I used to say there was no-one who knew more about dieting, and who did less about it, than me! Well, I am completely new to the Zone forum, and in fact to the "diet" itself! It seems that even with my six decades tucked under my (increasingly hefty) belt, there are a million things I am not even aware of in the weight-loss field.

I was chatting to my son on skype this morning (he's a fitness trainer in Australia) and he sent me a link to the Zone. (He says he's told me about it twice before... add an addled brain to my increasing corpulence..!) So I have spent the morning on the site, trawling through the forums. I now have a pretty good idea as to how the day's menus should be formulated, and this is where my THANKS comes in. John, Cranberrycat and Sue are absolutely amazing with their patient, detailed and incredibly detailed replies to all and sundry. I can't believe how generous you three have been with your time, and I want to thank you for that AND ask for some advice of my own! I am absolutely sure one or more of you will have answered the questions I am about to pose, many times before, but I need a short-cat to jump-start my plan!

Why, when eggs are included on the blocks, can't one use a simple plain egg every now and then? I really think I won't be using whites of egg only, despite this being the "better choice". And nowhere does anyone even MENTION a glass of wine, or whisky! Is this really beyond the pale? I see that "unfavourable carbs" do list alcohol, but no-one mentions how to tie it in to a (oh horror), daily schedule. Is this really a no-go area?

This is terribly trivial, I know, but after all these years, I am aware of my short-comings, and want a food lifestyle that can fit into a more or less normal life.

I love vegetables, I don't have a sweet tooth, and despite my questions about alcohol(!), I only want to know if one could have a glass of wine or whisky with dinner. I am sure a myriad of other questions will occur to me as I progress, but the forums and especially John, Sue and Cranberrycat have given me so much to think about.

Hi Claudia!

Thank you!

A daily glass of wine, yes! As you saw, it's unfavorable, 4 oz to a block, so best to drink it in moderation. You can fit wine into the C in a meal or try an evening snack of 4 oz wine and 1 oz cheese.

Egg yolk is rich in AA, (aka "toxic fat"). AA in the diet directly increases cellular inflammation, makes you fat, keeps you fat, and is not good for your long term health.

You can lead a very "normal life" with the Zone. I've been doing so for over 18 years.

Keep asking questions, it's a great way to learn. I'm happy to help!

Hey Claudia;
My wife and I have one glass of red wine (usually Merlot) almost daily as the 25% unfav carb with our dinner time meal.
(Though Pinot Noir is the best alcohol in terms of antioxidants, it is still unfavorable.)
But certainly doable and allowable in the Zone lifestyle.
.
P.S. Though not Zone favored, my wife and I do eat whole eggs, now and then,
BUT, we eat only our whole eggs from local, fully pastured, non-grain fed, non-antibiotic fed, non-hormone fed chickens.
Chickens need fresh air, protein from bugs, etc.

John and Sue - thanks so much! Your replies to everyone provide answers to every question - including my inane queries! I am off to the shops tomorrow to buy everything I need. I can't wait. I struggle to lose weight ( spent eight weeks doing the Atkins diet last year before I went to visit my daughter in London: I lost three kilos in the first three weeks - then not a gram more. I had my cholesterol tested the morning I left, and those numbers were fabulously good, but while I was assiduous in adhering to the program with scant results, my husband lost eight kilos, scoffing all sorts of "banned goods" on the diet!) I must admit, Gary Taubes in his book said there some unfortunates for whom the diet would not work...

I am so hoping I won't be like some of the people on the forums who found the Zone just did not work for them.

No worries, Claudia. See how it goes, and don't hesitate to adjust according to Zone instructions if needed (refer to the 4 hours hunger test in your Zone info).

Claudia,
My thanks to you for such a lovely compliment!

Wine-yes-in moderation. It does not work very well with me, but it might work just fine for other folks.

Egg yolks-yes-in moderation. This is a sticky issue in the Zone, as it focuses so heavily on the AA issues and anti-inflammation, sometimes to the extreme, IMO. So, if you want your egg yolks, you will likely need to moderate it and consider cutting other sources of AA. Google it or search the forums, and you may find references to the amount of AA in other animal protein/fats. The egg yolk gets a bad wrap for the AA content, and what is forgotten are the other benefits of the egg yolk.

Hi Cranberrycat,

I've been away, so I apologize for not posting earlier to thank you for your comments!
Apropos what you said about egg yolks, I have in fact been doing research, and it all seems to support what you say: their bad reputation is not warranted... I shall do a bit more work on this though.

Unfortunately, from my past dieting history, it might seem I should cut out the wine!

no worries! I have been on and off of this site, never seem to have a lot of time to visit.

Well glad to know that you are interested in it,I would suggest you to take food with limits i mean not too much fats not so much less.Eat healthy food like fruits and vegetables.
You should eat other things too but like once in a week so you can achieve your goal easily,Try not to go for any pills or supplements do natural.

Thanks Alex!

I'm so hoping something positive comes out of this... I feel like a babe in the woods!

Claudia, you'll do great!

For best results with the Zone diet, focus on avoiding omega 6 fats (sorry, that includes egg yolk too) and eating mostly vegetables for your carbohydrate choice. For optimal results overall with your health, your weight loss and you future health and well being, add Zone fish oil and the maqui berry polyphenol supplement. They work hand in hand with the Zone diet to lower cellular inflammation and turn back the hands of time with the aging process.

I'll be happy to help if you have questions.

Go for it!