The Zone

Crohnie · 06-08-2006, 01:06 AM

Is anyone doing the Zone. My doctor has suggested it instead of Atkins?

Any pros and cons

AntiK · 06-08-2006, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crohnie

Is anyone doing the Zone. My doctor has suggested it instead of Atkins?

Any pros and cons

Good luck. I thought about it at one point, but it was too complicated for me to find the right balance.

Hazelsmrf · 06-08-2006, 08:11 AM

Well I'm not doing the Zone, but I'm doing Eating for Life, which is 40/40/20 instead of 40/30/30 (Actually I'm probably eating a bit too much fat and a bit too much carbohydrate so my ratio is probably closer to 40/30/30). So I still have to balance the portions out, it's working well for me (I'm pregnant so can't do ketosis and can't control my cravings on Atkins maintenance). I'm losing some weight, and my doctor is fine with it as I'm eating enough calories, I'm just losing weight because I'm eating well and healthy instead of eating a bag of chips.

Dharma · 06-08-2006, 10:38 AM

I did it years ago and it worked GREAT for me, but I was hungry a lot.

Crohnie · 06-08-2006, 10:41 AM

I am trying it. It is day 6. It is hard and I am a little hungry but I do not think I am eating enough

I am getting in all my fish oil pills though

seen · 06-08-2006, 10:53 AM

Is that the one Jen Aniston does? It does seems complicated, but if your meals are delivered every day how hard can it be? I read some of the book and ..well I'm not good with numbers and math so I steered clear. Seems to work for people who do it right

Dharma · 06-08-2006, 11:10 AM

Madonna did it for awhile - not sure what she's on now. It IS complicated but sooner or later you kinda know what to eat and what portions without having to look everything up, like any plan. But you need to be good at math to figure out all those 'BLOCKS'. It's actually pretty low calorie too.

Joycelyn · 06-11-2006, 12:23 PM

I'm reading a book called the Insulin Resistance diet, which is similar to the Zone, but a LOT easier to follow. Several years ago, I did a week on the Zone plan, and this was the greatest I ever felt in my life - mental clarity, energy, etc., but I found counting zone blocks, etc. too complicated as a lifestyle.

The Insulin Resistance Diet balances carbs and proteins (they call it link and balance), and keeps the fats down. It is very easy to follow.

I was having success on the Glycemic Load Diet, but came to the realization it's too high in fats for me, and the book kind of contradicts itself in several areas.

Anyway, anyone here actually following the Zone or a similar diet? Maybe we can share recipes/meal plans?

PamB · 06-11-2006, 12:25 PM

I have done it. It was a pain and I was always hungry.

Dottie · 06-11-2006, 01:50 PM

Michelle: get the paperback book "a week in the zone" and use that to guide you. It has menu plans from the low-to-high calories and makes the whole math thing very simple

It's an older book - check used book stores and sites for it

I wish I still had it 'cause I'd send it to you!

Tom · 06-11-2006, 01:56 PM

Here is some information produced by ZonePerfect about the Zone with some food lists: http://www.netrition.com/cgi/article...&article_id=13

Crohnie · 06-11-2006, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dottie

Michelle: get the paperback book "a week in the zone" and use that to guide you. It has menu plans from the low-to-high calories and makes the whole math thing very simple

It's an older book - check used book stores and sites for it

I wish I still had it 'cause I'd send it to you!

I saw that book Dottie. Did you have any luck with the Zone? It is a littel harder going form Atkins to the Zone. I wanna put butter on everything

Crohnie · 06-11-2006, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Here is some information produced by ZonePerfect about the Zone with some food lists: http://www.netrition.com/cgi/article...&article_id=13

Thanks Tom. I will check that out. I just ordered a bunch of Zoneperfect Bars from you for work. They taste pretty good

Dottie · 06-11-2006, 08:19 PM

I think that was my problem. Even though there's a lot of food on it, there's a lot of carbs(like apples and other fruits) that would set me off. Oh and I hate fake cheese and fake eggs lol

Is there a reason you know of why your doc picked the Zone rather than South Beach or another more liberal, but still low-carb plan?

Crohnie · 06-11-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dottie

I think that was my problem. Even though there's a lot of food on it, there's a lot of carbs(like apples and other fruits) that would set me off. Oh and I hate fake cheese and fake eggs lol

Is there a reason you know of why your doc picked the Zone rather than South Beach or another more liberal, but still low-carb plan?

He is friends with Dr Sears

I may end up back on Atkins but I will give it a try. Egg whites stink

RVcook · 06-14-2006, 09:46 PM

I've been doing The Formula (40/30/30 Zone made simple!) since Sep of 2005. I've lost 33 lbs total (more than I EVER lost while on Atkins). I was hungry the first few days, but now don't seem to have that problem.

I can eat anything I want now in moderation and I went from eating 20-30 grams of carbs per day to 130 grams with NO problem since I tweaked my macros.

Learning the 'block' system was too complicated for me and I just used the 'gram' method from the beginning. Understanding how the program works and how much less restrictive it is than other plans allows me to make better choices.

DH lost 62 lbs. and is completely off his diabetic meds. He feels great and has much more energy and less aches and pains.

I initially went switched from Atkins being somewhat skeptical, but now I'm totally sold on this nutrition program. I think one has to be adaptable in order to completely incorporate this WOE into an ongoing lifestyle change. If you don't like eating egg whites or "fake" cheese, this might not be the nutrition plan for you. South Beach may be more suited to your tastes. I think once you find the right "fit", you'll just know it's for you!

shirlc · 07-11-2006, 07:55 AM

I just finished reading "Beyond Atkins: A Healthier, More Balanced Approach to a Low-Carbohydrate Way of Eating," by Dr. Dougals Markham. He kind of puts Atkins and South Beach down, but it sounds like what he's advocating is "The Zone." He thinks the original Zone was too complicated and he has a simpler method. Having read the Zone books and this one, I would say this one does look easier to follow. There are definitely some good ideas in there.

Duncan · 07-17-2006, 12:26 PM

I did Atkins for a while but I missed fruit too much. I'm sorta trying to eat Zone-wise but not very scientifically. Actually, I'm still sort of on Atkins and sort of in the ZOne, so I'm not really losing any weight. I am wondering if one can do the ZOne but eat real cheese and real eggs. The alternatives, as others have said, are yucky. I agree to the part about being hungry, and I haven't yet been able to give up my cheese sticks.

Duncan

30something · 08-08-2006, 07:10 AM

I hate non-fat cheese, I followed One Week in The Zone for two years, lost some wt (18lbs in 6 months). I used real cheese, reduced fat monteray jack or cheese slices (2% skim milk) and adjusted the fat gms in other foods to keep the balance. I actually prefer egg busters for scrambled/omlets/baking. I use real eggs for sunny side up/poached eggs. After 6 months, I stalled but kept on the plan b/c I was trying to lower my cholesterol. I didn't gain but maintained. It didn't help my cholesterol (lost wt and cholesterol went up) ended up on statin meds.

I am now on a "Diabetic Diet Plan" Eat 5 Small Meals/Day-eat balanced meal every 3-4 hours and it is working. Lost 27+ lbs, close to goal, blood sugar/labs are normal, cholesterol & Triglycerides are below normal! It is similar to the Zone but easier for me to eat out.

My individualized plan for ht/wt/activity: 1260 calories/day-5 balanced meals/snacks-eat every 3+hours. Each meal/snack is approx 250 calories, 9 fat grams, 21 carb Gms, 21 Protein Gms. I am eating more calories/day then I did when I dieted eating 3 meals a day. I am never hungry, always satisfied, no cravings, no cheats b/c you can eat anything in right portion sized/count it/ balance it etc.

It is higher carbs than I did on Atkins, similar to the Zone & South Beach. I am upbeat about the Plan and follow Lo CHO recipes/tips of this site etc.

06-08-2006, 01:06 AM	#1
Crohnie Miss Innocent Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MA Posts: 25,372 Gallery: Crohnie Stats: 196/177.01/149 WOE: medi-weightloss Start Date: 07/10/08	The Zone Is anyone doing the Zone. My doctor has suggested it instead of Atkins? Any pros and cons

06-08-2006, 08:11 AM	#3
Hazelsmrf Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 906 Gallery: Hazelsmrf WOE: Atkins	Well I'm not doing the Zone, but I'm doing Eating for Life, which is 40/40/20 instead of 40/30/30 (Actually I'm probably eating a bit too much fat and a bit too much carbohydrate so my ratio is probably closer to 40/30/30). So I still have to balance the portions out, it's working well for me (I'm pregnant so can't do ketosis and can't control my cravings on Atkins maintenance). I'm losing some weight, and my doctor is fine with it as I'm eating enough calories, I'm just losing weight because I'm eating well and healthy instead of eating a bag of chips. __________________ -Julie Last edited by Hazelsmrf : 06-08-2006 at 08:12 AM.

06-14-2006, 09:46 PM	#16
RVcook MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 1,825 Gallery: RVcook Stats: 5'1" START: 153-Size 14 NOW: 123-Size 8 WOE: 40/30/30-BFFM Start Date: 9/23/2005	I've been doing The Formula (40/30/30 Zone made simple!) since Sep of 2005. I've lost 33 lbs total (more than I EVER lost while on Atkins). I was hungry the first few days, but now don't seem to have that problem. I can eat anything I want now in moderation and I went from eating 20-30 grams of carbs per day to 130 grams with NO problem since I tweaked my macros. Learning the 'block' system was too complicated for me and I just used the 'gram' method from the beginning. Understanding how the program works and how much less restrictive it is than other plans allows me to make better choices. DH lost 62 lbs. and is completely off his diabetic meds. He feels great and has much more energy and less aches and pains. I initially went switched from Atkins being somewhat skeptical, but now I'm totally sold on this nutrition program. I think one has to be adaptable in order to completely incorporate this WOE into an ongoing lifestyle change. If you don't like eating egg whites or "fake" cheese, this might not be the nutrition plan for you. South Beach may be more suited to your tastes. I think once you find the right "fit", you'll just know it's for you! __________________ Donna Success: It's All In The 'Balance' Customized Nutrition + Strength Training + Cardio *Fat loss is 80% nutrition so you can't 'out-exercise'* a lousy diet!**

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06-08-2006, 10:38 AM	#4
Dharma MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,643 Gallery: Dharma Stats: 175/138; now 161/153/140 WOE: Flexible	I did it years ago and it worked GREAT for me, but I was hungry a lot.

06-08-2006, 10:41 AM	#5
Crohnie Miss Innocent Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MA Posts: 25,372 Gallery: Crohnie Stats: 196/177.01/149 WOE: medi-weightloss Start Date: 07/10/08	I am trying it. It is day 6. It is hard and I am a little hungry but I do not think I am eating enough I am getting in all my fish oil pills though

06-08-2006, 10:53 AM	#6
seen Guest Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: pittsburgh, pa Posts: 353 Gallery: seen Stats: 235/149/127 WOE: Atkins OWL Start Date: 1995!	Is that the one Jen Aniston does? It does seems complicated, but if your meals are delivered every day how hard can it be? I read some of the book and ..well I'm not good with numbers and math so I steered clear. Seems to work for people who do it right

06-08-2006, 11:10 AM	#7
Dharma MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,643 Gallery: Dharma Stats: 175/138; now 161/153/140 WOE: Flexible	Madonna did it for awhile - not sure what she's on now. It IS complicated but sooner or later you kinda know what to eat and what portions without having to look everything up, like any plan. But you need to be good at math to figure out all those 'BLOCKS'. It's actually pretty low calorie too.

06-11-2006, 12:23 PM	#8
Joycelyn Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: CA Lady Posts: 829 Gallery: Joycelyn Stats: 202/198.5/140 WOE: The Insulin Resistance Diet Start Date: September 2008	I'm reading a book called the Insulin Resistance diet, which is similar to the Zone, but a LOT easier to follow. Several years ago, I did a week on the Zone plan, and this was the greatest I ever felt in my life - mental clarity, energy, etc., but I found counting zone blocks, etc. too complicated as a lifestyle. The Insulin Resistance Diet balances carbs and proteins (they call it link and balance), and keeps the fats down. It is very easy to follow. I was having success on the Glycemic Load Diet, but came to the realization it's too high in fats for me, and the book kind of contradicts itself in several areas. Anyway, anyone here actually following the Zone or a similar diet? Maybe we can share recipes/meal plans?

06-11-2006, 12:25 PM	#9
PamB Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 953 Gallery: PamB Stats: 147/Maintain 130-135 WOE: Low carb Start Date: 02/2003	I have done it. It was a pain and I was always hungry.

06-11-2006, 01:50 PM	#10
Dottie Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 58,291 Gallery: Dottie	Michelle: get the paperback book "a week in the zone" and use that to guide you. It has menu plans from the low-to-high calories and makes the whole math thing very simple It's an older book - check used book stores and sites for it I wish I still had it 'cause I'd send it to you!

06-11-2006, 01:56 PM	#11
Tom Administrator Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 4,784 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: Tom	Here is some information produced by ZonePerfect about the Zone with some food lists: http://www.netrition.com/cgi/article...&article_id=13

06-11-2006, 08:19 PM	#14
Dottie Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 58,291 Gallery: Dottie	I think that was my problem. Even though there's a lot of food on it, there's a lot of carbs(like apples and other fruits) that would set me off. Oh and I hate fake cheese and fake eggs lol Is there a reason you know of why your doc picked the Zone rather than South Beach or another more liberal, but still low-carb plan?

07-11-2006, 07:55 AM	#17
shirlc Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: South Dakota Posts: 638 Gallery: shirlc Stats: 143/134/125-5'5" WOE: Low Carb/CAD/ACV Start Date: March, 2006	I just finished reading "Beyond Atkins: A Healthier, More Balanced Approach to a Low-Carbohydrate Way of Eating," by Dr. Dougals Markham. He kind of puts Atkins and South Beach down, but it sounds like what he's advocating is "The Zone." He thinks the original Zone was too complicated and he has a simpler method. Having read the Zone books and this one, I would say this one does look easier to follow. There are definitely some good ideas in there.

07-17-2006, 12:26 PM	#18
Duncan Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Milpitas, CA 95035 Posts: 83 Gallery: Duncan	I did Atkins for a while but I missed fruit too much. I'm sorta trying to eat Zone-wise but not very scientifically. Actually, I'm still sort of on Atkins and sort of in the ZOne, so I'm not really losing any weight. I am wondering if one can do the ZOne but eat real cheese and real eggs. The alternatives, as others have said, are yucky. I agree to the part about being hungry, and I haven't yet been able to give up my cheese sticks. Duncan

08-08-2006, 07:10 AM	#19
30something Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Tavares, FL USA Posts: 436 Gallery: 30something Stats: 188-150-134 surpassed goal!! WOE: Diabetic Meal Plan(4-5 sm balanced low-mod carbs) Start Date: Restart: September 2005	I hate non-fat cheese, I followed One Week in The Zone for two years, lost some wt (18lbs in 6 months). I used real cheese, reduced fat monteray jack or cheese slices (2% skim milk) and adjusted the fat gms in other foods to keep the balance. I actually prefer egg busters for scrambled/omlets/baking. I use real eggs for sunny side up/poached eggs. After 6 months, I stalled but kept on the plan b/c I was trying to lower my cholesterol. I didn't gain but maintained. It didn't help my cholesterol (lost wt and cholesterol went up) ended up on statin meds. I am now on a "Diabetic Diet Plan" Eat 5 Small Meals/Day-eat balanced meal every 3-4 hours and it is working. Lost 27+ lbs, close to goal, blood sugar/labs are normal, cholesterol & Triglycerides are below normal! It is similar to the Zone but easier for me to eat out. My individualized plan for ht/wt/activity: 1260 calories/day-5 balanced meals/snacks-eat every 3+hours. Each meal/snack is approx 250 calories, 9 fat grams, 21 carb Gms, 21 Protein Gms. I am eating more calories/day then I did when I dieted eating 3 meals a day. I am never hungry, always satisfied, no cravings, no cheats b/c you can eat anything in right portion sized/count it/ balance it etc. It is higher carbs than I did on Atkins, similar to the Zone & South Beach. I am upbeat about the Plan and follow Lo CHO recipes/tips of this site etc.