Hello everyone! My husband and I are getting things together to start the Zone program! It sound great! :D I have a unique situation that I would like some input on. I work 12 hour shifts twice a week. I am up for a total of 24hours the first day I work ,and only sleep for about 5-6 hours, then go back for another 12 hour shift! :? How do I space out my 12-14 zone blocks in order to keep my insulin levels constant? I've tried it out on paper it might just work, but does anyone have any suggestions, or experience with this.. Any comments would be appreciated.... :wink: Thanks so much!!

Hello! Congrats on deciding to start on a path of healthy living! My suggestion to you would be to continue to eat meals and snacks at your regular block quantity (i.e. 3 block meals) and time intervals, for as long as you are up. Keep in mind that the Zone principles tell us to eat within 1 hour of waking and also going to sleep. And, you should not let more than 5 hours pass between meals or more than 1 1/2 -2 hours pass after a snack without eating. When I am up for longer than a typical 16-18 hour day I have additional meals and/or snacks. Your body needs the fuel to continue in the Zone. It has worked for me in the past. I am not sure about long-term, even if it is only 1 or 2 times a week. Someone will correct me if I am wrong :)

You might consider a mix of 2 block meals and 3 block meals. A 2 block meal should hold you for 4 hours, at least theoretically. Even if it's only 3-1/2 hours (which is my experience), that will stretch out your 12 blocks nicely. Just be sure to eat before bed and pretty soon after you get up (maybe those times would be 1 block snacks.) When I'm traveling to and from Asia, I get on the plane and start a 2 block meal schedule. I just keep doing that until I get there, which is usually some 20 hours later (including time in airports). It works pretty well. It sounds like that would work for your situation, especially if it's only 2 days a week.