My wife and I recently started the zone. I feel good and haven't had any problems with being hungry or having any cravings. My wife on the other hand always seems to be hungry. She's used to eating quite a bit more food and not used to eating several times during the day. I don't know what I should tell her to do to help with feeling so hungry all the time. Since she really doesn't do any physical activity she doesn't get to eat that many blocks. I've been telling her if she wants to eat more then all she has to do is start being more active....lol. She says she's going to start walking again everyday like she did in the past. Any advice on what she should or can do to help?

Hi Bob,

Your wife should be eating a minimum of 11 blocks daily, whether or not she exercises (Dr. Sears set 11 as the minimum for all adults). 11 blocks is a lot of food, so maybe she is misinterpreting something. Many newbies feel it is too much food for them. If you'd like to post what she typically eats in a day I'll be glad to give my comments and suggestions. Without knowing what she's eating now, it would be difficult to give advice about what she could do differently.

Walking will be a great addition to anyone's daily activity. It probably wouldn't change your wife's activity level enough to increase her block requirement. Activity level changes for the average person would usually be prompted by the addition of strength training on a regular basis.

Congrats on your own Zone progress Bob!

Bob, it might not be quite as simple as starting to walk every day. Some folks have to turn their exercise upside-down before they "earn" extra blocks!

She should be eating at least 11 blocks, and if you encourage her to use more veggies, I guarantee you that she will have enough food!

Even at that, some people can eat a ton of veggies and feel full, yet be hungry again within 4 hours of their last meal (that would be me). So, sometimes a large volume of veggies coupled with some higher density carb, such as beans, will also do the trick.

Or, try to encourage her to drink. Fluid takes up volume, and may help her to distinguish between hunger and thirst. Believe it or not, some folks think they are hungry when they are really thirsty! Besides, it takes a lot of hydration in order to help with the fat metabolism, especially in the Zone.

Hope that is helpful!