[color=darkred:276a0f69c4][b:276a0f69c4]Hello Everyone[/b:276a0f69c4]- I haven't seen any weekly weigh-ins since the new forum format began, so I am going to initiate it. Anyone who wants to participate, please do! :D Since starting the Zone on Feb 6th, of this year, I have lost almost 60 lbs. I have lost 8 inches from my waist and another 8 inches from my hips. I went from a size 20 to a size 10/12. I am now just 10 lbs away from being within the "normal" range for my height. BUT- it's not just about the weight loss. I feel better than I have felt in...forever! I sleep less, yet wake up refreshed. I don't have energy surges and slumps throughout the day, like before. And, I am thinking and functioning at a superior level. And, I am not done yet. I started FO on Oct 7th and I am sure that in three weeks I will be feeling [b:276a0f69c4]even better[/b:276a0f69c4]! But most of all, I have a yearly exam on Nov 10th, including blood work. I am going to have definitive proof that the Zone [b:276a0f69c4]IS[/b:276a0f69c4] the ultimate healthy lifestyle! Spread the word! [b:276a0f69c4]HAIL Dr. Sears![/b:276a0f69c4] :lol: :!: Michelle[/color:276a0f69c4]

Hi Michelle! Congratulations! I agree with you on this lifestyle--I have never felt better! Today I had a real breakthrough--got past that plateau I have been stuck on since July :!: , and was happy to see the scale drop 4 lbs. in the last 2 1/2 weeks. I am now within a healthy BMI range, and am a size 8-10-12 (dress, most pants, jeans). I have lost 14 lbs. since starting this, and 24 since my highest weight ever. And now (dum dah dah dahhhh!) I am 1 lb. BELOW the lie I told on my driver's license! And 4 lbs. less than in high school! My goal is to be at 15% Body fat, which would be 124.5 lbs. for me, so I still have 20 lbs. to go to get there, but I am feeling great, looking better, and loving the energy and focus I have all the time now. the Zone Rocks! :D Ronica

Hi Everyone I too am very happy on the Zone. I said to my husband yesterday morning "This is it.I've found the key!" My life is so changed that I don't ever want to go back. I've lost 19 pounds since July 1st and feel terrific. Go Zoners!!!!!!!!

[color=blue:5179994312]Since starting Zone in May 2003 from high of 222 lbs to current 191.2 to 192.0 lbs. 30 lbs in 5 months! Ideal goal for this 5' 9-1/2" male is 179 lbs. Only 10-12 lbs left to lose. In 3 months (April to July) Cholesterol went from 284 down to 204. And (for now) all of that with little to no additional exercise. [/color:5179994312]

[quote:c5a71eb547="jaydpiii"][color=blue:c5a71eb547]Since starting Zone in May 2003 from high of 222 lbs to current 191.2 to 192.0 lbs. 30 lbs in 5 months! Ideal goal for this 5' 9-1/2" male is 179 lbs. Only 10-12 lbs left to lose. In 3 months (April to July) Cholesterol went from 284 down to 204. And (for now) all of that with little to no additional exercise. [/color:c5a71eb547][/quote:c5a71eb547][size=18:c5a71eb547][/size:c5a71eb547] [b:c5a71eb547][color=red:c5a71eb547]Congrats John! Great results![/color:c5a71eb547][/b:c5a71eb547] Sue

Hi, I have been on the zone since may 2003 and have lost over 20 pounds. I have dropped from a size 12 to a size 6. Feel great and look much younger than my late forties. Never received so many compliments in my life. However, I have one concern. Does this diet of too much protein have an adverse effect on your kidneys and liver? Also I wake up at least twice at night to use the bathroom. Too much water. Please enlighten.

I might as well add my two cents: Since last year I've lost 75 pounds and 11 inches off my waist. I also have a new energy that makes me feel incredible. My wife is amazed and says it has changed our lives. I no longer come home and lay on the couch exhausted- but run around and play with my two sons (ages 1 and 3). We sometimes joke that we need to put them on the opposite of the zone to slow them down (of course we'd never do that) My wife has lost weight and feels better too without following it hard-core- she really is just eating what I buy and cook. Since I started Fish oil- beleive it or not- my hair is growing back in- amazing!

[quote:c8c54eb616="zoner"]Hi, I have been on the zone since may 2003 and have lost over 20 pounds. I have dropped from a size 12 to a size 6. Feel great and look much younger than my late forties. Never received so many compliments in my life. However, I have one concern. Does this diet of too much protein have an adverse effect on your kidneys and liver? Also I wake up at least twice at night to use the bathroom. Too much water. Please enlighten.[/quote:c8c54eb616] Hi, Congrats on your progress! :D You're mistaken in calling this a "diet of too much protein". If you are correctly following the Zone diet, you should not be eating more than 3 or 4 oz of protein at a meal, and you are always eating more carbs than protein. This is definitely not considered to be too much protein for an adult. No, theZone diet doesn't have an adverse effect on the kidneys, nor on the liver (nor on any other organs). Sue

Congratulations to everyone on their weight-losses and improved health. It's so exciting to have found something that actually works. I started The Zone in late May of this year and I have lost 55 lbs. according to this week's weigh-in. I started at 271 and am now down to 216. I have already dropped 3-4 dress sizes (depending on where I shop). YEAH!!! I want to lose 36 more to get to my goal weight - but an interesting note - I won't even be in the "healthy" range for people my height (I'm 5'8")...how frustrating is that?! Do others have similar issues? Any suggestions on how to push off plateaus? I am not necessarily plateauing yet, but feel myself slowing down, even though I've upped my exercise regimen to 4 x weekly. Ahhh!!! Thanks and again, congratulations to all...Rachael

Hi Rachael, Congrats on your progress. Why do you say it is your "goal weight" if it is above the ideal weight range for your height and LBM? Am I missing something? I am your height, BTW (or a fraction of an inch less). There are several ways to break a plateau. One way which works well is to drop one block carb and add 3 more blocks (1.5g each) fat to every meal. While you do this, it's best to have the remaining carbs form you meal all from favorable carbs. Once wt loss resumes, go back to your previous way of balancing merals. Sue

Slknorr - Well, my goal weight does not necessarily correlate with the accepted "standards" - never has...I am a big, muscular girl who has always been an athlete. I was 180 in high school, and am under no illusions about going below the weight I was when I was my healthiest. So, you're not missing anything - I will most likely hit 180 and stay there...Who knows, I may go lower, but when I reach 180, I will consider this diet a success. Thanks for the advice on the plateau...I'll keep it in mind...Rachael

[quote:90b196b76b="rachaelwalden"]Slknorr - Well, my goal weight does not necessarily correlate with the accepted "standards" - never has...I am a big, muscular girl who has always been an athlete. I was 180 in high school, and am under no illusions about going below the weight I was when I was my healthiest. So, you're not missing anything - I will most likely hit 180 and stay there...Who knows, I may go lower, but when I reach 180, I will consider this diet a success. Thanks for the advice on the plateau...I'll keep it in mind...Rachael[/quote:90b196b76b] Hi, You're welcome! Sounds to me like it's already been a success for you! I happen to have an above average LBM, am very athletic, and am your height. Just wanted to share with you that I feel best around 22% body fat. It may sound low to you, but it's amazing how great I feel and how well I perform at that weight. Best wishes for continued success in the Zone! :D Sue

[quote:62a39ccd45]Also I wake up at least twice at night to use the bathroom. Too much water. [/quote:62a39ccd45] I have found the same, even though I am drinking the same amount of water as I was before the Zone (which was quite a bit). I have read that as you metabolize fat, your urine production increases. Could one of the experts here elaborate on that, or correct me if I am wrong? Thanks!

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in September 2002. My doctor immediately put me on medication, but told me if I lost weight, I would probably be able to stop taking the medication. After a bout of depression and adding on a few more pounds, I started dieting in January of this year which consisted on watching my caloric intake and fat (ha ha) intake. I also took some nutritional supplements to help with the weight loss. I was somewhat sucessful, however when I started following a Zone favorable lifestyle in March 2003 the weight really started coming off. I started the year at 268 lbs. As of last week I was 197 lbs. According to the tables, my ideal weight is @155, so only 40 lbs to go. I wore a size 22 in March, now I wear a size 14. The amazing thing is that I've done this with no exercise. I'm not advocating "no exercise", but I work full time and also run my own business, so I don't have time to go to the gym like I used to. What's really funny is two years ago in November 2001, I got married. Of course I wanted to lose weight so I started dieting in January 2001. I averaged 4-5 days per week at the gym with two of the days lifting with a personal trainer. Between January 2001 and October 2001 I went from a size 20 to a size 18. With the Zone and not exercising, I've lost more weight in a shorter period of time than I did two years ago. My doctor took me off the blood pressure medication in July of this year. I find that I have more energy and require less sleep. I've been so sucessful that several people have asked me to "coach" them and I now have two Zone weight loss groups going. I hope to become a Zone certified instructor in 2004. Thank you Dr. Sears for finding the answer!!!!!!!!!

[color=red:dbcf0865b5][size=18:dbcf0865b5]Congratulations [u:dbcf0865b5][b:dbcf0865b5]Everyone [/b:dbcf0865b5][/u:dbcf0865b5]on your excellent results!! OK, group hug!! :lol: [/size:dbcf0865b5][/color:dbcf0865b5] -Michelle

[quote:b2bba7534b="Slknorr"]You're mistaken in calling this a "diet of too much protein". If you are correctly following the Zone diet, you should not be eating more than 3 or 4 oz of protein at a meal, and you are always eating more carbs than protein.[/quote:b2bba7534b] Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein :roll:

[quote:e066cf4f59="a_blacker"][quote:e066cf4f59="Slknorr"]You're mistaken in calling this a "diet of too much protein". If you are correctly following the Zone diet, you should not be eating more than 3 or 4 oz of protein at a meal, and you are always eating more carbs than protein.[/quote:e066cf4f59] Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein :roll:[/quote:e066cf4f59] Hi, I disagree that my statement is misleading because I qualified it by specifically stating "If you are correctly following the Zone diet...". :shock: Of course I realize some individuals have to take the Zone to different ratios in order to meet their needs, but I do not think I am "misleading" anyone. Furthermore, I was restating something that Barry Sears has stated frequently (in fact, borrowing his words), that the Zone in not a high protein diet because you eat more carbs than protien. Sue

][quote:37007123b0="a_blacker"] Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein :roll:[/quote:37007123b0] [quote:37007123b0]I disagree that my statement is misleading because I qualified it by specifically stating "If you are correctly following the Zone diet...". :shock: Of course I realize some individuals have to take the Zone to different ratios in order to meet their needs, but I do not think I am "misleading" anyone.[/quote:37007123b0] In your opinion then Sue, what is the correct way to follow the Zone diet??? [quote:37007123b0]Furthermore, I was restating something that Barry Sears has stated frequently (in fact, borrowing his words), that the Zone in not a high protein diet because you eat more carbs than protien.[/quote:37007123b0] Again, this is misleading, irregardless of who is saying it. Let's look at this logically and mathematically. 3 blocks of protein = 21 grams. 2 block of carbs - 18 grams This is the concept of dropping a carb or the concept of the .5 to 1.0 protein to carb ratio. In actual reality, if dropping a carb, one is eating less carbs than protein, so the statement is indeed misleading. 40/30/30 is only the initial starting point of the Zone diet and yes this works for "most" people. However, it may not work for other people. To say that one is always eating more carbs that protein is definitely not only misleading but also confusing.

[quote:7fa061dffe="a_blacker"]][quote:7fa061dffe="a_blacker"] Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein :roll:[/quote:7fa061dffe] [quote:7fa061dffe]I disagree that my statement is misleading because I qualified it by specifically stating "If you are correctly following the Zone diet...". :shock: Of course I realize some individuals have to take the Zone to different ratios in order to meet their needs, but I do not think I am "misleading" anyone.[/quote:7fa061dffe] In your opinion then Sue, what is the correct way to follow the Zone diet??? [quote:7fa061dffe]Furthermore, I was restating something that Barry Sears has stated frequently (in fact, borrowing his words), that the Zone in not a high protein diet because you eat more carbs than protien.[/quote:7fa061dffe] Again, this is misleading, irregardless of who is saying it. Let's look at this logically and mathematically. 3 blocks of protein = 21 grams. 2 block of carbs - 18 grams This is the concept of dropping a carb or the concept of the .5 to 1.0 protein to carb ratio. In actual reality, if dropping a carb, one is eating less carbs than protein, so the statement is indeed misleading. 40/30/30 is only the initial starting point of the Zone diet and yes this works for "most" people. However, it may not work for other people. To say that one is always eating more carbs that protein is definitely not only misleading but also confusing.[/quote:7fa061dffe] Hi Anne-Marie, Well, our opinions differ. But it looks like both Dr. Sears' books and my posts are very similar, so at least I'm in good company! :lol: Here are a few quotes from Barry Sears regarding the subject: page 26 of ETZ: "Since a carbohydrate block (9 grams) is larger than a protein block (7 grams), you always consume more carbohydrate than protein at every meal on a Zone diet. (Hmm... he said always.) pages 16 and 17 of AWITZ: "Furthermore you are always eating more carbohydrates than protein in the Zone, so it's impossible for the Zone to be considered a high-protein diet." (Hmm....again, "always".) page278 TT 100ZF: "Furthermore, since you are eating more carbohydrates than protein on the Zone Diet, it is very hard to call it a high-protein diet." As I posted to you already, I was borrowing Barry's words. I'm sure we all have done this, in posts, from time to time. Have a good weekend! Sue

Hi Sue, You are certainly totally correct in that you are quoting Dr. Sears. As I see it this is another example like the following. Fat has no effect on insulin (Really means monounsaturated fat has no effect on insuluin because saturated fat can increase cell rigidity which elevates insulin) To build muscle add 1 protein block. (really means add a balanced block) The minimum blocks is 11 (means that is the starting point but many do well on less) Generally people eat more carbs than protein but you can clearly follow the zone with the drop carb and add fat where this is not the case White Light

[quote:d01e894dce="White Light"] Generally people eat more carbs than protein but you can clearly follow the zone with the drop carb and add fat where this is not the case White Light[/quote:d01e894dce] Hi, I'm not sure why you're telling me this, since I posted I am already aware of it. I'm also pretty sure you're aware that I happen to be an individual who has to eat a 1 P/C ratio with extra fat in order to stay in the Zone. Sue

I will try to outline the facts as they were given. Sue said: [quote:1707c536dc]You're mistaken in calling this a "diet of too much protein". If you are correctly following the Zone diet, you should not be eating more than 3 or 4 oz of protein at a meal, and you are always eating more carbs than protein.[/quote:1707c536dc] A-M said: [quote:1707c536dc]Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein. A-M said: Again, this is misleading, irregardless of who is saying it. Let's look at this logically and mathematically. 3 blocks of protein = 21 grams. 2 block of carbs - 18 grams This is the concept of dropping a carb or the concept of the .5 to 1.0 protein to carb ratio.[/quote:1707c536dc] Sue said: [quote:1707c536dc]Well, our opinions differ. But it looks like both Dr. Sears' books and my posts are very similar, so at least I'm in good company! Here are a few quotes from Barry Sears regarding the subject: page 26 of ETZ: "Since a carbohydrate block (9 grams) is larger than a protein block (7 grams), you always consume more carbohydrate than protein at every meal on a Zone diet. (Hmm... he said always.) pages 16 and 17 of AWITZ: "Furthermore you are always eating more carbohydrates than protein in the Zone, so it's impossible for the Zone to be considered a high-protein diet." (Hmm....again, "always".) page278 TT 100ZF: "Furthermore, since you are eating more carbohydrates than protein on the Zone Diet, it is very hard to call it a high-protein diet."[/quote:1707c536dc] I could find similar quotes from the Zone books and the answers to Dr. Sears disproving the above quotes, but really I cannot be bothered because I know I am correct!! WL said: [quote:1707c536dc]You are certainly totally correct in that you are quoting Dr. Sears. As I see it this is another example like the following. Fat has no effect on insulin (Really means monounsaturated fat has no effect on insuluin because saturated fat can increase cell rigidity which elevates insulin) To build muscle add 1 protein block. (really means add a balanced block) The minimum blocks is 11 (means that is the starting point but many do well on less) Generally people eat more carbs than protein but you can clearly follow the zone with the drop carb and add fat where this is not the case[/quote:1707c536dc] Sue said: [quote:1707c536dc]I'm not sure why you're telling me this, since I posted I am already aware of it. I'm also pretty sure you're aware that I happen to be an individual who has to eat a 1 P/C ratio with extra fat in order to stay in the Zone.[/quote:1707c536dc] Sue you seem to have made a complete turnaround here. My point is that not ALL people eat more carbs than protein in the Zone. Some even eat less as I have proved with my drop a carb theory which Dr. Sears endorses himself. Dropping a carb does not qualify the Zone lifestyle for a high protein diet as protein is remaining constant while the carbs and fat change. I still maintain that your quotes and back-up quotes from “Barry” are not only misleading, but WRONG! One is not “always” eating more carbs that protein and this word should be changed to “most people”. Have a good weekend!

[color=green:c1cd224a9f]Isn't it odd that Balance bars have HIGH PROTEIN in large type on the top front of the wrapper :? Michelle[/color:c1cd224a9f]

[quote:96d864e820="a_blacker"]I will try to outline the facts as they were given. Sue said: [quote:96d864e820]You're mistaken in calling this a "diet of too much protein". If you are correctly following the Zone diet, you should not be eating more than 3 or 4 oz of protein at a meal, and you are always eating more carbs than protein.[/quote:96d864e820] A-M said: [quote:96d864e820]Sue your statement is a little misleading. What about the people that eat a protein to carb ratio of 1:1 (ie drop a carb)? They are not eating more carbs than protein. A-M said: Again, this is misleading, irregardless of who is saying it. Let's look at this logically and mathematically. 3 blocks of protein = 21 grams. 2 block of carbs - 18 grams This is the concept of dropping a carb or the concept of the .5 to 1.0 protein to carb ratio.[/quote:96d864e820] Sue said: [quote:96d864e820]Well, our opinions differ. But it looks like both Dr. Sears' books and my posts are very similar, so at least I'm in good company! Here are a few quotes from Barry Sears regarding the subject: page 26 of ETZ: "Since a carbohydrate block (9 grams) is larger than a protein block (7 grams), you always consume more carbohydrate than protein at every meal on a Zone diet. (Hmm... he said always.) pages 16 and 17 of AWITZ: "Furthermore you are always eating more carbohydrates than protein in the Zone, so it's impossible for the Zone to be considered a high-protein diet." (Hmm....again, "always".) page278 TT 100ZF: "Furthermore, since you are eating more carbohydrates than protein on the Zone Diet, it is very hard to call it a high-protein diet."[/quote:96d864e820] I could find similar quotes from the Zone books and the answers to Dr. Sears disproving the above quotes, but really I cannot be bothered because I know I am correct!! WL said: [quote:96d864e820]You are certainly totally correct in that you are quoting Dr. Sears. As I see it this is another example like the following. Fat has no effect on insulin (Really means monounsaturated fat has no effect on insuluin because saturated fat can increase cell rigidity which elevates insulin) To build muscle add 1 protein block. (really means add a balanced block) The minimum blocks is 11 (means that is the starting point but many do well on less) Generally people eat more carbs than protein but you can clearly follow the zone with the drop carb and add fat where this is not the case[/quote:96d864e820] Sue said: [quote:96d864e820]I'm not sure why you're telling me this, since I posted I am already aware of it. I'm also pretty sure you're aware that I happen to be an individual who has to eat a 1 P/C ratio with extra fat in order to stay in the Zone.[/quote:96d864e820] Sue you seem to have made a complete turnaround here. My point is that not ALL people eat more carbs than protein in the Zone. Some even eat less as I have proved with my drop a carb theory which Dr. Sears endorses himself. Dropping a carb does not qualify the Zone lifestyle for a high protein diet as protein is remaining constant while the carbs and fat change. I still maintain that your quotes and back-up quotes from “Barry” are not only misleading, but WRONG! One is not “always” eating more carbs that protein and this word should be changed to “most people”. Have a good weekend![/quote:96d864e820] Hi, I have only three more things to say on this subject. 1. The quotes are right there in the books for all to see. 2. I have not made any "turnaround". 3. As you may have noticed in the past, I don't participate in posts that I deem to be antagonistic, therefore I will no longer be responding to any posts in this particular thread. And thanks for wishing me a good weekend. Actually, it's a great weekend! Eric interviewed at and toured the top college of his choice today, and from all reports, he has a very good chance of being accepted there. He's applied early decision and will be notified within the month. :D Take care, Sue

[quote:02ca08912c="Slknorr"]I have only three more things to say on this subject. 1. The quotes are right there in the books for all to see.[/quote:02ca08912c] Yes they are but they are incorrect. One is not ALWAYS eating more carbs than protein. [quote:02ca08912c]2. I have not made any "turnaround".[/quote:02ca08912c] Well you certainly are not eating more carbs than protein if you drop a carb, so are you saying you are not zoning correctly?? [quote:02ca08912c]3. As you may have noticed in the past, I don't participate in posts that I deem to be antagonistic, therefore I will no longer be responding to any posts in this particular thread.[/quote:02ca08912c] I'm sorry if you view this as antagonistic. I am simply trying to show that your statement and Barry Sears' statement that one is always eating more carbs than protein is misleading and incorrect. I have witnessed Dr. Sears saying this himself on TV and I have thought it was also incorrect at the time. [quote:02ca08912c]And thanks for wishing me a good weekend. Actually, it's a great weekend! Eric interviewed at and toured the top college of his choice today, and from all reports, he has a very good chance of being accepted there. He's applied early decision and will be notified within the month. :D [/quote:02ca08912c] Glad to hear it. That will take a load of your mind :lol: