Hi everyone! I just got the mastering the zone book and I'm trying to figure out all of the calculations. I understand that you need 4 blocks of protein, fat, and carbs, and also 2 snacks worth 1 of something (please tell me what! haha) What I don't understand is how 1 formula can fit all. Does everyone from a 500 pound person to a 150 pound person need to go by the same forumula? And how do you find out how many blocks are worth what? And is there a table in the book that I'm missing that tells you that? I know I should read the whole book but I already have soooo much to read since I'm in law school! ahhh help.

Hey wannabe! Welcome to the Zone. Everyone is different and the Zone addresses how to find your prescription. If you go to the tools section of the www.drsears.com website, you'll find a fat calculator. That will give you your blocks for each day. It depends on your weight, size, gender, activity level, etc. Then you start out with a 30-30-40 balance, and see how each meal makes you feel. Then you adjust the ratio depending on how you feel after 3-4 hours.... I can never remember what the test is, but it's in all the books, I think. I know it's in a week in the Zone (mine is loaned out right now or I'd go look :) ) Even if you start with the protein the size and thickness of the palm of your hand, and fill the rest of the plate with vegetables and a piece of fruit for dessert, you'll be well on your way. (Use a dessert sized plate for snacks). You can get the Reader's Digest version of the Zone from the getting started link on the www.drsears page... Enjoy! Robbin

I just started a little over a week ago. It seems confusing at first, but does get easier as you go along. One suggestion someone gave to me ... Go to the Zone Resources section of this web site and print the Food Block Guide. Keep it handy in your kitchen so you can refer to it when making your meals. This has helped me a great deal to get a feel for what constitutes "1 block" of protein, fat or carbs. Good Luck!