Yesterday was my first day, and it was hard! I ended the day with a horrible headache. Not sure if it was from sugar withdrawal or from not eating enough..I did make a few mistakes, ie: coffee with cream and agave in it.
So I have a few questions that came up: How many vegtables are too much? and are all cheeses ok, as long as they are low fat? Particularly cheddar I love.Also, I am having a little trouble determining my protien quantity each meal. The examples I have read says 15 blocks.. But, MY block allowance is only 11. Is that still 3 oz protein each meal, and 1 oz each snack, or am I confused.
I am going to purchase another book,(I only have a week in the zone) can anyone suggest one more that is really helpful?
Thanks to any who can clarify a few things for me!
-Jacquie

Good job, starting. Don't fret over any mistakes. Zone is more of a life-style than a diet. It is not exact, block requirements are a guide.
Some find it best to be strict with Zone for first week or two, and then adjust to see how they feel and what puts them out of the Zone. However, the Zone allows for off meals - the main idea is that your next meal/snack is zoned.

You can not have too many vegetables, (vs. fruits or other fav carbs.)
As long as the amount of Vegetables does not exceed your block requirement for the day. But trying to fill a block with say lettuce for example - at about 10 cups per block, is hard to do.

As far as blocks of Protein, Carbs, and fats - they must be balanced. You do not have to have 3 blocks at meals and 1 block snacks. A 12 block requirement, for instance, can be eaten as six 2 block meals/snacks throughout the day.

As far as your specific requirements, there is the Zone calculator on this website, that can help you determine the ideal number of blocks for you. (I don't recall the exact location, but it used to be under Tools, it is probably under Resources.)

Others will be chipping in to your query with additional, and more specific info. Blessings . . .

jacquie, go to the Zone Food Blocks tab in Quick Start Guide (link at right in Helpful Tools). It will answer most fo you questions. Yes, youe' correct about 3 protein blocks at meals and1protein block at snacks for the average person who's requirement if 11 blocks daily.

Yes, any variety of lower fat cheese is better for the Zone than a full fat cheese.

The best books to read next would be TOXIC FAT and THE ANTI-INFLAMMATION ZONE.

You'll usually never be able to eat an amount of favorable veggies in one meal that is too much.

thanks. today went a little better...
What do you drink on the zone diet? All i have had is water... I am usually a huge milk and tea person. I havent come across anything to read on that...

You can drink milk and tea. Be sure to count the P, C and F in the milk toward the P, C and F in your meal or snack.

I drink water, Poland Springs flavored carbonated water, green tea and la large variety of herbal teas.

Second night in a row now-horrible headaches. So, I have been trying to determine what is inducing them, and I think its the red wine I have been having with my cheese both nights. I think its too much and really is affecting my blood sugar levels. Normally I drink this dry red while I cook, then eat a big meal, but alone with some cheese, I don't think my body can handle it...
I am having serious cravings for sweets each night, and that seemed to suffice. Now what do I do?!

OK, so I just found what you were talking about under the quick start guide...THANK YOU!
I have not been eating enough. This morning in desperation to stay on track, but still afraid of last nights headache coming back, I threw together what I thought to be the correct recipe for the veggie omelet listed on page 65 of "a week in the zone". I even used just the egg whites(something I have never done before)!! I used 4 whites, 1/2 cup asparagus and seasonings. I also threw about 1 T of goat cheese in there cause it didnt seem like enough. and had 3/4 cup strawberries. Now that I read it, I see there were alot more veggies and Can. bacon I could have eaten.
I am so hungry/shaky by my next meals/snacks I find I mess up alot!
Another thing I don't quite understand is for snacks, if I do 1 protien(low fat mozz stick) and 1 carb(1/2 a pear), do I still add fat in or isn't that in the cheese? I haven't been adding in the fat, but what I read last night made me question it...like I should add like 3 almonds...
This is hard, I find my headaches and thinking clarity is really being affected! I think I need to read, read, read more before I cook or prepare anything else. If only I have the time...

jacquie, feeling hungry and shaky points to the need for better Zone balance. For now add the fat block even with the cheese snack. Your cheese might have enough fat, but extra fat will help you fornow. It won't interfere with you losing stored body fat. Yes, read more about it, and in the meantime, stick with it, keep trying. You'll get there.