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Subject: Living in a tent and Seeking help in planning a diet to suit my new lifestyle

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Max User is Offline
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06/10/2009 3:13 PM
Hello everybody.

I'd like to give you my story in hope that perhaps you guys can offer some advice.
- I apologize now for it being on the lengthy side, it's just to try and ensure you all get where I'm coming from.


I am very much a newcomer to the zone - I had begun looking into what this was all about a little while ago when I made the decision I needed to apply myself to a disciplined diet schedule (someone recommended the Zone to me), but I never got far before I had to start preparing and making very drastic changes to my lifestyle.

Now, having been accustoming myself a new way of being for just over a week, I am starting to see that the need for a well-planned healthy diet is more important than ever.





I am a 21 year old male named Max, who is 5'11" in height and weighs 158lbs with something like 11-15% body fat. I've always eaten pretty healthily (fruit & veg over burgers fries and pizza) but even so I sense that I am under-nourished for someone with such energy-burning physically active habits (people often mention my being toned and strong but skinny - I've always found it difficult to put on weight and muscle mass no matter what and how much I eat, and after reading up on the Zone I've been growing aware of the possibility I've just not been eating the right things, too many low-nutrient carbs and certainly not enough protein).

I live in the UK, independently of my family who can not support me financially. With the economy as it is, and facing an array of difficult circumstances more personal in nature, I have had to make strategic moves in lifestyle if I am to succeed in saving any money toward future dreams whilst surviving comfortably and progressing and growing as a person in the present... I am living in a tent. I have been doing since a tenancy contract in a shared house came to its end. And it is working out quite nicely; I'm pitched in countryside just outside the city, where from I can easily walk into town to get to work and access shopping malls, internet cafes, and all the city's facilities as normal every day.

I go to the sports centre every morning and use the swimming pool (my daily cardio exercise) and showers, I workout with my portable gymnastic rings (which I throw over the branch of a tree near my pitch) and bodyweight exercises, I am maintaining a full-time job -- arriving every day with a well-groomed appearance in smart clothes cleaned in a laundrette.

My living situation is a secret to those I contact in the rest of my every-day world and so far there is no suspicion of the truth of my circumstances. I wish to remain inconspicuous and stay as apparently normal as possible (and feel that way too)

I am doing everything I can to make my new environment feel like a comfortable HOME and to maintain dignity and self-respect.

The only major problem I haven't quite solved yet -- and a week in it is starting to really become a problem -- is DIET. I'm trying things out but I really need to devise a planned routine, tailored to my specific practical needs. While living in the last place of rented accommodation I had been getting into researching a permanent diet to complement my efforts at getting more muscular and less skinny (but lean) and to help improve my performance in physical activity, clarity of mind and life in general.

I appear to be losing weight and I can feel I've not been eating enough, just taking in essentials. I'm eating for survival, but I want to be eating to match other lifestyle interests too. Of course I do not want weight loss to occur as it may be noticed by others, and if I was living under a roof and could afford it I'd actually be working to put ON weight. That's the point of my decision to live in a tent: so that the lower cost of living shall mean I actually CAN afford to eat well and do the things I want to do AND save some money on the side.

I am determined to prove to myself that I can be healthy, if not MORE healthy, living as I am, than I was whilst struggling to maintain a position in a house, and perhaps -- because of the humble, careful and frugal nature of my being now -- even more healthy than I might be in a more luxurious position which could have one easily prone to over-indulgence and carelessness and wastefulness and given to taking things for granted.

Living as I am now, I am no longer poor; I'm actually making more money than I ever have because it's not all being consumed by rent, council tax and bills -- but I'm not permitting myself the luxury of eating out at restaurants every night as that would defy the point: I need to be more frugal so I can save money, to help my family and to pursue my dreams. I recognise the importance, with regard to my survival, comfort, and happiness, in my doing what I can to achieve a feeling that I am deprived of nothing and that what I'm doing is actually more beneficial to my progress and well-being, and I believe I should still be able to do all the things I hoped to do while I had the convenience of a house -- with a kitchen...

So, using what I have, I need to devise a diet plan which is simple and sharply efficient but will still have me taking in all the essential nutrients, all the calories I need, all the protein etc that I should be as a growing athletic young man... also remembering that I can replenish my supplies every day (and many things I can eat there-and-then on purchase, but I'll have to transport dinner and breakfast with me)... and meals have to be prepared on-the-go too (so not like being able to cook up a few things in a house in preparation for a two-day camping trip)

My tools are: a can-opener, 2x 1-litre water bottles, plate (divided into three equal partitions), bowl, cup, plastic food container with lid, spork

--- NO REFRIGERATOR

--- NO HEATER / COOKER

I DO HAVE ACCESS TO A MICROWAVE AND A KETTLE DURING MY LUNCH BREAK AT WORK (which this week I've been using to throw together a non-ideal made-up cheap meal of egg noodles, canned sweetcorn, chopped spinach, kidney beans, olive oil and pesto)
--- I am without this option at weekends, however

I am happy eating cold food, and am enjoying the idea that on occasions when I really miss hot meals I can treat myself to one in a restaurant.

I am looking for help in devising a food plan based on the 40:30:30 principle (close as I can without weighing scales to allow for precise accuracy) using simple ingredients of canned / foil-wrapped / dehydrated / fresh (and edible raw) / or pre-cooked foods / or any other options that may be suggested, to help me maintain healthy weight and well-being - and if possible to even put on some weight in lean flesh.

I have no objection to eating the same things every day (I've always fallen into repetitive eating habits anyway, enjoying food more pragmatically than pleasurably and happy keeping things simple) though of course I like to have balance within my food consumption each day.

In fact it would be terribly inconvenient and impractical to have great variety within a week: I have very limited storage, I have to transport most of my stuff with me, variety is less cost efficient, less space efficient, food often goes to waste when ingredients are only used on a one-off occasion.

I am prepared to supplement with protein drinks and I already take vitamin & mineral, calcium and iron tablets and Omega 3 and garlic capsules daily.

I love fruit (bananas & apples especially - blueberries and dried fruits too) and vegetables (broccolli, sweetcorn, carrots, kidney beans, spinach...), nuts & seeds (I always have bags of mixed nuts and mixed seeds in my daysack), fish (esp. salmon & tuna), lean meats (chicken, turkey), LOVE eggs (not been able to have one of them yet in my new home...), cheese, I have a spoonful or two of honey every day, olive oil, I suffer zero allergies.. I also am open to vegetarian alternatives -- quorn, tofu, etc... and the thought has crossed my mind that vegetarian foods may be the way forward when one has no means of cooking....

I am trying to cut out bread and bloating carbs which puff up my face -- I have good bone structure under there and I hope I can get tight skin and defined muscle to show it off!



So there is my case and I would really really really appreciate any advice or guidance that someone might be able to offer.

Here's hoping

Thanks

Max
Bernie User is Offline
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Zoner
Zoner

06/10/2009 4:34 PM
Max..
what a great story.... I admire your courage and determination.
I may not be able to offer you a lot of help. Powder protein that can mix with water... of P, fresh fruit for C and almods for F... looks like a suitable breakfast for you...
canned tuna... I have not much of idea what you can get there in UK..
Actually I just wanted to let you know that your way of life and spirit is great for a young men. Congratulations and hope you will do great in life... keep posting your meals... I can learn a lot from you. Thank you.,

Bernie
janet User is Offline
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Zoner

06/10/2009 4:40 PM
Wow, Max! You are in a rather difficult circumstance, but doing the best with it! While this might not be the best time to try to adapt to the zone diet, just trying to eat healthily and get enough protein, etc. is a good goal.
Are you able to get to a WHole Foods or other market with a salad bar? If so, buy up the cut up veggies and even hardboiled eggs and put in baggies to eat later, since you have no knife or cutting board. Baked tofu is easily eaten out of hand. A can of black bean chili can be good hot or cold. String cheese is handy. You have the right attitude to help you deal with this difficult time. Best of luck.
Matt User is Offline
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Zoner

06/10/2009 8:24 PM
I think this is absolutely awesome. I have some ideas for you but want to put some more thought in to it.

Is your tent near any kind of lockable storage? How hard would it be to have a fire to cook on? I'm thinking smoked or dried meats would be excellent for you.

I'm thinking more to the caveman stuff not the modern day convenient stuff.

If you want to gain weight or at least not lose muscle stay away from the veggie idea. How often do you see an overweight vegetarian? Yes there are exceptions but a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't want to hear arguements about that statement.

Eat meat, nuts, seeds, vegetables, some fruit no starch or sugars.

I will come back with more specific ideas later.

Matt

Primitive CrossFit
Where Fitness & Nutrition Evolve
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Cranberrycat User is Offline
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06/11/2009 11:24 AM
I have ideas, too, but basically have the same questions as Matt, so I will sit back and await your reply!

Cranberrycat

We don't own the earth; we borrow it from our children.


Max User is Offline
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Newbie

06/11/2009 2:23 PM
For all four of you who have replied so far, thanks so much for your encouragement and your willingness to help. I hoped for but really didn't expect quite such an understanding and welcoming response.

I have been pitching up at night time only in a little graveyard out of town (more peaceful than creepy - I actually feel safe there, protected by my company.. ). I wait until the gates are locked and the coast is clear and then I climb over the wall, and set up my little home behind the small chapel, hidden from view to late-night passers-by. I wake up with the birds, with enough time to rouse, eat breakfast (today was an apple, banana, yoghurt-coated whole-grain cereal bar, STRING CHEESE - thanks for that tip - I know this was not the perfect breakfast for a zone diet), do a bit of exercise, brush my teeth (eco-friendly paste of course) enjoy the amazing views of the city (or put off having to pack up in the rain for as long as I can) and I'm packed up and out before the family of living humans in the area (I assume they're responsible over the graveyard) are up and about beginning their daily business and unlocking the graveyard gates.

I am sticking strictly to a principle that wherever I stay, be it in nature's wilderness or on private property, I am to leave as little trace of my presence there as possible. For Nature that's definitely out of respect, and for private property, well, that's more for my own survival, to stay out of trouble and hopefully to make sure I can stay in a spot for a long time.

As I am on private property now, not far from a house containing a sleeping family to whom my presence must not be known (and because if I do get found out I need to be able to pretty quickly just throw everything in my bag in scram), the most sensible of voices in my head heavily exhorts that I should find a way to make do without being able to cook my food. So I mean whole-heartedly to have a shot at it, and with your help, perhaps we really can make it work.

In a way I suppose I'm inconveniencing myself in order to make things more convenient for myself. Haha.

I like the thought of the caveman approach, Matt. And yes, ok, we're agreeing on the veggie option as a no-no.

As for storage... It's funny how things happen

Today a friend has offered me a key to her small unused brick shed at the end of her garden, which I can use freely at my own will... I can keep my changes of clothes and other stuff stored in their instead of having to hide it in bags in the graveyard bushes... and put my push-bike away somewhere without worrying about leaving it in town vulnerable to thieves over night. So yes, now I do have access to a lockable storage area... which opens up possibilities!


"When you want something, the whole Universe conspires to help you realise your desire." - Paulo Coelho, 'The Alchemist' -- I read that a few weeks ago and it makes me smile. The man has written many encouraging words.



P.S. I had only a 20 minute break at work today (offered to cover someone who was in a spot of trouble). I realised I hadn't prepared my lunch and was out of substantial food supplies in my bag (having eaten the last of my nuts, seeds and bananas earlier after a swim). 20 minutes to run across the street, purchase something, eat it, get back to work. I was hungry and as I'm not knowledgeable yet as to what I ideally need in my diet had to give in to a simple wholegrain 'French Stick' sandwich containing chicken, tomato, lettuce, mayo, and a nutty Snickers choc bar for extra protein, and my staple apple. I really want to try and get close to The Zone as possible, so my whole reason for coming up with a plan is so that things like that don't happen, that I know what to go for and am ready.

Thanks again every one
Bernie User is Offline
Posts:231
Zoner
Zoner

06/12/2009 3:10 PM
Hi Max....
just to let you know that yes... you need to believe... and imagine and desire... with all your energy... and it will happen.
You are determinated to do it... you will reach it...
I admire you.
Keep going. !!!!

Bernie
janet User is Offline
Posts:860
Zoner
Zoner

06/12/2009 7:07 PM
a deli for getting meat at lunch (or dinner) would be good....
and, Max, you are pretty amazing!
Max User is Offline
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Newbie

06/12/2009 8:51 PM
Some stats to bring to the planning table -- here's what the Zone Block Calculator came up with for me:

Body Fat %: 11
Body Fat Weight (lbs): 18
Lean Body Mass (lbs): 142
Daily Protein Requirement (g): 114
or # of Blocks of Protein: 16
# of Blocks of Carbohydrate: 16
# of Blocks of Fat: 16
Matt User is Offline
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Zoner

06/12/2009 11:56 PM
Sorry I haven't been back. I've been really busy and this will have to be brief but I will add more later.

Consider your self a hunter gather and get in that mind set. Not sure how busy your weekends are but if you have time start doing some bargain shopping for some of the following items.

The stores will be your hunting ground look for the best deals and the cleanest of products. Less additives the better. Doesn't have to be perfect thou, I wouldn't pay twice as much if we are only talking a couple grams of sugar. Use your best judgement based on your budget.

You have storage so canned goods should be a staple. You should always have canned green beans & wax beans and canned tomatos. One can of string beans is about a block. Look for the low sodium ones when possible. I can't remember the carb content in the tomatos but just make sure there is no sugar and you should be fine. Check the labels. Dried fruit is not that favorable but a little is not going to hurt you too much either. Find the organic or all natural stuff with no added sugars on the dried fruit.

For proteins you need to hunt for canned and dried goods also. I find canned salmon, tuna, chicken breast, clams, shrimp. There are some other meats but I have never really looked at the labels. Proceed with caution.

Some additional gathering. Many areas here that sell hot dogs and burgers have the individual packets of condiments. You are not stealing if you go have a lettuce wrapped burger or something of that nature then gather some extra packets. Mustard, mayonaise, pepper shouldn't need salt. If you are lucky they may have some onion or relish. These also have additives but a little isn't going to throw you that far off. These packs do not need to be refrigerated so stock up every chance you get.

If you can make hard boiled eggs at your friends on the weekend you could have a three every morning for 4 days out of 5. I would buy the organic Omega eggs if you can find them and not throw away the yoke.

I said it was going to be brief. I would hate to see what it would look like if I got long winded.

Start with this stuff if you can. Let us know what you can find.

Nuts & seeds are a must look for the best deal on raw nuts unsalted if possible. Pay for a couple good sealing storage containers and put them in your storage unit and you can buy in bulk if available and save a ton over the packaged nuts.




Primitive CrossFit
Where Fitness & Nutrition Evolve
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Max User is Offline
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Newbie
Newbie

06/17/2009 3:10 PM
Hey guys.

Here is a list of things my local supermarket has to offer which I think -- from what I've learned so far -- should suit (I spent a whole evening thoroughly investigating the entire store):




PROTEIN (& FAT)

Tofu in a carton packet, Organic 250g per 100g :- P = 12.1g C =0.6g (sugars) 0.5g F =6.0g (saturates) 1.0g

the only string cheese snacks available
Cheestrings Original 4x21g -- 100% stringy cheese in 21g packets. Each one is made with a glass of fresh milk.
Per stick: P =5.9g F =5.0g (saturates 3.1g) calcium 143mg sodium 0.16g =as salt 0.42g


another cheese snack option Babybel Light pack of 6x20g (don't know if you get these in US - small 20g circles of cheese each individually wrapped in a waxy skin and plastic wrapper). Real cheese. 193ml of milk in each babybel. P=5.1g per babybel F=2.4g Ingredients: Milk, Salt(1.9%), Milk Ferments, Vegetarian Rennet --- these bad?


canned Viva Tuna Steaks In Springwater x4 200g P= 40.6 per can

canned Sainsbury's Pink Salmon 212g Omega 3 - high. Vitamin D - high. Half a can provides...cal 140, fat 7.8g, sat fat 1.8g, salt 1.30g. Calcium. contains Monounsaturated fats. Too much salt? There is an unsalted version, but doesn't state it contains the calcium or mono fat benefits, maybe it still does anyway

Eggs hard-boiled


Soya milk in 250ml cartons no refrigeration necessary????

Canned Pilchards in tomato sauce (also do herring, sardines, mackerel)

only one canned Chicken Breast option and ingredients perhaps a little unfavorable: Chicken (85%), Water, Salt, Sugar, Stabiliser: Pentasodium Triphosphate, Gelling Agent: Carrageenan, Yeast Extracts, Antioxidant: Sodium Ascorbate, Preservative: Sodium Nitrite, Pork Gelatine.
Nutrition per 100g : P = 19.6g C = 1.2g (sugars 1.1g) F=1.0 (sat 0.4g) monounsaturates = 0.5 poly 0.1g salt=2.0g (of which sodium 0.8g)

other canned meats seem a little unfavorable


Sainsbury's dried Cranberries & Macadamias 100g Per 100g P=2.9g C=55.3g (sugars 45.6) starch 0.4g F=27.1g saturated 4.2g monounsaturates 20.7g poly 0.5g Fibre 5.8g salt trace sodium trace

Sainsbury's Macadamia Nuts 100g P=9.1 C=4.7 F=76g of which mono unsaturates 59.6g less than 0.1g of salt & sodium

Sainsbury's Almonds 300g

Sainsbury's Mixed Nuts, Organic 300g --- brazil nuts, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts --- brazil nuts high in selenium and contain all 8 essential amino acids ---- please teach me more about nuts and the zone and why it's only ever almonds and macadamia that seem to be included in diet


'The Food Doctor' plastic screw-top pot 260g Essential Seed Mix. Omega 6 source. High protein, high fibre, salt free. Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Dried Soya Beans, Pine nuts. Per 32.5g serving: P= 10.5g C=2.8g sugars 0.85, F=10.8g saturates 1.5g, mono-unsats=3.0, poly 6.4g, omega 6 6.3g

Filippo Berio Olive Oil, Extra Virgin 250ml



FRUIT (easily transportable to eat on-the-go)

Sunmaid Raisins, Californian Snacking 12 x 14g packs ---- are raisins ok?

Humdinger Lunchbox Mini Snacks 168g (found these in the kids section - chewy fruit sticks each 14g 100% fruit, no added sugars)

Apples

Grapefruit (half of one should equal fruit portion of a meal)

Bananas (am I allowed to continue eating my bananas?)

canned Sainsbury's Fruit Cocktail, in Fruit Juice 411g - all natural contents

fresh Sainsbury's Basic Blueberries 125g (could empty into small airtight plastic container to keep for two or three days of days) --- also found a 100g bag of dried organic blueberries

fresh Sainsbury's Strawberries, Basics 250g (as with blueberries)

Sainsbury's Whole Cucumber, Organic (could eat a whole one of these a day over two meals)



VEG

Sainsbury's Washed Young Spinach leaves 225g fresh OR Sainsbury's Leaf Spinach 380g in a can

Onion (perhaps cut up in with a meal, raw, doesn't need fridge), same with garlic clove

canned Sainsbury's Chopped Tomatoes, Organic, 400g

Heinz Carrot & Lentil Soup WEIGHT WATCHERS option contains no potatoes! Some unfavorable ingredients but perhaps acceptable in my circumstances: Water, Carrots (14%), Lentils (11%), Swedes, Onions, Modified Cornflour, Concentrated Tomato Puree, Flavourings (contain Wheat), Salt, Herb Extract, Spice Extracts, Yeast Extract.
Per serving (295g) P=3.8g C=16.8g(sugars 4.7) F=0.4g (saturates 0.1) Fibre 2.1, sodium 0.8

canned Sainsbury's Red Kidney Beans in Water 420g (these ok? - be great if they are as they're ultra cheap)

canned Sainsbury's French Green Beans, Very Fine, Continental Choice 400g

canned Sainsbury's Mushrooms 290g

carton Sainsbury's Chick Peas, Organic 390g

Carrot fresh raw

oregano

fresh Sainsbury's Broccoli, 300g - can eat raw


couldn't find any black beans canned - may find in another shop though


180g screw-top plastic pot of dry roasted bean mix soya beans, black beans, split broad beans, broad beans with shell, 0.1%sunflower oil, 0.2% salt -- 'The Food Doctor' - high protein, high fibre, no additives per 30g portion 10.2g protein, C=7.0 sugars 0.7g, F= 4.0g saturates 0.7g, mono-unsats 1.5 poly 1.7, fibre 6.4g, sodium 0.04g



OTHER GOOD CARB SOURCE???

Organic wholegrain porridge oats only in morning??? How about those as a breakfast? Mixed in with a whey protein shake? Or with water added plus hard-boiled eggs separately? Fruit and almonds to top off?

Allowed to put 100% pure natural honey on oats? What's the deal with honey and not being recommended


Finding good protein is tough. I think protein drinks may have to be a must.

I've also found a deli and I've heard tell that there is somewhere around here that does Jerkys.

Condiment packets Mayonnaise, pepper easily accessible free from pubs and restaurants and burger stalls

Should I worry about eating lots of fish because of mercury and toxins? Doctors recommend only three fish meals a week. Can I ignore this?


I've got to make sure I'm getting enough Calcium, Fibre, all my A-Z vitamins and minerals, and of course quality refined Omega 3. How do I get my benefits of whole-grains and digestion friendly natural yoghurt? Trying to take full healthy diet essentials into account, but let me know what you think is necessary and what's not.




So there we go. Any suggestions of further things to look out for are very welcome. If there are items in there you think are unnecessary, or if you can identify which would be the best to use daily, it would be very helpful to know as then we can whittle down the volume of what I need to store and carry around with me and we'll have everything we need without too much surplus.

If you think we've got all we need in there, to take this to the next step and start planning a scheduled diet of thought-out meal ideas would be amazing.

Thanks so much for all your support everyone, and for your time.


Best wishes,

Max
janet User is Offline
Posts:860
Zoner
Zoner

06/17/2009 3:41 PM
Max,
A couple of tips from me, and more from others, I am sure.
Canned salmon is a good protein.
Don't go with the omega 6 seed and nut mix...the zone tries to get away from those in favor of omega 3.
Stick with the doctors' tip of fish 3 times a wk.
Oats are the best grains in the zone, though hard to use for you, as the instant are not zoneful.
good luck.
Cranberrycat User is Offline
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Zone Expert

06/17/2009 9:37 PM
Max, you don't need us, you have this all figured out! LOL!

You do have some good thoughts. So, I am assuming that with this storage unit that your friend has, that you will be able to keep your food supply in there?

Interesting about setting up near the graveyard, and having to take down early in the morning. What is the weather like? Will the changing seasons cause a problem for you?

Protein-sounds like you have a good start on a list of items. Yes, the 250 ml soy milk cartons don't need any refrigeration. I have seen the Babybel light cheeses, aren't they cute? LOL! Did you mention soynuts? You can add that to your list of proteins, and they also are a good source of carb and fat. Boiled eggs are a good choice, are you purchasing them that way? May be difficult without refrigeration. Protein powder is a good idea.

Carbs-fruits are easy, you will want to get more fresh veggies, rather than canned. You could probably stop in at a deli each day and get your veggie fix. Oats are difficult, but you could try the extra thick old fashioned oat flake, they are next best thing to steel cut.

Maybe you could do a breakfast with oats, protein powder, soy milk, and peanut butter, blended together as a thick smoothie? Honey has a higher glycemic load, so it is unfavorable. I have heard that agave nectar had a lower glycemic load, so that may be a better option. That should help with getting some whole grain in.

I am not sure about your yogurt problem, but I think you can find individual carton sized servings of plain yogurt, or greek yogurt. Maybe that would just be one of those daily purchases, since you can't refrigerate. Other ideas are that you can get lactobacillus capsules, but not sure if that comes over the counter, or need a prescription? Make sure you are taking vitamins, it is like an insurance policy.




Cranberrycat

We don't own the earth; we borrow it from our children.


Sue K User is Offline
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Zone Expert

06/18/2009 8:02 AM
Hi Max! A coupel of answers to your questions. Raisins are unfavorable so watch it with those. Same goes for the fruit sticks. No need to be concerned about how to get you nutrition from whole grains. They aren't necessary, and in fact you'll do better in the Zone without them. Don't overdo it with fish because of the toxins they contain. Canned sardines and mackerel are a good Zone choice that also fits your situation well. These smaller fish are safer the large fish, in regard to toxins, and being in a can, they don't require refrigeration. It would be better to favor almonds and Macadamia nuts over others because they contain primarily monounsaturated fat. One very important rule to remember iben order to successful in the Zone, especially in regard to maintaining eicosanoid control, is to try not to add saturated fats and omega 6 fats to you meals and snacks. You can read more about this in Zone books. Cheers!

sue

Lost 100 lbs 14 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil!


To view my before/after pics and meal photos scroll over this picture and click when the link appears.

Zone Dinner Party (link)
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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.

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.

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.

Why OmegaRx From Zone Labs?

Certified Purity and Proven Potency

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
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

 

 

 

 

 

"IFOS – THE TOP GLOBAL PURITY STANDARD FOR OMEGA-3 FROM FISH"

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.

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).

 

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.

  1. Extraction of fish oil
  2. Winterization – remove limited amounts of saturated fats
  3. Absorption – remove heavy metals
  4. Preliminary Molecular Distillation – refining “touch up” to reduce contaminants
  5. Oil conversion to ethyl esters
  6. Ethyl ester thermal fractionation – remove additional saturated fats
  7. True Molecular Distillation – final refining to remove pcb’s and long-chain monoenes
  8. Rigid Processes – proprietary validation, inspection and encapsulation methods. Independent lab verification of IFOS requirements and certified 5 star rating

 

Clean Sources

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

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.

  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
* ND: Mercury concentration below detection limit.

 

OmegaRx®

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

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

 

 

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