I have a question about working out and eatin a zone snack 30 minutes before. Do we have to eat something 30 minutes before or can it be like 1 hour before? Also, since we are using a "snack" before and after working out, that does take place of the two snacks you are suppose to eat throughout the day? If so,I wouldnt' be able to eat my late nigth snack which is important. Correct me if I am wrong. (See below)

One more things, I am rereading "A Week in the Zone" and on page 184 it says that you are suppose to "eat a zone snack 30 minutes prior to exerciese....have another zone snack within 30 minutes after the [work out] and a zone meal no more than 2 hours later." If this is the case then I am SOL. I usually get up about 7:30, eat my breakfast, work out at 8ish and then have lunch at about noon. So am I really suppose to have a snack after my work out and then make sure to eat at 11? I am lost. ANd if I can't work out until say 9, I should use all my snacks for the day (since I can have 11 blocks a day)before and after I work out? If that is the case, then I wont be able to eat my zone snack before bed which is primary. Sorry, I am lost now.

Hi Alyssa!

The snack and meal timing recommendations in regard to exercise would give the best possible nutritional support to your workouts. But don't get too caught up in that if you can't manage the timing. As long as you're in the Zone prior to exercise and remain in the Zone after, it will be ok. Many people who exericse first thing in the monrning will eat one block of breakfast, then exercise, then eat the rest of their breakfast after. Another way to accomplish it would be to save a block of breakfast to eat after you exercise. Whatever you decide, it's important to eat the bedtime snack at night, so don't skip that in order to eat more during the day.

Sue,
Thank you for the response. I never thought about splitting the breakfast. You are just full of all kinds of wisdom. :)

You're welcome! My Zone knowledge is the result of lots personal experimentation and experience, and of helping others here in the Zone Forums. :)