So I really enjoy the structure that the Zone gives my eating habits. Over the course of the past month I have been using myfitnesspal to create my meals so that each one has nearly the exact number of grams of protein/carbs/fat that I should be consuming at each meal. I did not count the contribution of protein from vegetables, but I did count the protein contribution from black beans and the carb/fat contribution of cottage cheese.




One thing I noticed right away was that this significantly lowered the calorie count, so much so that I wondered if perhaps I needed to increase my blocks when using this strict accounting system.



For example, I did a 4 block lunch consisting of chicken, black beans, and olives using the simple block method . This yielded 49g protein, 45g carbs, and 13g fat with a total calorie count of 430. Using the strict accounting method for the same 4 block meal gives 28g protein, 36g carbs, and 12g fat with a total calorie count of 294.



I guess I'm wonder if I need to increase my block intake if I use this method, it would seem that I should.

Sorry about the spacing, I guess I can't edit?

No, you should not adjust your block intake.

I also use MyFitnessPal, but moreso for basic recording of meals and exercise, than for anything else. Still, it does also surprise me how big of a difference there can be with regard to calories. Keep in mind that those calories DO count, but we don't necessarily focus on calorie counting here in the Zone. The Zone is naturally a low-calorie diet, but since we are tapping into fat for energy, it is assumed to be a more efficient source of energy, thus you require less calories. Bottom line, using MFP, just don't get hung up on the numbers, but rather focus on the quality of the food that you are eating. Unfavorable carbs count the same in terms of calories as does favorable carbs, but obviously the unfavorable carbs are doing more harm than good in terms of hormonal control and inflammation.

In the Zone, you would also not count the protein in the black beans, either.

Hope that helps!

Hi,
Just getting my head around this - Why wouldn't you count protein in black beans?
Cheers
Pete

Protein in plant sources is bound up and not bio-available to the body.
(Actually some of it is, but the calculations are complex, and the amount minimal to negligible,
and since the Zone is a range, Dr. Sears keeps it simple.)
So except for Soy, protein is not counted when in/from plant sources.

You'd also count the protein in gluten "meats" (seitan).