Hello,
I have read the blocks and I also have the soy zone book. However, I am still confused. Technically, fake meats, such as fake sausage or veggie burgers are counted as protein. However, I have also read that if there is fat in those items then we don't need to add the fat? Is that true? Does that mean if there are carbs or fat in these fake meat items that the number of carbs or fat should be subtracted from the carb and fat blocks?
An example: Boca Burger All American flame grilled has 120 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of carb, 14 grams of protein. So, to get my 20 grams of protein for a 3 block meal, I would need 1.5 burgers. But, I will also be getting 7.5 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carb. So, do I need to take that into consideration?
I am very motivated to lose weight on this diet. I have 30-35 pounds to lose.
Thanks!

"Technically, fake meats, such as fake sausage or veggie burgers are counted as protein. However, I have also read that if there is fat in those items then we don't need to add the fat? Is that true? "

You'd have to add 3 grams of fat for every 7 grams of protein. (refer to ** below)


"Does that mean if there are carbs or fat in these fake meat items that the number of carbs or fat should be subtracted from the carb and fat blocks?"

No, not usually. Only if there are significant amounts. Remember, you don't have to be exact to the gram; the Zone is a range.

Remember to subtract grams total fiber form total carb to get the insulin stimulating carb that is counted for the Zone. In your Boca Burger example, the fat is ok, a little extra is actually better because it will give better insulin control and will not interfere with the loss of stored body fat.(per Dr. Sears). There would be 9 grams C in 1.5 burgers, according to your posted stats. If there is no fiber in the burger, call it 1 block of C. If the burger contains significant fiber, then there's no need to count the C.

Have fun with it! You can see some veggie recipes in my meal photos (the photo in my signature, below, links to it).

**Here’s Dr. Sears explanation of Zone fat blocks (taken from MASTERING THE ZONE, page 292 and 293). It’s important to note that the fat blocks shown in the block lists in THE SOY ZONE contain 3 grams fat in each block. It’s because many of the vegetarian protein foods are fat free.

“Why is a fat block only 1.5 grams?
Every block of low-fat protein contains approximately 1.5 grams of “hidden fat”. Therefore, by adding one extra fat block (which is defined as 1.5 grams of fat) for each block of low-fat protein, you are actually consuming 3 grams of fat or two blocks (one internal in the protein and one external) for each protein block. If you are using fat-free protein sources, such as isolated protein powders, then you should be adding two blocks of fat to achieve the same ratio. Obviously, if you are eating higher fat protein choices, you would not be adding any extra fat blocks to your meal. Remember that every time you add additional fat blocks to a meal, they should be composed primarily of monounsaturated fat.”

Common fat free proteins eaten on the Zone diet are egg whites, protein powder, fat free dairy products, some deli-style meats, and some soy products.

Thanks Sue for your response. I find that I am a bit overwhelmed with trying to make sure that I have the right balance in my meals. But, it will probably be easier over time.
Thanks,
Dana

I'm happy to help Dana! You'll find it becomes very easy with a little more experience. :-)

With the exception of veggie burgers (check them becasue some vary in size and some contain a lot of added carb), easiest will be to stick with the block lists in THE SOY ZONE, where it's figured out for you already. You don't have to be exacting to the gram to be successful.

I've had a lot of the same questions! Just starting the diet in conjunction with a fitness challenge. The first day - I was taking all three components (Fat, Carb, Protein) into account from every item - which contradicts the lists that I have (cottage cheese = 1 protein) and I just really want to get the best results that I can and not butcher the diet! With that in mind, if it's on the list of only a carb, protein, or fat - is it safe to only count it for that one thing? Also from the label of a food that's not on the pre-done list of foods how do I know if it's a combination of components or just counts for 1 section / mini block?

Hi Faye,

The block system was designed to yield Zone balanced meals when you follow the simple instructions. Take low fat cottage cheese as an example. The majority of macronutrient content of most cottage cheeses is protein. The carbohydrate it contains is an insignificant amont, usually a coupel graqms, nto necessary to consider. The fat it contains is about half of the fat needed for one completely balanced block of P, C and F (the other half of the fat needed for Zone balance is in the fat block we add).

When reading labels, if a food contains less than half a protein block (<3 or 4 grams protein), less than half a carbohydrate block (<4 or 5 grams of carbohydrate after you subtract the total fiber from the total carbohydrate) or an insignificant amout of fat (a few grams or less), it would not be necessary to count. When balancing a meal from a label each fully balanced block of P, C and F should contain approximately 7 grams protein, 9 grams insulin stimulating carbohydrate (total carbohydrate minus total fiber) and 3 grams of fat. A three block meal would contain approximately 21 grams protein , 27 grams of insulin stimulating carbohydrate and 3 grams of fat.

I prefer the "Zone At a Glance" method for making Classic Zone meals. It's much easier and it works great. You can find it here: http://www.zonediet.com/tools/zone-classic

Sue, a little mistake - it is 9 grams of fat per a complete three block meal

Bozena's correct, 9 grams of fat. Sorry for the typo.

Thank you! That really helps