Hello everyone! I'm brand new! I just started the Zone yesterday morning after being on Atkins for over 3 years. I had lost 35 lbs, but then have basically had to eat no more than 20 carbs a day for the last year because I've been on such a plateau. I can't lost another pound unless I "jump start" myself by doing a 3 to sometimes 5 day meat fast. That works, but I know it's not healthy. Also, I just got my cholosterol results back after donating blood a few weeks ago and the reading was 234! That seems high to me. I'm 29 years old, 5' 6" and weigh 124. I exercise on my elliptical cross-trainer 4-5 times a week and weight train 2-3 days a week. So, I'm looking for a healthier way of life now, so I read a couple of the books and jumped right in. Now I have a couple of concerns: (1) The Zone requires you to eat so much darn food!!! :!: I get so full! And, (2) Will I start gaining weight since I've basically gone "cold turkey" from Atkins to Zone :?: One last thing. I made a smoothie this morning with 20 gr un-sweetened whey protein powder, 2 cups frozen peaches, 1 cup strawberries, and water and a sprinkle of Splenda for sweetner. Now, I just realized I forgot my fat. Will this hurt me :?: Please advise! I really don't want to gain any weight and have to turn back to that unhealthy "Dr. Fatkins" to see results. I also don't really understand how eating this much food when I'm not used to it can help me lose weight. Should I drop from 3 block meals to 2 :?: Thanks!

When I moved to the Zone from Atkins I didn't lose or gain for a couple of weeks and I found the quantities large too. I kind of eased into it - that is I raised the carbs over that couple of weeks whilst lowering the fat/protein till I got to the right proportions.(I'd been sitting on 25g carbs for ages) I also still eat more meals so they are smaller. I'm still happier with lots of 2 block meals rather than 3 interspersed with the one block snacks. Some people do put on weight but but your body will adjust. You can add some less favourable carbs to decrease the quantity (eg put carrot in your soup) and make use of chick peas and oats. That way the meal size is smaller. I also go to the recipe sites to get ideas. Careful of your tummy too - it's not used to so much vegetable matter ROFL. That also applies to the different sort of dairy you are eating now too. The up side is going into paroxysms of delight over half a crunchy apple or the chick peas. Do a search on Atkins at DrSears.com too - there are some question in 'Ask Dr Sears', for instance, about his diet and Atkins, as well as quite a few posts on this.

Thanks for the insight. I'll definitely try to experiment with reducing the blocks of my meals. Hopefully that will help. I'm glad this board exists b/c I know I'll have a lot more questions...It's difficult to change eating habits after such a long time.