Weight Loss Info Center

I have struggled with depression for quite some time.  I think the first time I was officially diagnosed was approximately 5 years ago, but after having put a name to it, I think I had been dealing with it for a good part of my life.  I have tried numerous prescription medications and none of them seemed to work for me.  Yes, they helped with the depression, but the side effects weren’t worth it (lack of emotion, irritability, weight gain, etc.).  So I started looking for more natural ways to deal with my depression, such as herbs and supplements, exercise, deep-breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation.  Certain times of the year are worse for me than others, so I like to be prepared for when the depression strikes.

I have been looking for some time for a natural supplement that will boost serotonin levels.  When I was out shopping about three or four weeks ago, I happened to find a product called Natrol 5-HTP, which is a product used to boost serotonin, thereby decreasing depression.  It wasn’t that expensive and I thought I would give it a try to see if it would work.  I then came home and did some research.  I found some information related to 5-HTP that stated it didn’t only help with depression, but also aids with weight loss. 

The only good thing I can say about my experience with 5-HTP is that it did, in fact, make me feel relaxed, which is never a bad thing.  But along with that relaxation came drowsiness.  I was so drowsy that for the first week I had to lay down every afternoon and take a nap!  That is so unlike me because I am just not a napper.  I thought I would then try it at night before going to bed.  It did help put me to sleep.  But I would also be extremely fatigued the next day.  I couldn’t do much of anything, really, except sit around and “think” about doing something, but never successfully getting things done.  I think the fatigue was one of the worst things about these supplements.  I was also very irritable, but that was probably related to the fatigue.  I was only taking 50 mg, but I know that there are some people who suggest taking 100 to 200 mg per day!  There was no way I was going to do that.

The other side effect I experienced was muscle aches in my legs.  I would walk 10 feet to the kitchen and my legs would feel like I had just walked 10 miles instead of 10 feet.  I have never, even with starting a new workout routine or weight training routine, felt the kinds of aches in my legs that I did on this supplement.  Mind you, the aches were more of an irritant than painful, but it was concerning. 

5-HTP is supposed to help decrease appetite and decrease carbohydrate cravings.  I will admit that my appetite decreased, but that’s probably because I would have to go to sleep after taking it!  How can you be hungry when you’re asleep?

Three days ago, I decided to stop the 5-HTP.  It’s just not worth it to me to feel so tired and fatigued that I cannot think straight, not have enough energy to get off the couch really, be so irritable that my kids and my husband could barely tolerate me (I couldn’t stand myself, so I don’t blame them), and to feel like I can barely walk a few steps without suffering from muscle aches.  I am happy to report that I feel g-o-o-d today!  I am not fatigued, I am not irritable, and I am not having muscle aches.  

Oh, and by the way, I lost not one pound on 5-HTP.  I actually gained 2 pounds!

I suggest for anyone considering taking 5-HTP for its supposed weight loss benefits, check with your doctor first, and research, research, research.  In my first initial research of this product, I only found rave reviews and articles that stated there are no side effects.  After starting to have muscle aches, I looked into it a little further and found a good deal of information that lists the side effects of 5-HTP, and muscle aches is definitely on the list, along with a whole host of other side effects.

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Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens have found that DHA (one of the main omega-3s in fish fat) blocks the development of human fat cells. 

Although more research will need to be done in this area, those trying to lose weight may find fish oils as a natural supplement to help with their weight loss efforts instead of turning to diet pills or unhealthy eating patterns.  There are other health benefits in regards to fish oil, but from a weight loss standpoint alone, this is good news!

So how much should you add to your diet?  Experts suggest adding 6 to 12 oz. of foods like salmon to your weekly diet.  There’s also flax seed, walnuts, certain cooking oils, dark green vegetables, grass-fed beef, and then there’s always fish oil supplements.

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Many years ago, I thought that the basics of weight loss were the same for everyone.  That if anyone who wanted to lose weight would all follow the same plan, they would all lose weight.  I’m finding out as I get older, that’s just not the case.  Two people can both be on Weight Watchers and adhere to the plan with 100% compliance and only one will lose weight or one loses more than the other.

The same with exercise…I know women who workout doing exclusively cardio and lose weight.  If I only do cardio exercise, I lose nothing.  No inches, no pounds, and that’s with eating clean 100% all the time.  I have to incorporate weight training (or even do more weight training than cardio) for my body to respond.

So it makes perfect sense to me that a new study finds that…Not One Size Fits All when it comes to weight loss.  It’s not surprising that this study found there are those of us who are considered “compensators;” folks who either eat more because of exercise or eat more because we reward ourselves for exercising.  Raising hand - I’m guilty of both.  I have rewarded myself with food in the past, but not that often.  What I do find happening often is the fact that when I stick to my normal workout routine I usually do eat more because I’m starving after a workout. 

I think the best approach for women to take in regards to losing weight is finding both an eating plan and an exercise plan that works for them.  I mean our bodies are all built differently and when we choose our clothing, we try it on to make sure it fits.  Why not do the same when it comes to weight loss?

Here are some tips to find the right weight loss plan for you.

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