Hi This is my third week in the Zone program. I'm very excited about the whole idea of this metabolic rebalancing diet, however I haven't lost any weight (actually I think I've put on a little). I do feel better and feel less tired than before, but I think I'm doing something wrong... I'm having 10 blocks day (according to the results I got from Dr.Sear's book). I bought a scale to measure my meals and follow the diet very carefully. For fat blocks is more complicated, if I'm having 8 floz skim milk, I would have 2 tsp slivered almonds. For lunch I usually have 1 tsp olive oil when cooking turkey(and 3 olives) , the same amount at night if eating chicken or fish (1 tsp). Are my fat blocks correct? I know I have to double their amount if I'm having low-fat protein...I don't know what I'm doing wrong :( I'm also going to the gym 5 days a week, for an hour each time (mainly cardio). I don't want to loose a big amount of weight, why is it so difficult? Every time I read about successful stories I get more motivated but isn't frustrating when you think it doesn't work for you? Btw, is decaffeinated coffee okay? Thank you for your help!

I'm sure some others can help you a little more than I, but I do not think you have your block count right. Minimum is 11 blocks, and with your activity level, you may need even more. Too few blocks makes your body think you are starving and therefore increases your insulin levels to store more fat.

JJ's right, 11 blocks minimum. I will go out on a limb and tell you to stay out of the gym that much. 5 hours a week of cardio will not burn fat as much as 20 minutes a week of intense weightlifting. That much cardio can actually make you hungrier and fatter. Drink 1% or even 2% milk instead of skim. Eat more almonds and olive oil. Yes, decaf should be OK if you take it black. I've just told you to eat more and exercise less. I hope that's good news. :D PS: The results are not necessarily visible. After 2 years on the Zone, I didn't gain or lose an ounce. But I had lost some fat, gained a little muscle, my clothes fit better, my face looked thinner....It's when I had a blood screening that I saw results (cholesterol dropped 94 points, triglycerides fell 80%) You'll feel better, have more energy, need less sleep, have more time. Stick to it.

Thank you both JJin and Adam for your quick answers! I had in fact this dilemma of total number of blocks as the 11 recommended is usually for the average american female (I'm not American, rather "petite" and light-built). In Dr Sears first book, where I did all the calculations for my daily food intake, the block count was also in accordance with height, weight and activity level (regardless of this new minimum of 11 blocks). I haven't found so far an explanation for that increase, namely from 10 blocks a day now I have to eat 11 :?: but at least now I can follow your suggestions! Certainly good news to eat more! :P I really enjoy going to the gym though (after work is very energizing for me). Would you recommend I should double my fat blocks intake at each meal and snack?

Just as a follow-up to my previous e-mails, this is the end of my 5th week and good news, I've lost 4 pounds! Now it seems easier for me to follow the Zone diet as I got used to the portions. I must say it was not that obvious at the beginning, I was hungry and it even promoted some binge episodes... however now I feel in balance: I increased one block of each to make it 11blocks a day (and more fat everytime I eat a fat-free protein). I also have my two snacks before and after exercising in the afternoon because I have dinner quite late (around 10 pm). This seems to work for me and I don't feel hungry anymore. I don't have that craving for carbs or just food (if I have dessert, I just eat 1/3 of a serving and count it as 1 block C), my nails are stronger, I don't feel sleepy in the afternoon,etc. So for all of you that are still waiting to see results on the third week, just wait! May be it helps to say not to be that strict from the beginning because you are adjusting to a new way of eating and I know it can be stressful when it doesn't go the way you expected. Once you become familiar with your blocks and when you find a suitable balance on how to distribute them thorughout the day, that's it! Just wait to see your weight drop.

Everyone is telling you correctly....and here's what my experience has been. I just recenlty started on The Zone, and love it! ...but in the past year I have lost 30 pounds and have 50 to go. Last May I joined the YMCA and began working out 3-4x per week, both a cardio session and a weight training session each time, usually followed by 5-7 laps in the pool too. I didn't lose ANY weight at first either -- but I measured myself and MAN was I losing inches! Between May and November I lost 25 pounds, and 18 inches overall...so try taking your measurements, because lean muscle takes up less room than fat. Good luck! Aggie