As we point out in The Serotonin Power Diet, our brains contain their own appetite suppressant. Serotonin chemical works on specific brain cells to make us feel full and satisfied. Getting serotonin to be more proactive in shutting off our appetites is not difficult. Simply following a therapeutic schedule of eating carbohydrates will ensure that serotonin is made. In fact, the only time this brain chemical is synthesized is after we eat sweet or starchy foods without any protein.

The relief at no longer being a victim of antidepressant-induced cravings will make it easy to resume a healthy diet and an exercise regimen. And any depression over the weight gain will evaporate once the number on the scale starts going down again.

Engaging the brain to stop the munching can also help to shut off emotional overeating.

Nonetheless, emotional overeating is harder to overcome. Even if your brain is telling you not to eat, it is still possible to look at food as the only thing that gives pleasure and distraction. For emotional overeating to be overcome, the stress that caused it must be identified and ways found to diminish it.  But taking the first step of relying on your brain to help you do this is extremely important. Your depression over your weight will decrease and you will find it easier to deal with the psychological components of the overeating. And eventually the pain of depression over your weight will be replaced by the pleasure in our weight loss.