Dear Marenna,

I found out about your book in January's issue of Self magazine, and ordered the paperback edition, which just arrived today. I'm really excited about trying out the diet and your recommendations! I'm about half-way through the book, but have a few questions that I was hoping you could help with.

Since turning 35 last year, my libido has gotten noticeably lower, which is what I was hoping your book could help with. I've also been on the BCP for about 13 years. I know you don't recommend hormonal birth control, and I'm currently looking into other options since I've been wanting to get off the pill for awhile. Do you think I should start the diet now, or should I wait until I'm off the BCP in a few months? Will I notice any difference if I'm still taking the pill?

When you give the fish oil recommendations on page 64, you start with 130 pounds. I weigh about 116-118, so would it be alright if I just followed the recommendations for 130 pounds, or would this be too much for me?

I also started taking Udo's Choice 3-6-9 Oil Blend a few months ago to try to get more good fat in my diet. Should I try to cut back on that once I start the fish oil?

As a last question, I've been watching my weight for awhile, and am worried that taking so much fish oil will cause me to gain weight. Has this happened to the women on your diet?

I'm sorry to bother you with so many questions, but any input you could offer would be great! I really appreciate it!

Start the diet now. Women on hormonal birth control do get results on the diet, just not as pronounced as women who are not on hormonal birth control.

You are fine at the 130-pound dose. But if you lose weight, cut back a bit.

Don't waste your money on Udo's Oil. At least not for libido purposes. If you do stay on it, subtract the amount of EPA and DHA you get from the Udo's Oil from the dosage I recommend.

At your weight the fish oil would be about a teaspoon a day if you get a good ultra-refined brand. That's less than forty calories, just like any other fat. If forty calories is going to break your diet, I think you need to be on a less strict diet!

Also fish oil is a nutrient, so your body does treat it like a fat in some ways. It will cause a feeling of satiation the same as a teaspoon of butter.

Most women are worried about the chocolate!

Thank you so very much, Marrena, for the quick response and for taking the time to respond to me! I really appreciate it!! I'm going to order my fish oil tomorrow morning! Thanks and I'll keep you posted about the results!

what is the best type of chocolate to get. My husband bought Hersheys dark chocolate, but I know that is not the type you meant probably. I'd like something with less sugar in it than that. What kind do you suggest?

Dove Dark Promises or Lindt 70% dark are both good. You only need a small amount.