Good morning. I've been speaking with parents about the zone diet and how it would help to improve their lives. I'm fortunate that my parents have already adopted a healthy lifestyle many years ago, but they need to improve their diets. They eat "healthy" foods most of the time, but lacked understanding of proper combination of the 3 major macronutrients, protein-carbs-fats.

I've spoken with them about the importance of creating well balance meals and how to do it. I've even purchased them a copy of the zone book 'Mastering the Zone". Actually, I purchased this book for them several years ago, but they never read it. Has the book been updated with a more current version and whats its title?

After speaking with my parents about the diet and how to put things together, they asked me a great question... "How many blocks do we need to eat each day?" This is where I need some help. I have a feeling of what they should be consuming, but I want to come to you, the experts, to help me figure this out.

My father is 72 years of age and my mother is 66. They both do the treadmill each day for about 30 mins at a decent pace...faster than walking. They go to the gym several times a week and do weights. I'm not sure what other info you require, but ask away and I'll provide any info necessary.

What number of blocks would you recommend and how would you divide it up.

Thank you.

I would suggest that they (you) use the easy to use calculator provided on this web site. It is based on taking several measurements - different for male and female. It is located under "TOOLS" with a sub-menu link titled "Calculators".

Joe, they can determine their block requirement using the calculators in the TOOLS tab at the top of this page. A person's individual block requirement depends on both their amount of LBM and their activity level. Your parents exercise plan would fall under the "Active" level for the calculator. The calculator result will give an example of how it can be divided throughout the day.

Mastering the Zone is a good book, but its focus is on the diet, rather that the whole picture. Note that the carbohydrate block lists in MTZ are outdated. Major developments have taken place since that book was written. I’d recommend they read TOXIC FAT, the most recent Zone book by Barry Sears. It contains everything your parents need to understand the Zone and successfully put it into practice. It even contains separate 28 day meal planners for and women, complete with recipes.

Good luck!

<div class='NTForums_Quote'>Posted By John on 02/15/2010 10:12 AM

I would suggest that they (you) use the easy to use calculator provided on this web site. It is based on taking several measurements - different for male and female. It is located under "TOOLS" with a sub-menu link titled "Calculators". </div>

Thank you, I didn't realize there was a calculator on the site.

<div class='NTForums_Quote'>Posted By Sue K on 02/15/2010 10:16 AM

Joe, they can determine their block requirement using the calculators in the TOOLS tab at the top of this page. A person's individual block requirement depends on both their amount of LBM and their activity level. Your parents exercise plan would fall under the "Active" level for the calculator. The calculator result will give an example of how it can be divided throughout the day.

Mastering the Zone is a good book, but its focus is on the diet, rather that the whole picture. Note that the carbohydrate block lists in MTZ are outdated. Major developments have taken place since that book was written. I’d recommend they read TOXIC FAT, the most recent Zone book by Barry Sears. It contains everything your parents need to understand the Zone and successfully put it into practice. It even contains separate 28 day meal planners for and women, complete with recipes.

Good luck!
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Thanks for the tip on the most current version of the Zone book. I'll be sure to head out and get a couple copies. Also, thanks for the suggestion that my parents would fall in the "active" section.

Joe, glad my info helps.

Joe, to make it simple, your parents could basically just use the plate method, then there is no need to worry about blocks. That is, unless they are truly interested and want to dive into it that deeply.

I think MASTERING THE ZONE really covers the topic of the Zone very well, and really does a wonderful job of explaining things. I have read TOXIC FAT, and it goes into the science more, but I think you are probably the better judge of whether or not they would be interested on all of the "why" rather than the "how". I guess I would recommend using your judgement on whether or not to get another book for them that they may not read, or if you just give them the tools that they need.

In their case, if they just need some simple balancing, they can follow the plate method, using the palm of their hands to judge protein portions, and then filling their plates with favorable veggies and fruits, and adding a dash of monounsaturated fats. As they are fairly active, a pre-workout snack could be added to their menu plan, possibly even a post-workout snack if they feel the need to do so, to meet their needs.

I know how it is, as my parents are of that age (although not as active). They are used to making their meals in a way that they cook proteins separately from the side dishes. So, I think that the plate method would work really well for them. I know my parents would not be interested in counting blocks, either.