I've accumulated many hours as a student of this topic. Since 1979 and the first book I read about the Atkins diet, I've read a lot about various types of eating lifestyles. The most recent addition to my personal studies is a book written by Ann Louise Gittleman entitled "The Fat Flush Plan". Ms. Gittleman's book provides excellent insight on how our bodies process food. The step by step biological process of processing food is discussed in great detail and also how stress affects us, which I believe is a major player in the psychological part of hunger.
             Briefly, I want to summarize one key point that has helped me with my food cravings. Last week, we briefly discussed food allergies and how the hypothalamus is involved in signaling we are full. Ms. Gittleman states this process can be impeded if we eat a reactive food our body might be sensitive to. She says the body's immune system is brought into the picture and relates how the white blood cells aren't able to carry serotonin because their too busy fighting the "invader food", all very interesting stuff. The end result is cravings for high-carbohydrate foods to help move serotonin to the brain and, unfortunately, weight gain.
             Of course, I'm not slim and trim at this very moment but I do believe at least I have found the map. The book has become my bible of truth when it comes to regulating hunger. I only wish I could time travel back to the time when I was many pounds lighter. This time I would be ahead in the "good race" to regulate hunger.
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