Hi All, I, too, have checked out the body fat calculator and got an answer of 11 blocks/day. However, I also read that I'm not supposed to get very hungry and so 12-13 blocks a day is more normal for me (I get up at 5:30 a.m. to walk for 30 mins before work) otherwise it's too easy to start trolling for donuts or other assorted snacks! When I started Zoning I was around 154 lbs and I have dropped to a fluctuating 148-150 lbs but I've only dipped below that to 145 lbs for two days (ecstatic!) before abruptly shooting back to 149-150 lbs. ZP bars figure large in my snacking regimen, as do apples & peanut butter or cottage cheese. Meals are strict 3-block affairs eschewing grains for the most part. I may be a little light on carbs sometimes as salads are easy to wash and pack (leaf lettuce, chickpeas). Anyway, now that I've rambled on...should I be eating when I'm hungry? or eating a regimented times? Is this where I'm screwing up?? **sigh**

Hi, Have you assessed whether your hunger is focused or loopy, and adjusted appropriately? See the FAQS on this site or look in any Zone book under the heading "Adjusting Your Hormonal Carburetor" for info on how to adjust for hunger. Hunger means you have not managed to keep insulin levels within the Zone, but not necessarily that you need more food. Also check to be sure you are eating enough to fulfill your protein requirement. The Zone Perfect bars you mention could also be keeping you out of the Zone. Many people, myself included, cannot stay in the Zone with them. Try OmegaZone bars, which do work for most. Barry Sears holds a US partent on them in regards to insulin control. You may not be aware that the Zone Perfect company has nothing to do with Barrry Sears, nor does he endorse their products. He was connected to the company many yrs ago but is no longer. The ingredients and formulation of the currently available Zone Perfect bars are not the same as the original bars they used to sell. Sue

You've given me some good info to work on. I'm usually alert and hungry...ok so this must mean I need some more "favorable" carbs with my protein if I remember right. Thanks for the info on the Zone bars. They're fearsomely expensive and if they are sabotaging me I'm relieved to let them go. I appreciate the info, Sue!