanks Koko...8lbs is a good amount but i am that kind of a person that likes results yesterday. I am learning to be very patient with this WOE.
I have also tried wellbutrin and it is supposed to be better with the weight thing and less side effects also good if you smoke seeing as it was originally marketed as a quit-smoking drug. I didn't lose weight while on it but i never gained and had much more enery.Unfortunately i could not stay on it due to other negative side effects. It affects the dopamine receptors instead of serotonin like the other SSRI's...wish it did agree with me though as others seem to have had good luck with it.I have also heard effexor is better for keeping a good weight. Paxil seems to be the worst my Father in law has gaine 70lbs on it!