For years, people have praised the effectiveness of low-carb diets, but now the exact opposite approach is being touted as a legitimate way to lose weight.
Dr. Nina Frusztajer said eating food rich in carbohydrates like breads and pastas could help increase your body’s productions of serotonin, a chemical that occurs naturally in the brain and helps elevate your mood. Serotonin can also work to slow down appetites and control cravings.
“So the weight-loss program is based on harnessing the power of serotonin so you can eat less and lose weight,” Frusztajer said. “The serotonin power diet really debunks the myth that eating carbs leads to weight gain.”
To gain the full weight-loss power of serotonin, Frusztajer said people need to eat more carbohydrates not less.
“Carbohydrates set off a series of chemical reactions in your body that allows your brain to make more serotonin,” she said.
Some carbohydrates are better than others according to Cardiologist Dr. Franz Messerli, stating grains and vegetables with a lot of fiber are some of the best choices. Whole grain bread, whole-wheat pasta and beans are other recommended options.
Smart snacking is also important. Frusztajer recommended low fat options like pretzels and popcorn or hot chocolate and marshmallows. She said avoid fruit.
Some people see the high-carb diet as too easy and too good to be true, and they may be skeptical of the science behind the diet. Experts will point out most successful diets produce the same results, regardless of what research shows.
“It doesn’t really seem to matter what diet you’re on, as long as you stick with it and then incorporate other healthful behaviors such as exercise,” said internist Dr. Christine Mackey.