Does anybody know for sure what is the appropriate amount of protein needed by kids in each age group?For example,a 10 year old kid,how much protein/kg needs daily?

I started my son, age 11, on the zone a couple of months ago at 11 blocks. He's a very thin child to start with and he lost 4 lbs the first week which was something I really didn't want. Now I have him anywhere between 12-14 blocks a day and he's gained the weight back. He's currently involved in sports and from what I've read you should give children a couple of blocks extra for growth spurts. I've never found any specific information though.

I hope this helps.

Does anyone know other recipies for teens that dont involve as many nuts?

The average child before puberty needs about 15 grams of protein per meal with the appropiate amount of Fat and Carbs.
After puberty they should eat the same amounts as a typical adult.
This is to ensure more than adequate protein for growth spurs.
The one protein source that virtually every child will go for is string cheese, it's a good way to introduce more protein into yur child's diet.

I've just read Mastering the Zone and timing couldn't have been better.

Today my youngest son(age 14)got results back from bloodwork he had done. Not good, 216 cholesterol and triglyceride's at 176. He's 5'6" and 210lbs - he doesn't look that heavy since he's a big boned kid, even the pediatrician said he'll carry more weight due to his frame size, but does need to lose about 20lbs.

I'm wondering how many protein blocks he should be getting, while he's entered puberty is certainly isn't finished. Would the 15 blocks be suitable for him?

Hi Robin,

Use the adult Body Fat Caclulator to calculate P blocks for him (in the "Zone Tools" tab above), and use an activity level one or two higher than his actual. That will account for the extra blocks he needs for growth.

Also note that he block lists have been udated from those in the book you have. You can find the newer list here: http://www.drsears.com/foodblockguide.page

Hi, I have been trying to get my 17 yr old daughter in the zone now for almost 4 weeks. We did the calculations and it said she should do 3 blks a meal with two snacks. I keep asking her how she is doing, and she hasn't lost much weight. She also says she is hungry sometimes. She runs cross country, and her times have been improving. I have her take an extra tsp. of fish oil on days she competes. She weighs about 145, and she is 4'4". She really needs to lose her belly fat, and wants to slim her thighs for swim team. Bathing suit is an embarrassment. Should she be having more blocks? When she trains about every day she will run 3 or 4 miles.

Hi, i have a teenager, 15 year old boy, 6'1, and 150 lbs. Me and him have been on the zone for about a year now. And crossfit a year and a half. My son is on a twenty block meal, but still seems to have troble gaining weight. He seems to just stay around in that area of 150 lbs. He wants to gain more muscle mass, but is having trouble. He is improving on his crossfit workouts, but cant seem to gain any weight. I know it is harder for teens to gain weight in muscle, but should i feed him more? I myself am on a 20 block a day regimen too. And i am 210 and 6'0. I am also just maintaining weight there. I just need some advice on what to do. Thank you very much!

William, Taking in one extra block of protein(7g) per day will be more than adequate in his quest to add 1 extra pound of muscle per month, while maintainig his present activity level.