For a three-block breakfast, I often eat the following:
1/2 dry oatmeal (cooked)
1 1/2 scoops of protein powder
9 chopped almonds

I noticed that the protein powder I use only has one gram of fat in the serving that I use. Should I be adding additional almonds to increase the fat content of this meal?

Thanks!

Ashley,

Yes, you would add one more block of almonds for each block of protein powder. I assume that is 3 blocks of protein powder in the meal you've posted, so you'd add another 3 blocks of almonds (9 almonds) for a total of 18 almonds. The amount of oats seems to be a bit off balance. For 3 blocks of steel cut oats, you'd use either 1 1/2 oz dry, or 1 cup cooked.

Thanks, Sue. I'll add those extra almonds. As far as oatmeal goes, I use rolled oats. So, I measure out 1/2 cup of oats and then microwaves with a cup of water. That's the correct amount for three blocks, right? Thanks again!

You're welcome. I don't know the amount of rolled oats per block. In case you're not aware, rolled oats are unfavorable carb. Steel cut oats and oat groats are the Zone favorable forms of oats.

Yeah, the only problem is that I live in a dorm, so I don't have a microwave. I've tried making the steel cut oats in the microwave, but it doesn't really work.

Ashley,
you are correct, you would need 1/2 cup of dry rolled oats to equal 3 blocks.

I have an idea on how to cook steel cut oats. It involves a crock pot--do you have one of those?

Ashley,
I've hearf of people "cooking" steel cut oats overnight in a thermos after adding boiling water. You may want to search the forums for thermos and see what you can find...unless someone else here can post the info. Hope that helps.

I have done that, cooked the oats in a thermos. I don't feel as if the texture really gets done, but it works fairly well.

Ashley,
I wonder if using oat bran instead of oats would make any difference, as far as the favorability goes? I mean, it would probably still be unfavorable, but perhaps "less" unfavorable?

Just a thought...

Another alternative, since you live in a dorm, is to eat 1/3 serving of the rolled oats, and then eat your other 2 blocks from fruit, like an apple.

Good suggestion cheril. I've cooked steel cut oats overnight in a thermos and it worked very well. I've found it works best when I use boiling water. Themos cooking is a very good suggestion for Ashley, because most dorms allow microwaves (Ashley might have a friend with a microwave who would let her boil the water), but usually don't allow small appliances, like crockpots, that contain actual heating units.

Well, I would not have guessed that crock pots weren't allowed in dorms. However, because dorm rooms are fairly small, I would wonder if one would have enough room for a microwave, anyway?

In either case, if she is able to get cooked old fashioned oats, then I bet there is a way she knows of to heat water to do the thermos system (unless she is using the oats from the cafeteria, which is quite possible).

Sometimes, we have to live within our means, and in this case, a microwave or a crock pot may not be possible in her dorm room. I would go with moderation on the oats, using less of them and adding an apple (or other piece of suitable fruit).

I am new to the zone. How many pounds is expected in the first 2 weeks?

Trisha

The amount one can lose in the first few weeks is very individual. Many first-timers will lose a bunch of "water weight", which can amount to many pounds. After the water weight is lost, the expected rate of loss should be around 1-2 pounds per week, but even that can be individualized if one is also gaining LBM.

Thanks so much for everyone's replies. I'm sorry to be so slow to respond-- I haven't logged in for a little while.

Crock pots are actually not allowed in my dorm, although I do have a microwave. I also have an electric tea kettle that I could boil water in. Getting a thermos is also a good idea. Or, maybe just eating less oatmeal and more fruit would be my best option, although I do love having something warm for breakfast in the winter.

Thanks again for everyone's comments. I really appreciate it!

You're welcome Ashley.

I am surprised that the electric tea kettle is allowed when the crock pot isn't! But, I guess they don't want to encourage students to run their crock pots all day, while gone to classes!

Anyway, you could easily use the electric tea kettle to boil the water, and then put the steel cut oats into the thermos, pour the boiled water over them, seal and let sit all night.

Enjoy!

Okay, thanks! I will definitely give that a shot. I appreciate your help.