Besides water and herbal teas what else is approved for drinking on the Zone diet with meals and in between? My kids are used to having a glass of 1% milk with their meals but now that we are on the Zone plan I'm trying to get them to drink water at meals. I've gotten much protest from my son and younger daughter. They both hate tea and aren't big water drinkers. Is Crystal Light ok? They will tolerate that but I wasn't sure if it was allowed. My son is angry that he can't have pop anymore as well. We only allowed a can or two on weekends but he acts like I'm trying to kill him or something.

Its unfavorable; but just by the fact that the rest of the time they are now going to eat much more favorably, I would consider allowing him to have one can of pop on the weekends.
They can learn that a healthy eating and lifestyle is not all about restrictions, its about eating sensibly. And, even, we as adults will have whole cheat meals or times where we are out and have a drink or two with friends.
Yes we limit ourselves; however, for children, if you are too restrictive, now . . . He can still learn and eat healthy; and know that ots OKay once in a while to "cheat".
Only my .02 cents worth.

Shaunna,

Flavored carbondated water without sweeteners (no artificial sweeteners either) is a good choice for the Zone.

Another option, to make it a little more fun and different, is to keep a pitcher of water in the fridge filled with slices of lemons, limes, apples and cucumbers. It gives a refreshing flavor to the water.

I do have a pitcher in the fridge with sliced fruit in it to help flavor the water. I thought that would help. I let him cut the fruit up with me thinking that would get him to drink it better. We've been on the plan for 2 weeks now and I've tried not to be a Food Nazi and I have caved and allowed my kids to have things I know they shouldn't have like juice or milk with dinner or a slightly bigger snack than 1 block but they're wearing me down and it's been frustrating. We found a carbonated fruit flavored water they all love and they pretend it's pop but it contains aspertame.

Shaunna, I don't think it is a problem for your kids to have milk with their meals. Milk would count as a carb/protein block.

If I let them have milk then how do I subtract the carb and protein from the recipe? Other than giving smaller portions, which I know wouldn't go over well, how do I figure out the correct block ratios?

A glass of milk is a balanced block, unless it's 1% or skim milk (if it is, add fat to it). That said, I wouldn't get into blocks with the kids at this point, especially since you kids are not on board with changes. I didn't get formal with my kids about amounts, and mostly, their own choices worked out to be pretty Zone balanced. I don’t think it's that necessary for now, unless your kids have medical conerns you're trying to address with insulin control. IMHO, just getting used to their food changes is enough for them at this point. If you feel you have to bring portions into the mix, I'd suggest simply reinforcing the plate method with them.

Hi Shaunna,

I was a big diet coke drinker and found it very hard to leave it because of the low calories. Don't know if your kids will go for it but I found diet Snapple to be a wonderful alternative. I think it is zone friendly because what put me onto it was the zone protein powder came with quick drinks for it. Hope it helps.

I'm pretty sure Diet Snapple contains aspartame, which is not an artificial sweetener I've seen recommended for the Zone.

Hi Shaunna, I know it's been a while since you asked but...
Try this it's delicious http://www.zonediet.com/RESOURCES/A...fault.aspx