joy dot: satisfying lunch of lentil stew with pork and spinach

Hi Chelsea. Welcome!
I love the brain chemistry chapter too. It really helped me understand why I did some of the things I used to do.

There's really nothing special you have to have to do the program - it just uses regular food. Many of us use protein powder at breakfast, but you don't have to. Eggs or other forms of protein work just fine. At first it may seem more expensive buying protein, but it should balance out once you aren't buying sugar, chips etc.

I think we do have some New Zealanders here, although they may not be on the forum. We have a list called radiantdownunder for people who live in Australia, and I think that may be where you will find New Zealanders. To find it, go to Make Connections at the top of the page, then click on Online Groups, and you will see a list of all the groups. The geographical lists are at the bottom of the page. Here's a link to the page.
http://www.radiantrecovery.com/list_serves.htm

So, are you ready to start step 1? It has 4 parts.
Breakfast with enough protein for your body weight (Do you know how to figure that out)
with a complex carb
within an hour of getting up
every day

Please feel free to check in and let us know how it's going.
Allison

: I just wanted to say hello. I started
: reading PNP last night and am up
: to the Brain Chemistry chapter
: (VEERY much looking forward to it,
: as am fascinated by anything to do
: with the brain). I am someone who
: has been diagnosed with depression
: & anxiety for many years, and
: like so many people, have not
: improved much with treatment or
: counselling.

: I only just got my hands on the book
: but have been wanting to get it
: for about a month or so - I have
: managed to significantly cut down
: my sugar intake but am currently
: replacing it with other types of
: stuff (been eating sugar-free
: lollies when I have a craving,
: etc.. and have just had a potato
: chip binge ) and have
: switched to having oatmeal with a
: bit of protein powder for
: breakfast, but I am not following
: the 7 step program yet. I am very
: much looking forward to starting
: it once I've read all of the
: 'informative' part of the book.
: However, cutting down on sugar has
: definitely produced some
: noticeable results in me!

: I am wondering, are there any New
: Zealanders on the forum? I am
: concerned that some things in the
: food plan may be difficult to find
: here, or expensive. Can anyone
: tell me if the plan has been
: expensive or is it reasonable?

: Usually this wouldn't bother me but
: after having another depression
: break-down I am currently off work
: and looking for part time hours
: somewhere, so money is tight for
: us at the moment!

: Anyway, I'm pleased to meet you all
: and looking forward to journeying
: with you. :)