Joanna and Margo---isn't it funny how stress can make us either lose weight or put on weight???? I've had both reactions, depending on what the nature of the stress is. Work stress makes me eat--like you, Margo, I turn to the comfort foods and the wine, and wow, it doesn't take long to suddenly find that you've gained weight. Personal stress tends to make me NOT eat, like you, Joanna.

After my s/o, Jerry and I went through a really difficult time last summer, the girls at work wanted to "borrow" him so they could be on the "Jerry diet" and lose weight quickly, LOL.

Margo, that diet sounds really effective, but intimidating b/c of the "no" list. How long do you use that plan for? I never thought of herbs and spices (except for salt, of course) as affecting diet or metabolism. I never even knew that. It is great how helpful this thread is about providing diet suggestions, tips and food-ideas.