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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/19/2009 12:35 PM |
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My husband and I enjoy a power shake each morning for breakfast. This shake satisfies us for 5 hours. I would appreciate knowing if you would recommend tweaking this shake in any way. My concern is the wheat bran due to the fact that I am hypo thyroid and am a bit carb sensitive, but the fiber in the wheat bran works well for my system. My Husband's Version 1 cup Reduced Fat Organic Milk Cinnamon 1 tsp. Dr. Sear's Liquid Fish Oil 1 Scoop Solgar Vanilla Whey Protein 1 1/2 cups Berries 1/4 cup Wheat Bran 3/4 T. Fructose Ice Cubes My Version 1/2 cup Reduced Fat Organic Milk Cinnamon 1 tsp. Dr. Sear's Liquid Fish Oil 1 Scoop Solgar Vanilla Whey Protein 1 c. Berries 1/4 cup Wheat Bran 1/2 tsp. Fructose Ice Cubes Thank you for your help. Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/19/2009 7:11 PM |
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Sue: I am looking for your response in particular.
Thanks, Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/19/2009 8:54 PM |
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Hi Ruthlette!
My suggestions for your shake would be:
1. Drop the wheat bran. Wheat bran is insoluble fiber, which doesn't stimulate insulin, but it's harsh on your digestive system. The appropriate dose of Dr. Sears fish oil for your particular level of wellness will control the amount of water in your colon and keep you regular.
2. I'd eliminate the fructose, too. You really don't need it here. You're not going to get fat on fructose, but you don't want to eat unfavorable carb if it's not needed. The berries will provide plenty of flavor and sweetness.
3. You need more fat in the shake. Increase to a total of at least 2 teaspoons of Dr. Sears fish oil, or use 1 teaspoon of fish oil and teaspoon of olive oil or almond oil. Here’s how Dr. Sears explains fat blocks (taken from MASTERING THE ZONE, page 292 and 293).
“Why is a fat block only 1.5 grams? Every block of low-fat protein contains approximately 1.5 grams of “hidden fat”. Therefore, by adding one extra fat block (which is defined as 1.5 grams of fat) for each block of low-fat protein, you are actually consuming 3 grams of fat or two blocks (one internal in the protein and one external) for each protein block. If you are using fat-free protein sources, such as isolated protein powders, then you should be adding two blocks of fat to achieve the same ratio. Obviously, if you are eating higher fat protein choices, you would not be adding any extra fat blocks to your meal. Remember that every time you add additional fat blocks to a meal, they should be composed primarily of monounsaturated fat.”
Some common fat free proteins eaten on the Zone diet are egg whites, protein powder, some deli-style meats, and some soy products.
4. Drop either .5 block of the protein powder, drop the milk.
5. Check the Zone Food Blocks list to make sure you have at least 2 to 2.5 blocks of carb from berries (note that if you drop the milk you'll need to increase berries)
Here's how you shake breaks down by blocks:
1/2 cup Reduced Fat Organic Milk: .5 blocks of protein and .5 blocks of carb Cinnamon 1 tsp. Dr. Sear's Liquid Fish Oil: 3 blocks of fat 1 Scoop Solgar Vanilla Whey Protein: 3 blocks of protein (missing the fat that's usually in a Zone protein source) 1 c. Berries: 1 to 2 blocks of carb (depends on the type of berries) 1/4 cup Wheat Bran (contains no insulin stimulating carb) 1/2 tsp. Fructose: small fraction of a carb block (not enough to count) Ice Cubes
Total blocks: 3.5P and 1.5 to 2.5 C. You need to add at least 3 F blocks.
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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.
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/20/2009 9:18 AM |
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Hi Sue, Thank you very much for taking time to reply to my message. My husband and I are very much in to health and exercise. I am 42 years old, 5'7" and weigh 135 lbs. with a body fat% of 27 - which has gotten too high. I am comfortable at 127 lbs. with 20-22% body fat. I am hypo thyroid and take 75mg. of Synthroid. This past winter I noticed my fat % increasing. I hired a personal trainer and was working out like mad - 6-7 days a week. My fat % did not drop at all. It was very frustrating. I learned in the spring that my thyroid was out of whack and my Synthroid was increased. In doing research regarding hypothyroidism and staying slim, I learned that Dr. Sears's diet was a good fit for me since thyroid patients tend to be carb. sensitive. My husband and I have been following the Zone diet since May and are very pleased with the results. My body fat is going down without working out like a mad woman! I am very impressed with your responses and appreciate your willingness to help people get healthy. You are doing a very good thing. Also, I found it quite amazing that you lost 100 lbs. That is just wonderful. Back to the Smoothie Tweaking! 1) Wheat bran - we will drop that from the shake. I just had a feeling that I should not add it. Done! 2) I will also drop the Fructose, but will add a little in my husband's shake, as he enjoys it so much better a pinch sweeter! 3) I will add more fat to the shake. Would you recommend 2t. of fish oil? I don't want to take more than I need. My husband and I do not have health issues (other than the thyroid problem) and are not over weight. ( well, we do want to cut 5% body fat though) With that being said, if this was your shake, would you add 2 t. fish oil or 1t. fish oil and 1t. olive oil or 1t. fish oil and 2 t. slivered almonds? Which combination would be the best for us all around? 4) Why should I drop the protein by .5? One scoop of Solgar Protein is 16g. of protein and 1/2 c. organic reduced fat milk is 4g. of protein, equalling 20g. of protein and my block allows for 21 g. of protein. We also use the 2% milk because Dr. Sears recommends 2% as he states that the key to a "Brain Shake" is the milk globules found in the 2% milk. "These are preformed emulsions into which the added EPA and DHA will immediately incorporate. These fat emulsions are an ideal delivery system to maximize the fish oil absorption with virtually no taste." With that being said, I want to be sure to keep the milk in the shake, but will reduce the whey protein if you still feel that is needed. 5) With the Wheat Bran out of the shake, I will need to add more fruit. Would you recommend 2 blocks of berries for both of our shakes? Only 2 blocks for my husband because he adds a little Fructose and 2 blocks for me because I am slightly carb. sensitive. I use 1c. raspberries or 3/4. blackberries or 1/2 c. blueberries. I would just double this amount or mix and match. 6) Now the shake shapes up to be: 1/2 cup Reduced Fat Organic Milk and 1 scoop Solgar Whey Protein: (20g. protein or 3 blocks of protein) Cinnamon 2 tsp. Dr. Sears's Liquid Fish Oil or combination of oils( yet to be determined) : 3 blocks of fat or 9g. fat 2 cups of raspberries or 1/2c. blueberries and 1cup of strawberries for example (18g. carbs or 2 block carbs.) I look forward to reviewing your response so that I can get this "Brain Shake" down to an art! Thanks again, Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/20/2009 10:31 AM |
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Hi Ruthlette!
Congrats on your progress and thanks for your kind words! I have hypothyroidism, too. My current dose is 75 alternating with 100 every other day (that's 75, 100, 17, 100, etc.). Hypothyroidism certainly is a pain isn't it? Fortunately I have a good endocrinologist, who's very well versed in combining traditional medicine with dietary and nutritional support, and complementary alternative medicine.
Re your questions:
3. I recommend you go with the 3 teaspoons (1T) that Dr Sears uses in his Big Brain Shake. It will help maintain excellent satiety and will enhance your ability to burn fat.
4. The Solgar whey protein I looked up online contained 20 grams protein per scoop. That's the reason I recommended dropping the milk. That said, considering your hypothyroidism and tendencies toward carb sensitivity, you'll probably do better without the milk. Simply take a bit more of the protein powder. It's up to you. For a better understanding of this you can refer to Barry's explanations of the possible downside, for some individuals, of liquid carbs, even favorable ones like milk; basically liquid they contain get into the blood stream faster than those in solids, ultimately result in higher insulin levels and possibly going out of the Zone (milk doesn't work for me, and many other carb sensitive people). It will also help to leave your smoothies and shakes on the chunkier side , not blend them to a totally fine texture liquid. Re the milk globules, you can also maximize the absorption of fish oil by taking Sea Health Plus with it (also Barry's recommendation). You could play around with it to see what your results are. The more you can do to support those lower insulin levels the better.
5. I'd recommend that you use a total of 2 blocks of berries as the carb in this 3P block shake. Your husband should add about 3 blocks of berries to his 4P block shake if you are decreasing his fructose amount. If keeping the fructose at 2/4 teaspoon, then add a good 2.5 blocks of berries to his shake. The milk provides 1C for him, the berries (or the berries and more significant amount of fructose) provide the rest of the 4 C needed. Wheat bran is mostly comprised of insoluble fiber, and has very little insulin stimulating carb. It's not enough to count toward carb blocks for Zone purposes. In case you're not aware, fiber does not stimulate insulin, but it is included in the total carb count on nutritional labels. To count carbs for the Zone you subtract the total fiber from the total carb on the label. The remainder is the insulin stimulating carb that is counted for your Zone carb blocks.
Enjoy your shake!
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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.
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/20/2009 3:05 PM |
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Sue: I feel very fortunate to have found someone to talk to about the Zone Diet AND the Zone Diet along with hypothyroidism. I would be interested in hearing about the dietary and nutritional support that your endocrinologist recommends. Also, is he in favor of the Zone Diet? WOW! 1 Tablespoon of Fish Oil. Are you sure this will not cause problems? I have read that too much fish oil is not good for you. While we are talking about this - would 1T. be appropriate in my husband's shake too? He has borderline high cholesterol, but we keep it in check. I do admit that I worry about the taste of the shake now. I will check in to the Sea Health Plus. How much would I add to the shake? Thanks so much for your help. Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/20/2009 4:11 PM |
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Yes Ruthlette, he's very much in favor of a calorie restircted low carb Zone balanced eating plan. He also encouraged incorporating some of the principles of the Blood Type Diet into it (mostly avoiding certain foods depending upon your blood type; for more refer to the books by Peter D'Adamo). Above all he is very proactive about listening to your body and adjusting to suit your personal needs.
Yes, 1T of fish oil concentrate in the shake is fine for both of you. Reading TOXIC FAT will give you a better understanding of fish oil concentrates. The concern would come if you were taking a lesser grade of fish oil, such as those that are sold drug stores and health food stores. They are not ultra refined concentrates and contain ocean pollutants, things such as mercury, PCB's , etc.). The ultra-refined fish oil concentrates that Barry Sears is recommending are safe to eat in higher amounts.
If you don't like the taste of the shake with fish oil in it, simply substitute 1T of extra virgin olive oil or even a refined olive oil, meaning one labeled "light" tasting (subbing olive oil was a suggestion made by Barry Sears).
Re Sea Health Plus, just take a serving with it (about 2T), no need to mix it in (refer to the serving size on the label). I usually eat a couple servings of Sea Health Plus a day. It's for a delicious refreshing cherry juice flavor, not too sweet but not tart either.
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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.
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/20/2009 7:50 PM |
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Hi Sue: The blood type diet sounds very interesting. I may check that out. My Dr. is also very much in favor of listening to symptoms etc. rather than looking at numbers. Do you eat soy products with the hypothyroidism and if so, do you limit them? I ordered the Sea Health Plus along with the Toxic Fat book today. Is it ok to mix the 2 T. of Sea Health Plus in with the morning shake? I thought the flavor might help with the fish oil taste. Ok... we have a new game plan for the breakfast shake. I am excited to try this. I wanted to add that my skin and hair are just amazingly soft since I have been taking the fish oil. A nice added benefit! Now, onto lunch! This is what we eat. I love salads and this just works for a quick lunch for us. Please tweak this for us and remember that I am somewhat carb sensitive. LUNCH 3 cups salad greens, 1 tomato, 1 green pepper (1C) 1/2 cup black beans or other type bean (2c) 3oz. Boar's Head Turkey Deli Meat (2P) 2 egg whites (1P) 1/3 tsp. olive oil w/ Balsamic Vinegar (1F) 2/3 tsp. slivered almonds (2F) (My husband eats 1 more block per block) AFTERNOON SNACK 1/3 cup lowfat cottage cheese 1/2 cup blueberries 3 almonds (or something very similar) I would appreciate your help in tweaking lunch and snack for us. Thanks again for your help. I feel even more success with the Zone Diet coming with your knowledge and willingness to help others. Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/20/2009 8:00 PM |
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| I added my photo. This is fun! |
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Ruthlette |
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/22/2009 8:44 AM |
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Hi Sue: I added the T. of Dr. Sears Fish oil to the shake. Although I was worried about the taste with the extra fish oil, it was not a problem. I took out the milk and wheat bran and added more fruit. It is very good. Would there be any correlation between fish oil and headaches? Possibly an adjustment period to the fish oil? Also, did you get a chance to review my lunch and afternoon snack in the last post? It would be great if you would be able to critic that for me. The Sea Health Plus is on the way. I am anxious to try that. Thanks again for your help, Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/22/2009 11:52 AM |
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Hi!
Headaches can be from too many good eicosanoids or form too many bad. For more info go to this page and click on Eicosanoid Status Report: http://www.drsears.com/ZoneResources/tabid/384/Default.aspx Hi!
Headaches can be from too many good eicosanoids or form too many bad. For more info go to this page and click on Eicosanoid Status Report: http://www.drsears.com/ZoneResources/tabid/384/Default.aspx
You might do better to use half sigh oil an half extra virgin olive oil in the shake. You also might want to try Eico Rx instead of Omega Rx. Eico Rx contains added GLA, which may benefit you in general.
The best way to figure all this out would be to have the SIP test done (the AA/EPA blood test).
I haven't looked at you meals, but will now.
You might do better to use half sigh oil an half extra virgin olive oil in teh sahke. You alo might want to consider using Eico Rx instead fo Omega Rx. Eico Rx contains added GLA, which may benefit you in general.
The best way to figure all this out would be to have the SIP test done (the AA/EPA blood test).
I haven't looked at you meals, but will now. |
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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.
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/22/2009 11:58 AM |
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Hi! You're very welcome! Re lunch, with your carb sensitivity in mind, switch one of the bean blocks to veggies or even eliminate that 3rd C block. Also add 3 more F blocks (4 more for you husband). It's short on fat because of the P choices in the meal. Here’s how Dr. Sears explains fat blocks (taken from MASTERING THE ZONE, page 292 and 293). “Why is a fat block only 1.5 grams? Every block of low-fat protein contains approximately 1.5 grams of “hidden fat”. Therefore, by adding one extra fat block (which is defined as 1.5 grams of fat) for each block of low-fat protein, you are actually consuming 3 grams of fat or two blocks (one internal in the protein and one external) for each protein block. If you are using fat-free protein sources, such as isolated protein powders, then you should be adding two blocks of fat to achieve the same ratio. Obviously, if you are eating higher fat protein choices, you would not be adding any extra fat blocks to your meal. Remember that every time you add additional fat blocks to a meal, they should be composed primarily of monounsaturated fat.” Some common fat free proteins eaten on the Zone diet are egg whites, protein powder, some deli-style meats, and some soy products. The snack looks fine. |
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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.
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/22/2009 8:36 PM |
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Thanks Sue. I guess I will have to have that SIP test done. How will I interpret the results however? I guess I don't understand how I would know what to do do regarding my diet, especially the amount of fish oil I take, after I get the test results back. Meanwhile these headaches are really nasty.  |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/22/2009 9:16 PM |
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Hi! The ideal AA/EPA range is between 1.5 and 3. Above that indicates you need more fish oil to dilute the AA. For a better understanding and more info, you can refer to the books TOXIC FAT and THE ANTI-INFLAMMATION ZONE. If the headaches began after you ate the 1 T of fish oil, you could try going a week without fish oil, and then resume at your prrevious amount. |
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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.
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Carol  Posts:31
 Aspiring
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| 07/23/2009 3:49 AM |
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| Hi Sue..didn't want to start a new thread about protein powders so I'm posting here..I have started using egg protein powders instead of whey...I seem to find them all very salty...do you find that to be true of the egg powders you use and is Jay Robbs less salty then some..Thank you...Carol |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/23/2009 6:42 AM |
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Hi Carol!
The only egg white protein powder I used was Jay Robb's I don know abotu the Current formulation of Jay Robb's becasue I haven't used it in quite a while, btu I did find it salty back then. I switched to Dr. Sears Zone Protein Powder a few years ago. I like it much better than any others I've treid and I even find that I'm able to stay in the Zone lonoger with smoothies made with it. |
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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.
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Ruth  Posts:36
 Aspiring

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| 07/23/2009 9:07 AM |
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Hi Sue: I will read more re AA/EPA range. We placed a call to the lab to check on the SIP testing. I took the 1T. of fish oil this a.m., but think I will try 1 1/2 t. fish oil and 1 1/2 t. olive oil tomorrow. You helped me with the fat in meals. We don't eat any red meat or pork, so our protein is mostly all low fat - except for Salmon. I will add the additional fat to our meals. Are you ok with adding almonds for part of the extra fat? Also, how many grams of fat does a protein have in order to call it low fat? Such as - if it is up to 6 grams of fat - would you add the extra fat to the meal? I would just like to know the range that you consider low fat in order to know when to add the extra fat blocks. I would also like to run dinners and late night snack by you. Dinner 4 1/2 oz. fish or 3 oz. chicken or turkey 3 cups broccoli or green beans or something similar glass of red wine If we are having salmon, I do not add fat, if it is chicken or turkey I had 1 tsp. of olive oil Snack 1/2 cup 0% fat plain Greek Yogurt (Fage) 1/2 cup blueberries (or other berry) 3 almonds We are wine drinkers, but I have held my fat and weight down drinking wine so far to this age. On the weekends I drink more than a glass, but try to eat protein with the wine like Dr. Sears recommends. How do you feel about the Solgar Whey Protein? We have always thought that Solgar makes quality products. Would a different whey protein work better for us or should we leave that alone? Thanks again for helping us to fine tune the Zone Diet. Toxic Fat should arrive in the mail today along with the Sea Health Plus. I will add 2T. of the Sea Health Plus to the morning shake. Have a great day! Ruthlette |
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Ruthlette |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/23/2009 11:58 AM |
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You’re' welcome Ruthlette! I m happy to be able to help other zoners when I can!
About 1.5 g (please refer back to my post in this thread from 7.22.09, 11:58 AM for the answer to the rest of your fat qns).
The dinner, if your carb sensitive, the wine is going to be a stumbling block to keeping you insulin levels low for a couple of reasons as follows:
1. Wine is unfav C. If you have either 1 or 2 blocks of wine in that meal the you will not be following the basic Zone guideline of keeping unfavorable carb to less than 25% of all the carb in the meal.
2. Wine is a liquid. Liquid carbs, even favorable ones, are less Zone friendly the solids would be for the carb sensitive person, because the carbs in a liquid enter the bloodstream faster than the carbs in solids. The result of quicker entry into the blood stream is ultimately going to be higher insulin levels than you'd have if eating solids (makes harder for you to remain in the Zone).
TOXIC FAT, great! Everyone should read it. Let us know what you think as you read it.
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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.
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Andrea  Posts:1
 Newbie
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| 07/24/2009 9:36 AM |
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Sue, My name is Andi, and your photos have inspired me. I am 41 yrs old and am topping the scale at 265. I dont know how I got here, but I want it to stop...TODAY...I am hypo thyroid, and take 200 mcg of synthroid daily...I am getting married for on October 24th to the most wonderful man alive, however I just dont feel pretty. I hope that I can realistically take off about 20 lbs following this plan by the wedding date. Thanks for the inspiration, and ANY words of advice or coaching would be greatly appreciated. |
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Sue K  Posts:8674
 Zone Expert

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| 07/24/2009 10:04 AM |
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Hi Andi! Nice to meet you. Here's a reply I posted in another thread here yestarday. It'll help you to get the most from the Zone: My tidbit, and it's a big one, is that you'll do best if you stop thinking about everything you ever thought you knew about weight loss and focus on the Zone principles and basic Zone rules for achieving insulin control. This doesn’t mean you'll be disregarding the things that are important for losing weight. Just the opposite! By doing all you can to achieve the best insulin control you'll be doing the very things that will help you lose the excess fat and keep it off for good. The best insulin control will come from making the best meal choices, adjusting to suit your particular needs according to Zone recommendations, following all the basic Zone rules (found in Quick Start Guide, link at right), and supplementing with a Zone fish oil or the equivalent. It really works, and with the focus placed on insulin control, the extra weight comes off without even giving it a thought. --- Andi, how fast you lose will depend on your body. By following the above advice, you'll be doing all you can to turn your body in the right direction so it will go of the excess fat. I caution you not to go overboard with exercise, for best results. A simple brisk walk almost daily and a little upper and lower body strength training (as little as some squats and pushups, even wall "push ups", and limit it to a few times a week) will be enough, especially if you're not used to exercising regularly. More exercise will not speed up you fat loss, can actually hinder fat loss by promoting the production of excess cortisol, and can cause injury if you're not conditioned for it. I'll be happy to help! You can do this! |
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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.
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ActiveForums 3.6
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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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