I am trying very hard to adhere to the "rules" of the Zone...and I feel more energetic & better-equipped mentally to get through a day, since beginning the Zone about two weeks ago.

However, I'm becoming more confused & disheartened because from all the reading (includingZone Community posts), I simply can NOT afford the extra expense of Zone vitamins, fish oil (etc).

Additionally, every time I've tried vitamin &/or mineral supplements in the past (admittedly...not Zone products), my stomach upsets unless I eat enough crackers (or similar) with it.

I can not change either my economic or physical situations. Advice?

You don't have to do the extras...we are all low on cash in this economy so just stick to basic foods and you should get all the vitamins you need...as for fish oil I cannot afford it either so I just eat a lot of salmon and walnuts..I am quite sure extra fish oil helps but when you cannot afford it don't beat yourself up over it..stick to lean proteins, good veggies and fats..I have to take 50,000 I.U. of vitamin D once a week because I don't do the sun and my body requries it..so I pay about $14 a month for that and I take Calcium and magnesium which are low in my body too but they don't cost much monthly..so if a blood test shows that your levels of D, and other minerals in your body are at the right levels then don't worry..most people get all the vitamins from the food they eat IF they eat healthly...or as we know it the Zone Way..Carol

Carol ~

THANKS & THANKS, again! I was beginning to feel as if I should look for a different "diet for change, diet for life" program......there seems to be so very much (emphasis) re: Zone supplements. There seems to be no adequate alternatives. There seems no place to purchase Zone supplements other than by ordering from Zone Labs. There seems to be no acceptable alternative to the price....which I absolutely can not do! The more I read, the more I became unsure of myself. Of the few posting I've made, this was the one post to which NO ONE answered right away! Probably just my paranoia speaking, but I wondered if no one either (1)wanted to address (or) (2)could advise me, unless I was able to follow the proscribed regimen that is recommended! I'm nervous about "getting it right"! Getting it "wrong" in the Zone seemed a real possibility, especially without the recommended supplements! Reading some of the various forums.....I'm constantly astonished at the extent of knowledge some "zoners" have: it's like reading a textbook! I'm not at all geared that way myself, so I find their knowledge outstanding, inspiring....and maybe even a trifle intimidating! I'll NEVER be able to comprehend all this that way!

However, you've made me feel I CAN succeed as a "Zoner" and I'll keep plugging away at it!

Lynne

Hi Lynne, I saw your first post here post, and didn't reply because you'd already mentioned you weren't able to purchase anything anyway.

Taking an ultra-refined fish oil that meets the criteria of Omega Rx (60% concentration of EPA and DHA in a 2/1 ratio that has the IFOS 5 star rating) is the single most important thing a person can do for themselves, even if they're not eating the Zone diet.

Other than that fish oil, I'm not aware of supplementation being a vital part of the Zone diet. Zone Labs sells the products for those who wish to take them, and they'er excellent products.


Second after fish oil in importance would probably be vitamin D. A large percentage of the population is deficient in Vit D. A simple blood test will show your levels. If they're low, Vit D-3 supplementation is of the utmost importance (D-3 is the natural form, most readily absorbed by the body, and is a very cheap supplement). You might have read in places that exposing you skin to sunlight can provide the Vit D you need. This isn't necessarily so. It depends on how efficient you body is at converting sunlight to Vit D. Also, because of the deterioration of the ozone layer, in regard to skin cancer it's dangerous to expose yourself to the sun daily without sunscreen (with sunscreen, you're not going to get Vit D benefit form the sun). Soem more inf, vit D behaves like a hormone in the body, effecting many different things.

A good calcium and magnesium supplement is important for women for the prevention of osteoporsis.

It goes without saying that another good choice is a conprehensive super antioxidant multiple vitamin and mineral supplement the doesn't contain iron.

Sue ~
As always, your grasp of the mechanics and working knowledge of the Zone ....simply astound me! Thanks for the information and your time, too!

Lynne

Hi Lynne!

Carol and Sue have given you excellent advice! I have a Q for you. Do you eat before taking supplements? If you don't, then that would be the root of your stomach problem. One needs to have something on the stomach before ingesting vitamin supplements.

I agree with Carol, that you don't have to purchase any additional supplements, however, if you ever get to the place where you can afford them, it really does help! Nutritionally and naturally addressing issues in one's life is a slow process, and in this "gotta have it now" society that we live in, it sometimes can seem like nothing positive is really happening. However, 6 months down the road you may all of a sudden realize "hey! I'm feelin' good!" <smile!>

Blessings on your journey!

Susie

You're welcome Lynne! I've been doing the Zone for 15 years, and nutrition has always been one of my interests (even when I weighed 100 pounds more!). It's second nature to me now.

Hi, Susie ~

Yes..I always ate before taking supplements. Just one of those things, I guess.....I have trouble with many meds, too, regardless of how careful I've been to schedule at the prescribed times/regarding eating cycles. It's enough to make my physician nuts. Also trouble with some foods, so am learning to avoid "setting myself up" by reading lablels better (etc).

I don't seem to be losing (either inches or weight!!!!), but I do feel much better since starting the Zone. So I appreciate your wise words about 6 months down the road: always good to look forward.

Thanks for your comments advice....much appreciated!

Lynne