As tropical storm Fay breezed through South Florida
giving us a real soaking, the Kat caught up with Co-op
member Dr. Kathleen Fuller. A neighbor from nearby
Stuart Florida, Dr. Fuller is a leading expert on eating
disorders, depression, and stress management. This Kat,
who always strives to lead a stress-free existence, was
very interested in what Dr. Fuller had to say.
OHC: You were a fat kid. How did this
influence you?
Dr. Fuller: Once you’ve been fat, you never
stop feeling fat. I’m still a food addict at heart, but
now I control my addiction instead of letting my
addiction control me. I see many patients in my practice
who struggle with obesity and its flip side, anorexia.
I’m a big fan of the Co-op’s 5-HTP and highly recommend
my patients wrestling with their weight give it a try.
5-HTP raises the serotonin levels in the brain, which
results in increased motivation. Motivation is the key
to making any change. I’ve found 5-HTP also curbs my
desire for sugar and carbohydrates. It’s been a long
time since I was that fat child, but you don’t forget
what fat feels like. It gives you empathy and compassion
for what your patients are going through.
OHC: You’ve also steered patients suffering
from depression, anxiety, and stress to 5-HTP. How can
one product work for so many conditions?
Dr. Fuller: It’s simple. 5-HTP supports
healthy serotonin levels which play an important role in
not only appetite, but also sleep, anxiety, and
depression. Serotonin works on the brain, intestinal
tissues, and central nervous system. There’ve been
studies done that show that the therapeutic efficacy of
5-HTP is equal to that of traditional
antidepressants—without the side effects
OHC: Your personal history is fascinating.
Among other things, you’ve been fat kid, Seventeen
Magazine model, national champion equestrian, doctor’s
wife, mother, homeless person, author, and PhD in
Philosophy. What have you learned along the way?
Dr. Fuller: Oh, I’ve learned so much! Most
importantly, I’ve learned that change is always possible
if you work at it. The mind, spirit, and body must be in
sync.
OHC: You were once married to a doctor and had
a ringside seat to how the medical profession works. Why
do you think more doctors don’t advocate alternative
therapies?
Dr. Fuller: Two words: training and time. Most
doctors are resistant to change. They’re trained in a
certain direction. Unfortunately, too many of them use
the drug reps to keep them informed. Then there’s time.
They’re churning patients through their practice,
dealing with the insurance companies, running a
business. There isn’t the time to read up on and explore
many of the alternative approaches. Certainly, there is
a sprinkling of doctors out there who have embraced a
more holistic approach, but we have such a long, long
way to go. All of which is a shame, given all of the
side effects of so many traditional medicines. Why would
anyone expose themselves to side effects if there was a
safe, effective alternative?
OHC: Talk to me about stress.
Dr. Fuller: It’s nearly impossible to be alive
in this day and age and not experience some level of
stress. I tell my patients stress is normal, but can be
managed. Among the Co-op products I recommend to counter
stress are
B-100 Plus,
Green Tea Extract, and
Greens
Plus. Ultimately, it’s all about nourishing the body and
the soul.
OHC: The Kat hears you’ve got a new book
coming out in January. Can you give us a preview?
Dr. Fuller: Certainly! The book is called
Not
Your Mother’s Diet: 11 Secrets to Diet Success Through
Weight Loss Coaching, Discover Fearless Eating and Food
Freedom from the Inside Out and will be available
through Amazon.com. It’s much more than just a diet
book. It’s a step-by-step approach to healing and
finding your purpose in life.
OHC: How about sharing one of those secrets
with us.
Dr. Fuller: Here’s a simple one. You’ll eat
less and be more aware if you write down the food you
eat. Keep a food diary. It’s an easy way to get you to
think twice before popping that bon bon in your mouth! I
also strongly suggest you read the labels on the foods
you eat. Better yet, eat fresh.
OHC: What do you think your mother would have
thought of the book?
Dr. Fuller: I think she would have liked it.
After all, she taught me everything—the good, the bad,
and the ugly.
OHC: Time to fess up now. I hear cats are not
your favorite animal.
Dr. Fuller: Oh, I love cats! I truly
do—especially the Co-op Kat, but you’re right. Horses
were my first love. As a child I wanted to compete in
the Olympics. I never reached that goal, but I was the
National Dressage Champion in 1989. I learned discipline
and follow through. I also found working with horses
taught me a lot about behavior modification therapy. You
could work with the horses and get them to change,
something you can’t always do with a cat!
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For more about Dr. Kathleen Fuller, visit
www.notyourmothersdiet.com.
