Hello, I have been on the Zone for five months now. I have lost a great deal of weight, but my energy still seems low. I used to use the Zone bars, but for the past three months,I've been using the Omega Bars. Am I the only one that feels hungry still after consuming an Omega Bar? I will do fine in the day, but when 8 pm hits, I'm craving for sweets and carbs. I'm not sure what to do anymore. Should I stop the Omega bars and start preparing whole foods instead? I'm just stuck and don't know what to do.

Hi, They may not work for you, but before we come to that conclusion I have some questions. How many do you eat in a day? When are you eaing them? How many hours go by before you get the cravings? Are you aware that one bar is two blocks? If you're using them as a meal a 3 block meal would be 1 1/2 bars, and a 4 block meal would be 2 bars. Are the other meals in your day all Zone balanced, and do they include no more than a block of unfavorable carb per meal? Has all your weight loss been from stored body fat only (NOT a decrease in LBM also)? The fact that you have low energy and get hungry at night, leads me to suspect that your overall Zoning habits may need a little fine tuning. Sue

I eat 1 omega bar for a meal replacement. I'm a college student and work, so I've been using the omega bars for my meals. I skip my snacks at times and other times I eat my snacks. At first I was losing fat, but after time, my muscle began to decrease. I'm sure that is because I was not eating all my zone meals and running and lifting weights six times a week. I do agree with you, my zone does need fine tuning. I miss Korean food, but I'm so caught up with the balance. I guess I decided to just eat the omega bars instead. Most Korean food is eaten with rice, but I don't eat rice. If I eat the meal without rice, I'm still hungry since the meal were meant to be eaten with rice. I think I need to adjust and juswt start cooking. Thank you for your advice though.

[quote:d72a882689="asianbeauty_kp21"]I eat 1 omega bar for a meal replacement. I'm a college student and work, so I've been using the omega bars for my meals. I skip my snacks at times and other times I eat my snacks. At first I was losing fat, but after time, my muscle began to decrease. I'm sure that is because I was not eating all my zone meals and running and lifting weights six times a week. I do agree with you, my zone does need fine tuning. I miss Korean food, but I'm so caught up with the balance. I guess I decided to just eat the omega bars instead. Most Korean food is eaten with rice, but I don't eat rice. If I eat the meal without rice, I'm still hungry since the meal were meant to be eaten with rice. I think I need to adjust and juswt start cooking. Thank you for your advice though.[/quote:d72a882689] Hi, You would have to eat 1 1/2 or two bars to replace a meal. Two people in my family happen to be Korean, so I'm very familiar with Korean food. You can easily Zone it by changing the type of oil used, and by either dropping the rice (or noodles) or having no more than one little spoonful with each meal. I realize it would not be the traditional way of putting the meal together, but it can easily be done. Make sure you fulfill your protein requirement daily to assure you don't lose more LBM. Sue

I'd have to agree with Sue. Watch the balance in your meals. I'd also have to say make sure you're using the bars as a replacement, (when you're in a pinch). A zoned meal is going to fill you up more than the bars themselves. If you're losing body mass, it's not because you're not exercising or lifting. The zone was designed to help you lose fat, and build muscle. I can say that confidently because since beginning the zone in March, I've been to my gym no more than four times and I've gained body mass (not that I'm an advocate for not exercising), but the zone works even if you're not working out. Just make sure you're eating the correct amount of protein blocks and that you're spacing them pretty evenly throughout the day.

Wow, Jenny May, that is really impressive, from a size 22 to a size 14 in 6 months. You give me hope! I'm in a 24 so by spring I could possibly by a size 16! That's fabulous to think about but I know that I won't necessarily get results as good as yours. Since I'm only in my 3rd week though and I'm still learning how to get "in" the zone, you motivate me to be very careful with my meals. Eve

Hi Eve, Remember, that there are other easy ways to pack a zone meal that aren't bars. I pack a lunch and snacks every day (I teach elementary and middle school Band) that don't require cooking. Sometimes I do nuke my broccoli (add 1 t. water and some season salt when you pack it, nuke for 3 min.--voilà!! Steamed Broccoli!!!), but you can eat it raw, too. Here are some easy ideas that fit in a small sack: Protein: lunch meat (turkey, ham, lean roast beef, etc.), cheese, cottage cheese, string cheese for snacks Fat: Olives or nuts (I use those little snack size bags for these) Carbs: Fruit (I find apples hold me longest), veggies (you can buy bags of broccoli florettes at the grocery store, or cherry tomatoes, cauliflower florettes, etc.), whole rye bread (like the European breads--looks like dark corkboard but tastes great with ham and cheese!!!) Stock up on zippie bags and Glad Ware, and you're good to go. These are all things that you can eat while studying, typing on the computer, or even in a meeting if your colleagues don't mind. Good luck! Ronica

Hi, I find that the Zone bars are great when I'm rushed for time and I need something quick to hold me over until a meal. So, I guess I eat one for a snack. They hold me over, especially when I drink a glass or two of water after eating the bar. (I tend to HAVE to drink water after a bar!!) :o

[quote="jennymay"] "If you're losing body mass, it's not because you're not exercising or lifting". Actually she said that she is running and lifting weights 6x a week. I'd say the problem is you are skipping meals. Not eating snacks and eating a zone bar (2blocks) for your 3 block meals is really what is getting you in trouble. I would say that you have a very good idea to start cooking. You will feel so much better once you eat the proper amount of food. Also, make sure that you are taking your strenuous exercise into account when calculating your meals.