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Sue  Posts:4634
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| 09/08/2004 1:18 AM |
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| [color=darkred:24ec715c96]The info I give here is the same info I give in person. As I've already stated, [b:24ec715c96]the books all give the same info on the Zone basics[/b:24ec715c96] with the exception that the books coming out after "The Anti-Aging Zone" have a revised food block list. [/color:24ec715c96] |
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sue
lost 100 lbs 14 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil!
for more photos, scroll over this photo and click when the link appears
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/08/2004 3:03 AM |
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| There is a lot of good active discussion on this thread about Dr. Sears' books. I am enjoying it, but I want to clarify my views: I don't see anything "WRONG" with Dr. Sears' books. I am not trying to criticize his writings of years ago, just because he has improved and expanded his ideas in later works.
My criticisms are made in a constructive sense of how to improve the understanding of his works.
I believe there is room for alternative ways of organizing and presenting information that makes it more understandable for certain people. All I am trying to do is create a SLIGHTLY different way of organizing and explaining the Zone basics (especially the block method) so that the most common mistakes and misunderstandings that I (and others) have made can be avoided.
So far, I have learned a lot from the give and take of ideas expressed here. I hope everyone else reading these posts are gaining as much as I am :D |
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Sue  Posts:4634
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| 09/08/2004 12:37 PM |
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| Hi Dennis,
[quote:eff5b19e2f="gofish"]There is a lot of good active discussion on this thread about Dr. Sears' books. I am enjoying it, but I want to clarify my views: I don't see anything "WRONG" with Dr. Sears' books.[/quote:eff5b19e2f]
[color=darkred:eff5b19e2f]Thank you for clarifying your statements by informing us that you don't think the older Zone books are wrong.[/color:eff5b19e2f]
:) |
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sue
lost 100 lbs 14 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil!
for more photos, scroll over this photo and click when the link appears
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Dan  Posts:0
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| 09/08/2004 10:33 PM |
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| [quote:e771e5df4f="linda01720"]I gave up on the block approach & am very happy counting grams and using USDA info[/quote:e771e5df4f]
Linda,
I was confused too when I first started the diet. That is one reason why I found this website. I needed to clarify some of the seeming inconsistencies with the Zone approach. This website has been a big help.
Here is Zone in a nutshell from a non-Zone source:
The Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies
Recommended Intakes for Individuals, Macronutrients:
Web Link: http://www.iom.edu/file.asp?id=21372
Note: This data is for the "Average" person.
You can get more precise for your age, height, weight, and activity by doing an analysis on www.nutritiondata.com
Here are my portions of prescribed macronutrients:
Total Carbohydrate 130g
Dietary Fiber 38g
Linoleic Acid (n-6) 17g
α-Linolenic Acid (n-3) 1.6g
Protein 69g
Now at first you might think that the ratio of Carbs to Protein look too high. Don't forget to subtract the 38g of recommended dietary fiber from the "Total Carbohydrate". This amounts to 92g of Total Carbohydrates or 10 blocks. 10 blocks of Protein are also recommended. I can eat a few additional blocks and still loose weight as long as I maintain the correct Zone target ratios. Note that this table only lists two possible fat sources that happen to be essential to your survival. Do the math on converting the different energy sources to calories and you will find the caloric intake ratios are well within the Zone guidelines.
The point is that anyone who thinks the Zone is a radical idea hasn't read the data buried in the "Dietary Reference Intakes Table" supplied by the Institute of Medicine. This is the same data the USDA uses to report percentage of nutrients on food labels.
The USDA has misled the population in general with its ill-conceived "food pyramid" scheme that they now are supposedly revising. Everyone should know that the USDA's first priority is to push farm products. The misleading food pyramid proves the USDA is obviously not concerned with protecting your health.
The key to success in the Zone is to make sure the Carbohydrates you eat in a day contain an average of 30% fiber or more. It is very difficult to eat too many Carbohydrates if you follow this plan. I use the gram method and nutritiondata.com for the most up-to-date information on macronutrient content. They also supply analysis tools that do part of the tracking work for you. |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/10/2004 2:05 AM |
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| I just went back through this thread to see if all the issues were resolved. I found two that I would like to get more info on please:
:arrow: White Light,
You stated that the The ideal male fat % was revised to 12% and the ideal Female was revised to 18% to 22%.
Please provide a reference to the source of your information.
:arrow: Scott, or anyone else,
Suggestions for how I should portray the effects of eating a lot of saturated fat relative to AA/EPA or other health related effects?
I covered omega 3 --EPA/DHA
I covered omega 6 --Poly-unsaturated vegetable/seed oils
I covered omega 9 --Mono-saturated
I did not mention trans-fats --none is needed or desired
I did not mention saturated fats --a small amount is needed? |
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White Light  Posts:0
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| 09/10/2004 4:45 AM |
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| Hi Dennis,
The Ideal % fat is in Book Omega Rx Zone .
My copy is out on loan, Perhaps someone else will give you page numbers ?
White Light
[quote:998a9c543b="gofish"]I just went back through this thread to see if all the issues were resolved. I found two that I would like to get more info on please:
:arrow: White Light,
You stated that the The ideal male fat % was revised to 12% and the ideal Female was revised to 18% to 22%.
Please provide a reference to the source of your information.
:arrow: Scott, or anyone else,
Suggestions for how I should portray the effects of eating a lot of saturated fat relative to AA/EPA or other health related effects?
I covered omega 3 --EPA/DHA
I covered omega 6 --Poly-unsaturated vegetable/seed oils
I covered omega 9 --Mono-saturated
I did not mention trans-fats --none is needed or desired
I did not mention saturated fats --a small amount is needed?[/quote:998a9c543b] |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/10/2004 1:56 PM |
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| [quote:aa59a29dce="White Light"]Hi Dennis,
The Ideal % fat is in Book Omega Rx Zone .
My copy is out on loan, Perhaps someone else will give you page numbers ?
[/quote:aa59a29dce]
Thanks WL,
I hope someone can give me a page number, because I have checked in the index and TOC and skimmed through the sections on body fat, but have not yet found a specific % mentioned in the book. |
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Scott  Posts:0
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| 09/10/2004 6:11 PM |
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| [quote:955e0070a7="gofish"][quote:955e0070a7="Scott"]I would have reworded 2 & 3 slightly differently, but what you have is accurate. Although AA is not derived from saturated fats. I would say from vegetable oils and seed oils.[/quote:955e0070a7]
Thanks Scott,
I recall that Dr. Sears said that Saturated fat increased AA. Am I remembering that wrong?[/quote:955e0070a7]
Saturated fats can increase the rigidity of the cellular membranes and hence raise insulin levels--thus AA can be increased indirectly. |
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Scott  Posts:0
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| 09/10/2004 6:12 PM |
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| [quote:74020bc433="gofish"]
Ok, I edited the part about the oils. How would you edit 2&3 to make it more understandable?[/quote:74020bc433]
Not too important for what you are putting together but I'll offer some suggestions when I have a "free-er" moment! |
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Scott  Posts:0
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| 09/10/2004 6:18 PM |
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| [quote:6dae0c620d="gofish"]
Suggestions for how I should portray the effects of eating a lot of saturated fat relative to AA/EPA or other health related effects?
[/quote:6dae0c620d]
The data on saturated fats is very conflicting, especially when there are different types of sfa's.
Some saturated fats can increase the rigidity of the cellular membranes, which would lead to higher insulin levels--(ie, more insulin is required for hormonal communication). You can think of this as insulin resistance (1). The raising of LDL is another consequence of some SFAs. However, saturated fats can be made from carbodhydrate as well. Thus, the degree with which SFA contribute to membrane rigidity/insulin resistance/LDL increases may involve the ratio of dietary SFA to carbohydrate intake, as opposed to an absolute amount of dietary SFA. Evidence of this comes from a recent study which showed that saturated fats did not increase LDL when carbohydrate intake was kept low (2).
(1) Ricardo G, et al "Dietary fat, insulin sensitivty and the metabolic syndrome" Clinical Nutrition 2004 Aug 13(4):447-56
(2) Hays, JH, et al "Effect of high-saturated fat and no-starch diet on serum lipid subfractions in patients with documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease" Mayo Clinic Proc 2003 Nov;78(11) 1331-6 |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/11/2004 1:18 AM |
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| [quote:106f72ef7c="Scott"]However, saturated fats can be made from carbodhydrate as well. Thus, the degree with which SFA contribute to membrane rigidity/insulin resistance/LDL increases may involve the ratio of dietary SFA to carbohydrate intake, as opposed to an absolute amount of dietary SFA. Evidence of this comes from a recent study which showed that saturated fats did not increase LDL when carbohydrate intake was kept low.[/quote:106f72ef7c]
Thanks Scott,
That is quite interesting. So if I am interpreting this correctly, reducing SFA is very important for the "typical" high carb american fast food diet. However, SFA might not be such a big deal if one is following the Zone correctly.
Because of previous studies of vegetarian diets that linked dairy fat to bad cholesterol, I have been avoiding dairy fat (using fat free dairy products) --because I wanted to replace the saturated fats with mono-saturated fats from nuts or olive oil. Are you implying here that this may not be a necessary strategy on the Zone diet? 8) |
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Scott  Posts:0
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| 09/11/2004 1:58 AM |
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| [quote:709a939f78="gofish"]
Because of previous studies of vegetarian diets that linked dairy fat to bad cholesterol, I have been avoiding dairy fat (using fat free dairy products) --because I wanted to replace the saturated fats with mono-saturated fats from nuts or olive oil. Are you implying here that this may not be a necessary strategy on the Zone diet? 8)[/quote:709a939f78]
Zone advice is to keep saturated fats to a minimum,and use predominantly MUFAs.
However, I have often wondered the following:
If too few carbs can push insulin levels too low, and sfa's can raise insulin levels through increased membrane rigidity, isn't possible that a therapeutic zone for insulin levels can still be achieved with a lower carb intake w/higher SFA intake? In other words, lower carbs than what you would normally eat via Zone, but then add some sfas to keep insulin levels up. Over the years some people have posted that they couldn't control hunger until they add some sfa's to their meals (usually the tropical fats). Speculation on my part, but may be something worth experimenting with.
I have added a couple cites to my previous post. |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/11/2004 3:26 PM |
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| [quote:fbd40c97db="Scott"]If too few carbs can push insulin levels too low, and sfa's can raise insulin levels through increased membrane rigidity, isn't [it] possible that a therapeutic zone for insulin levels can still be achieved with a lower carb intake w/higher SFA intake? In other words, lower carbs than what you would normally eat via Zone, but then add some sfas to keep insulin levels up. Over the years some people have posted that they couldn't control hunger until they add some sfa's to their meals (usually the tropical fats). Speculation on my part, but may be something worth experimenting with.[/quote:fbd40c97db]
That is an interesting idea. But from a practical point of view, carbs are where most of the micro-nutrients and fiber are found. However, if I was trying to find a survival diet for astronauts going to Mars, I might want to look at this very carefully. It might also have applications as a therapy for people with severe metabolic problems. In the mean time, I think I will not be so paranoid about SFA in low fat cottage cheese. SFAs make up a very low percentage of my overall fats in any case, because I need to take so many Omega3/9s to make my AA/EPA ratio and keep my weight up (2.25g PGFO + 7.75g other fats per P&C brick). In fact, if it was not for my high fat requirement for weight gain management, I would have to use all non-fat products --because almost all my fats would be used up with PGFO :!: |
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angelrob  Posts:0
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| 09/13/2004 6:00 PM |
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| [quote:67ce47dc03="Slknorr"][quote:67ce47dc03="angelrob"]
For example, I was eating way too many calories when I made beans (esp. lentils) a carb of choice because they also have lots of protein calories that are not counted in the block method.[/quote:67ce47dc03]
[color=darkred:67ce47dc03]Be aware that not all of the P in lentils is absorbed by the human digestive tract and therefore should not be counted whether using the block or the gram method. If you're counting the P grams in veggie sources , with the exception of soy, toward yor daily protein requirement you are most likely being shortchanged on P. The P in most veggies is located within fiber formations which do not digest and in turn the P is not released for use in the body. I believe gluten (ie:seitan) is another exception to the rule of not counting P from veggie source.[/color:67ce47dc03][/quote:67ce47dc03]
Yes, I knew that. What I was saying is that if I'm looking at calorie limitation as part of the Zone as well (I believe I've read that excess calories can cause one to go out of the Zone), and I make beans my carb for say, Lentil Soup, then my calories for that meal are much higher than 100 cals/block because the lentils have the extra protein calories that are not counted as part of any blocks. Not that I do eat lentils at every meal, but the lentil casserole that I make for Thanksgiving does make a lot of leftovers :-) But I really noticed the difference when I went to gram counting.
Robbin |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/14/2004 2:13 AM |
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| [quote:6f9227bb1f="Scott"][quote:6f9227bb1f="gofish"]
Because of previous studies of vegetarian diets that linked dairy fat to bad cholesterol, I have been avoiding dairy fat (using fat free dairy products) --because I wanted to replace the saturated fats with mono-saturated fats from nuts or olive oil. Are you implying here that this may not be a necessary strategy on the Zone diet? 8)[/quote:6f9227bb1f]
Zone advice is to keep saturated fats to a minimum,and use predominantly MUFAs.
However, I have often wondered the following:
If too few carbs can push insulin levels too low, and sfa's can raise insulin levels through increased membrane rigidity, isn't possible that a therapeutic zone for insulin levels can still be achieved with a lower carb intake w/higher SFA intake? In other words, lower carbs than what you would normally eat via Zone, but then add some sfas to keep insulin levels up. Over the years some people have posted that they couldn't control hunger until they add some sfa's to their meals (usually the tropical fats). Speculation on my part, but may be something worth experimenting with.[/quote:6f9227bb1f]
Scott,
I am going to reassess my reply to you after exploring more from the web sites provided by fatboyslim on the 87 year old grandmother with high cholesterol thread:
Go here: http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/benefits_cholest.htm
Go here: http://www.coconutoil.com/kendrick.htm
Go here: http://www.ravnskov.nu/myth1.htm
What I am reading here is that the FDA/food industry has duped us again. A lot of studies have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that High Cholesterol is protective, not harmful to Heart Disease development, and was directly correlated to reduced mortality rate in old people (anti-aging). Saturated Fats are also protective in many ways, and in the specific case of Cocoanut oil, it can lead to even more benefits --including a higher metabolism with weight loss, and protection from many infectious diseases. Whereas, poly-unsaturated oils are quite toxic to the system --as Dr. Sears has stated.
Since Extra Virgin Olive Oil is not good for heating, and Cocoanut Oil is quite stable at high temperatures, I am very interested in the SFA compliment to the Zone.
I am also going to have to reassess the impact of Poly-unsaturated form of PGFO vs Triglyceride form. I don't know/believe there is any impact of the two different forms relative to the toxicity of other poly-unsaturated oils, but I have to keep an open mind. After all what is the effect of the other 40% of the poly-unsaturated oil in the PGFO that is not EPA or DHA?
I request that any comments about my conclusions here are made AFTER one has checked out the referenced sites. The quality of the studies and analysis are on par with the work of Dr. Sears in creating the Zone concepts. I am exited about the potential of this coupled with the Zone, but I am also a bit confused buy the barrage of new information. I may take some time to sort it out and then of course the experimental phase.:) |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/14/2004 2:50 AM |
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| [quote:bd0ed0016d="angelrob"]I was eating way too many calories when I made beans (esp. lentils) a carb of choice because they also have lots of protein calories that are not counted in the block method....if I'm looking at calorie limitation as part of the Zone as well (I believe I've read that excess calories can cause one to go out of the Zone), and I make beans my carb for say, Lentil Soup, then my calories for that meal are much higher than 100 cals/block because the lentils have the extra protein calories that are not counted as part of any blocks. Not that I do eat lentils at every meal, but the lentil casserole that I make for Thanksgiving does make a lot of leftovers :-) But I really noticed the difference when I went to gram counting.[/quote:bd0ed0016d]
Robbin,
I find it hard to believe that most of the proteins in legumes are indigestible. If they were, it would be the same as fiber. Usually the unavailability (poor quality) of protein is the result of a less than ideal ratio of the different amino acids. This means that the body can not use all the protein for doing protein things, and the excess just gets used as extra calories. I'm not sure how this relates to the protein/carb ratio stuff, but it does factor into overall calories. Like you, I find that my meal results are much more consistent with gram counting (in a blocky sort of way). :D |
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Fatboyslim  Posts:0
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| 09/15/2004 5:36 PM |
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| [quote:d3b7f5cde8="Dennis"]Whereas, poly-unsaturated oils are quite toxic to the system --as Dr. Sears has stated. [/quote:d3b7f5cde8]
And even more, Dennis. Several studies flat-out said you cannot have cancer without polyunsaturated fats in the diet!! No mincing of words, here! Interesting. Shortly after vegetable oils hit the market, so did cancer. |
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Sue  Posts:4634
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| 09/15/2004 8:29 PM |
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| Hi Dennis,
[quote:69b53762dd="gofish"]
Robbin,
I find it hard to believe that most of the proteins in legumes are indigestible. [/quote:69b53762dd]
[color=darkred:69b53762dd]I'm curious. When you wrote the above to Robbin, was this a reference to my post in which I said not all the P in lentils is absorbed by the human digestive tract? If so you have misunderstood what wrote. I wrote referring to the fact that the proteins in most plants are embedded in fiber and are largely not released for absorption because the fiber is not digested by the human body. (see p.243 of "The Soy Zone", specifically the paragraph titled "Is there a difference between the way your body absorbs animal protein versus vegetable protein.")[/color:69b53762dd] |
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sue
lost 100 lbs 14 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil!
for more photos, scroll over this photo and click when the link appears
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/15/2004 9:53 PM |
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| [quote:bf8573ce24="Slknorr"]Hi Dennis,
[quote:bf8573ce24="gofish"]
Robbin,
I find it hard to believe that most of the proteins in legumes are indigestible. [/quote:bf8573ce24]
[color=darkred:bf8573ce24]I'm curious. When you wrote the above to Robbin, was this a reference to my post in which I said not all the P in lentils is absorbed by the human digestive tract? If so you have misunderstood what wrote. I wrote referring to the fact that the proteins in most plants are embedded in fiber and are largely not released for absorption because the fiber is not digested by the human body. (see p.243 of "The Soy Zone", specifically the paragraph titled "Is there a difference between the way your body absorbs animal protein versus vegetable protein.")[/color:bf8573ce24][/quote:bf8573ce24]
Sue, I'm glad you ask --it gives me a second chance to explain myself better. Actually, I was replying to Robbin about her wanting to count some of the proteins (at least as extra calories) and not throw them all out just because of the reduced bio-availability. To paraphrase from your above reference: Dr. Sears says that 70% is digested in high fiber vegetables. Therefore in gram counting, 70% of the protein from non-soy, high fiber vegetable sources is counted. Of course this only makes sense if it amounts to a number big enough to worry about, like legumes. When Dr. Sears say to not worry about the carbs in mostly Protein food or about the protein in mostly carb foods, I'm sure he expects the minor amount of P and the miner amount of C to cancel each other out. However, they do count as extra calories, and as such, the Zone block method actually has "hidden" calories not accounted for.
It does not make sense to worry about these fine details most of the time. However, if making a meal that is eaten a lot, it does make sense to take the time to fine tune the recipe. Dr. Sears kind of alludes to this by saying to use the trial and error approach to making the adjustments. I have found that I don't have to make any adjustments if I am careful with the recipe in the first place.
I also was not sure how to account for the poor protein profile of vegetable sources as relates to the Zone. Dr. Sears says that you can take the protein profile form all the protein sources over a day to get the total profile. However, I am not sure how a less than ideal profile would influence insulin relative to carbs. Dr. Sears says that the protein profile will affect the amount of insulin. I am sure that you would have to discount a poor protein profile to some extent relative to the total protein requirements.
I have been looking at the protein profiles of several sources, and compared to human milk, a 50-50 mix of egg white and bovine dairy sources comes very close. I have not finished looking at this yet, because it was becoming to tedious to do by hand. I need to write a program, when I get a chance, to make the analysis easier from the USDA database. The whole subject could be useful for expanded information about the most favorable sources of P,C,F.
I hope that explains my thinking better :) |
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Dennis  Posts:1
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| 09/15/2004 10:04 PM |
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| [quote:dcd9aa79a0="Fatboyslim"][quote:dcd9aa79a0="Dennis"]Whereas, poly-unsaturated oils are quite toxic to the system --as Dr. Sears has stated. [/quote:dcd9aa79a0]
And even more, Dennis. Several studies flat-out said you cannot have cancer without polyunsaturated fats in the diet!! No mincing of words, here! Interesting. Shortly after vegetable oils hit the market, so did cancer.[/quote:dcd9aa79a0]
I went in for my annual physical today. I really let my Dr. have it between the eyes. I'm sure he is glad to only have to see me once a year :lol:
I gave him printouts and pointers to all the Fat information to check out. He actually said he would check it out. :shock:
Anyway, the new nurse ask if I always have low blood pressure? After a year on the Zone, my BP was 102/52 --the lowest ever. :D |
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Dr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
A turning point in his research occurred in 1982. That year, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for discoveries of the role that specialized hormones, known as eicosanoids, play in the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, and cancer. Since eicosanoids are only generated from dietary fat, Dr. Sears reasoned that one could apply intravenous drug delivery principles to nutrition in order to control these exceptionally powerful hormonal responses with laser-like precision. In essence, his approach treats food as if it were a drug.
This area of his research led to various patents in the area of hormonal control by essentially using food as an oral drug delivery system to modulate eicosanoids especially for cardiovascular, diabetic, and neurological patients.
The impact of Dr. Sears’ revolutionary work in the dietary control of hormonal response began with the publication of his landmark book, The Zone. Since its publication in June 1995, The Zone has sold more than 2,000,000 hardcover copies, and became a #1 best seller on the New York Times book list. In addition, The Zone has been translated into 22 languages indicating a worldwide response to Dr. Sears’ research. His second book, Mastering the Zone, published in 1997, also became a New York Times bestseller with hardcover sales in excess of 500,000 copies to date. His third book, Zone Perfect Meals in Minutes, published in 1997, quickly became one of the best-selling cookbooks of 1997 and an another New York Times bestseller. The Anti-Aging Zone was published in 1999 and provides the molecular insights into how the Zone Diet can reverse the aging process. The Omega Rx Zone, published in 2002, explores the molecular foundation of chronic disease and how high-dose fish oil can dramatically reverse it. His latest book The Anti-Inflammation Zone discusses how to combat silent inflammation in order to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and many other inflammatory conditions—and how to reverse these conditions if they are already present. To date more than 5 million hardcover copies of his Zone books have been sold in the United States.
His research has elevated food from more than simply a source of calories to being recognized as an exceptionally powerful drug. Because of his revolutionary research, Dr. Sears has been a frequent guest on many national programs such as 20/20, Today, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, CNN, and MSNBC.
Dr. Sears continues his ongoing research as President of Zone Labs, a biotechnology company in Danvers, MA as well as the President of the non-profit Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead, MA. In addition to continuing research on the hormonal effects of food, Dr. Sears has expanded his research in developing innovative dietary approaches to treating cancer and neurological conditions, as well as his on-going work in treating cardiovascular diease and type 2 diabetes.
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I have been taking the Fish Oil for over 3 years now. I am 44 playing hockey and working out. The Fish oil helps with the pain that I get from playing hockey. It greatly enhances my performance on the ice and while working out. I have noticed a big difference in my energy, attentiveness and memory. If I miss a day for whatever reason, I notice a huge difference and it feels like something is missing. Anyway that is my short little story and it comes from the heart.
– Carter B.
I am a nutritionist and Ph.D. doctor of health and nutrition. For Dr. Sears to figure out balancing fat, carbs and protein, is really beyond brilliant. It is a milestone in diet history. I go over people's diet/emotional journals. Mostly all the time, we discover that the fatigue, irritability, unstable emotions were due to the imbalance in their diet. Using the Zone to balance them out, helps control weight, roller coaster emotions and gives them energy. Dr. Sears is so right when he says food is medicine. He has figured out the most powerful drug combination going, called The Zone.
Best and healthy wishes,
– Elaine W., Ph.D., N.C., M.A.
I have a very exhausting job as a flight attendant. I read the "Omega Rx Zone" about 4 years ago and started taking the fish oil. I am 47 and have been flying for 22 years. I am very active, I run and lift weights. But combining lack of regular sleep, a physically demanding job, and irregular eating patterns this job takes a toll on the body. Since taking the fish oil, I have noticed that I do not get exhausted. I get tired, but not exhausted. I stopped taking it for a couple of months and then started taking another company's fish oil. I started getting exhausted again. I came back to Zone Labs and will continue with the fish oil for the rest of my life. I believe in the product and it makes a huge difference in my life. It makes a difference with my running as well. I also bring the bars and shakes with me on the road. It is almost impossible to eat the way I should at work. I haven't found the right secret. At least I have my Zone fish oil, bars, and shakes.
– Kathryn S.
I have been in the Zone, for about 1 month now. I wanted to share with you how wonderful I think this program is. I have been a personal trainer for almost 10 years and actively compete in numerous athletic activities. The Zone program has helped me to achieve a better awareness of my nutritional needs and the results I have seen are amazing! I have lost nearly 13 lbs since I have been in the Zone. I feel more mentally alert, more focused at work, have greater intensity during my training, have made significant strength gains, and just feel better over all. With that said, I would like to thank you for helping me in my quest for "super-health"!
Thank you!
– Rob Y.
I read 'The Zone' and as exactly as I could followed the advice for diet. I noted weight loss progress. Over six months, I lost 33 pounds. One year has passed since then. I have maintained the new weight, guided always by Zone concepts. The Zone is powerful - I have found it fantastic and I am very grateful to Dr Sears.
– Lyn S.
Before I stumbled across the Zone I was weighing close to two hundred pounds and I was depressed. I used to be a gymnast as a young man. I would think, "look at me now," when I looked in a mirror. The day I found 'The Zone' book, I was intrigued and as I read it the science made sense and so, I began to follow the "treatment". I began to lose weight and I was feeling way more energetic. I am forty two years old, I am very active and my weight is down to 162 lbs, 38 pounds lost on the Zone. I cycle, walk, jog, swim and I can now perform some of the more simple gymnastic skills I did twenty years ago...I literally feel like I have turned back the clock.
Thank you!
– Jack J.
I have been on the Zone diet for 7 years. I did not go on the diet to lose weight necessarily; but fairly quickly I lost 25 pounds, going from 190 to 165; from a 36-inch waist to a 32-inch waist. I primarily did the Zone to live healthier. My health is excellent now. I just turned 62 years old. My Zone is my eating lifestyle now; I seldom stray; and I do not miss anything. It is The Good Life.
– Curtis Y.
My wife's doctor told her to read "Enter the Zone" and to do the diet, so I told her I would do it with her. After only one week on the plan we went on a strenuous hike (the first of the year), and when we stopped at our favorite coffee shop on the way home I was able to get out of the car and stand upright and walk into the place without pain or stiffness. The Zone had eliminated all the inflammation that had always forced me to stumble all humped over into the coffee shop any time we skied or hiked all day.
Thank you, Doctor Sears.
– Larry C.
I used to have a lot of knee pain when I walked or ran. I have been taking Omega Rx for almost a year now, and rarely have any pain. I believe it is the anti-inflammation action of the oil. I feel smarter as well. Thanks for developing such a superior oil!
– Joe W.
Prior to following the Zone Diet, my body fat was around 15% and my weight around 153 pounds. No matter what I did, my weight and body fat did not change much. I regularly cycled 20-30 hours per week logging well over 400 miles. That had little impact on body fat or weight. Diet also seemed to have little impact on body fat or weight. Within a couple of months of following the zone diet, my weight dropped rather quickly to 142 pounds and body fat to about 8%. I still regularly cycle up to 20 hours per week (during the summer). I have also started strength training. I eat about 16 blocks per day. I take 3.6 grams of fish oil per day, along with Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, CoQ10, and B & C vitamins. I also take GLA, which in my opinion, has significantly reduced fatigue and improved recovery times after exercise.
– Jeremy S.
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All polyphenols have antioxidant properties than can be measured by their Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC), but not all polyphenols have anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenols in Dr. Sears’ Zone Polyphenol Plus have been carefully chosen to have both.
Polyphenols are the phytochemicals that not only give fruits and vegetables their color, but also help regulate inflammation. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that helps restore cellular ATP levels. Polyphenols also help regulate the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins (such as COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines).
There are more than 4,000 known polyphenols, and the richest sources are fruits and vegetables. In general, the more color a fruit or vegetable has, the richer the polyphenol content.
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Zone Labs’ Ultra Refined Omega-3 Concentrates are three times fresher and contain less than 1/10th the mercury than what is allowed by the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standard
Zone Labs adheres to the International Fish Oil Standard (IFOS), an independent third party validated laboratory quality standard that is more rigid than any other global standard for purity.
- No company in the worlds runs more tests with IFOS than Zone Labs
- Zone Labs receives a 5 out of 5 star IFOS rating for every batch it tests
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| Standard |
IFOS Standard for a 5-Star Ranking |
Council for Responsible Nutrition |
European Pharmacopeia |
Norwegian Medicinal Standards |
| Peroxide |
< 3.75 meg/kg |
5 meg/kg |
10 meg/kg |
10 meg/kg |
| Totox Levels |
< 20 meg/kg |
26 meg/kg |
NA |
NA |
| Lead |
< 10 ppb |
10 ppb |
100 ppb |
100 ppb |
| Mercury |
< 10 ppb |
10 ppb |
100 ppb |
100 ppb |
| Dioxans and Furans |
< 1 ppt |
2 ppt |
2 ppt |
2 ppt |
| PCBs |
< 45 ppb |
90 ppb |
NA |
NA |
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"IFOS – THE TOP GLOBAL PURITY STANDARD FOR OMEGA-3 FROM FISH"
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Zone Labs products show no detectable lead or mercury when tested down to 10ppb, which is 10 times below the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standard limits.
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Zone Labs products are three times fresher than the minimum allowed by the Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopoeia Standards (based on average peroxide values).
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Zone Labs starts with only wild, small fish from pristine Chilean waters and ends with proprietary validation and testing processes to achieve an IFOS certified 5 star rating.
8-Step Manufacturing Process - Quality Assured
Testing to specification all raw materials, bulk products, packaging material and finished products – always using stringent internal standards and in-process testing.
- Extraction of fish oil
- Winterization – remove limited amounts of saturated fats
- Absorption – remove heavy metals
- Preliminary Molecular Distillation – refining “touch up” to reduce contaminants
- Oil conversion to ethyl esters
- Ethyl ester thermal fractionation – remove additional saturated fats
- True Molecular Distillation – final refining to remove pcb’s and long-chain monoenes
- Rigid Processes – proprietary validation, inspection and encapsulation methods. Independent lab verification of IFOS requirements and certified 5 star rating
No farmed fish. No large fish. Pristine waters.
Zone Labs starts with wild sardines & anchovies fished from cold, pristine waters off of South America where there are less environmental impurities.
A recommended serving of Zone Labs Ultra-Refined Concentrates delivers 8 times more omega-3’s than a typical retail fish oil supplement.
Most fish oil supplements have 30% or less of the healthy omega-3s EPA and DHA, with the remaining 70% of the capsule containing unbeneficial, lesser refined fatty acids that contribute to their bad taste and gastric side effects.
Getting a clinically valid dose of omega-3’s is easy with Zone Labs’ Ultra-Refined Omega-3 Concentrates.
Typical Retail Dose = 300mg omega-3
Standard Zone Dose = 2400mg omega-3
A serving of canned tuna has 12 times less omega-3’s than
Zone Labs Ultra-Refined Omega-3 Concentrates
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Commonly consumed fish and shellfish in the United States
Mercury Source: Food and Drug Administration, FDA 1900-2004, “National Marine Fisheries Service Survey of Trace Elements in the Fishery Resource". Omega-3 Level Source: American Heart Association Website.
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Mercury level
in parts per million (ppm) |
Omega-3 fatty acids
(milligrams per 3-oz. serving) |
| Zone Omega-3 Products |
< 0.01 |
2400 (standard 4 capsule serving |
| Salmon (fresh, frozen) |
0.014 |
1200 |
| Flounder or sole |
0.050 |
480 |
| Pollock |
0.041 |
450 |
| Crab |
0.060 |
400 |
| Scallops |
0.050 |
290 |
| Shrimp |
ND* |
290 |
| Catfish |
0.050 |
270 |
| Clams |
ND* |
250 |
| Cod |
0.095 |
210 |
| Canned Tuna (light) |
0.120 |
200 |
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Zone Labs’ leading product. OmegaRx delivers all of the benefits of Zone Labs’ ultra-refined omega-3 concentrates.
Advantages
- Delivers clinically proven health benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA*
- Promotes a healthy heart, healthy brain, healthy immune system, healthy circulatory system, healthy joints, healthy moods, healthy triglyceride levels and a healthy pregnancy*
- Combats silent inflammation
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