I just want to say hello to everyone, I have been over at the Zone message board waiting in vain to connect with anyone, its a very slow board!!! Then I discovered you guy's, and I can't wait to connect with someone, I think support is such a huge part of this. I have lost 29 pounds since February 2nd, and I'm going strong!! I torture myself daily on my treadmill for 90 minutes. (for 60 I go as fast as I can, then the remainder of the time is all about slowing down.) I have a theory that it will either kill me or make me thinner!! I'm still not sure which one! I now weigh 206.5 and my goal weight is 140-150, I think I may reach it around October. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and behaved themselves like I did. Just wanted to say Hello to everyone and best wishes in your weightloss, we're doing it you guy's!! The Determined One, Robin

Hello Robin, I am new to the Zone and this forum, just on my third week. But I have found the forum VERY helpful, lots of nice folks willing to share knowledge and support. WOW, 90 minutes is a really long time! I am sure it is helping your efforts alot. I have a difficult schedule, in that I commute an hour each way, work a desk job, have an additional freelance business that requires up to several hours a day, and also have a teen son and 2 big dogs to attend to at home. SO, not alot of free time. Having said that, I TRY to fit in at least a walk with my dogs every day, which since they are so big and naughty is not the best aerobic exercise, I spend most of my time pulling back to restrain them (husky blood, they LOVE to pull) and also I try to take an additional 3.5 mi brisk walk for a total of 5 miles a couple times a week, and I have a Bowflex at home that I try to hit at least 2-3 times a week for 30-40 minutes or so for weight-bearing exercise. I generally take a day off a week too. It sounds as if you are on the right track, and you didn't ask for my opinion, but, If you find you aren't getting the results you want from your exercise, you MIGHT consider replacing a bit of your treadmill time with some weights, even starting doing things like squats with light hand weights, modified push-ups, etc. which will build muscle and ultimately make you burn more fat when you DO the aerobic stuff. (I don't know your age but as you probably know we lose our muscle mass as we age if we don't work at building it, which is ONE reason metabolism tends to go down with age and the weight sneaks on) Of course, at this point in your progress sustained aerobic work MIGHT be the best thing, since it's working, but if you should hit a plateau or something that is what I would try exercise-wise. Oh, and I shouldn't imply walking (or treadmilling) has NO weight-bearing benefits as it does. Well, welcome, and keep us posted as to your progress! ~Donna

Donna thank your for taking the time to reply to my post. Thank you for your advice, I do have a weight bench and free weights also, but I'm paranoid about trying something new while the treadmill is giving me a 2 pound loss a week. Last week it was 3 pounds and I don't know how the heck it happened, I just thought I would go with it!!! I'm 33 years old, and I want so much to change things. I can't even put into words how much The Zone has done for me already, I feel so fantastic - how do you feel? How is your progress coming? It sure sounds like your a busy Gal, but your doing it, you made the comittment to change things, and change they will!!! You Go Girl!! Hope to talk to you again, Robin

Hey Robin, I agree! Your treadmill work is obviously what you need right now. I am also feeling very positive about the Zone so far, this is exactly 3 weeks completed for me today. I lost a quick 4.5 pounds then stalled out, due to PMS water weight gain that would have been OK except I let it get me discouraged and I went off the plan for a few days...but, I have been back on track very diligently since sunday, and feel great. I can't wait until I have all the blocks totally figured out and such, as I still struggle with proper combinations at times, but this week I have had some great meals and I'm feeling energetic. Quitting coffee for the Zone was kinda a big deal for me but I have to say, I don't feel any lack of "get up and go" over it! My goal is 20 pounds more, which has crept on to me over the past 3 years apparently because of pre-menopause changes in my metabolism, the way my body handles stress hormones and insulin, etc. I am 46 but, I can really relate to where you are at at 33, when I was 33 I went through a big change (divorce) which got me exercising and I lost quite a bit of weight and toned up alot. I think early 30's are just great years and a great time to make positive changes, as you have confidence in yourself and the ability to harness alot of energy. Keep me posted on your progress, it sounds like you are getting dramatic results already! ~Donna

[quote:4f410bd342] but I'm paranoid about trying something new while the treadmill is giving me a 2 pound loss a week. Last week it was 3 pounds and I don't know how the heck it happened, I just thought I would go with it!!! I'm 33 years old, and I want so much to change things. [/quote:4f410bd342] I recommend going by how your clothes are feeling and waist measurements. If you are relying on the scale, you could be losing muscle which can happen with excessive 'aerobics'. This will hinder your fat loss efforts.

Scott thank you for your comments. It's so nice to have people give encouragement and support!! I wasn't worried about the 2 pound weight loss because I read the other day- a reply to a question from Dr. Sears himself. The question was is it possible to lose more than 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per week? And Dr. Sears said that the only way a person could lose more than that per week is if they are doing serious excercise, then it would be 2 pounds. I figure 90 Minutes of hard core treadmilling applies to that!! lol They say that the proper way to lose weight is between 1-2 pounds per week, so I wasn't worried, I was just pleased I was at the maximum. My clothes feel extremely loose, but I do wish my stomach would catch up to my legs. I have been thinking it was time to incorperate something new in there as well to even things up a bit. I really am scared to lose the 2 pound loss a week, I should be the weight I want in October..... Robin

Hi Robin, as much as I understand that you are anxious to reach a goal by a certain date, try not to get too hung up on that. You know, it's possible the weight loss WILL slow down at some point, especially as you get closer to your goal. The thing about weight work is that it does build muscle (in a way aerobic exercise doesn't), and tone is going to be increasingly important to you as more weight comes off. 2 people can both weigh, say 160, and one can look soft and a bit overweight and the other can look very toned and slimmer, this is what having muscles will do for you. I guess I would just suggest that you consider adding some weight work AT SOME POINT IF NOT RIGHT NOW. Meanwhile, keep up the good work! ~Donna

Well, I now weigh 202.5, but the scale thought about going lower today, and that's just fine with me!! I started to incorperate stomach exercises and lifting weights along with my everyday 90 minute treadmill exercise. I started to adjust the speed, in case my body was used to going a certain speed and just expected it. My legs are a size 18, but my stomach is in-between a 20 and 18!!! I still can't wear my size 18 pants- I have to wear my size 20 and I swim in them. Its so embarrassing because the crotch of the pants is literally down at my knee's, I look like one of those "Hip Hop" kids, people probably look at me and say, "Look at that 33 year old, trying to look like a kid!! Doesn't she know how foolish she looks?!!" Uh, yeah I do!!! So hopefully the stomach work and weights will help porportion me correctly. I really want to thank you guy's for all of your advice and support. You were right!!! Talk to you soon, Robin

[color=blue:fa84df506f][/color:fa84df506f] Hi, You can do it Robin. If I could, anyone can! When I lost all the wt, I didn't start with a goal in mind. I began changing my diet to be healthier, and came upon the Zone after I'd already begun losing. It was very much like what I had already been doing so I knew it worked. Finding the Zone helped me fine tune things and feel even better. It helps to change activities you do for exercise every couple mos. Shaking thinks up seems to prevent your body from getting into a rut. I was a size 20- 22(and too tight in the waist) and went to a size 8. Just take things one small step at a time. Those small steps really begin to add up after a while. If you need anything , just ask. I'd be glad to help. Sue :D

Sue, thank you sooo much for your kind words, that means so much to me. I found out the other day that I managed to sort of Robinize the Zone- for my meals I eat 1 block protien, 1 block fat, and 3 blocks of carbs!! I can't believe I managed to screw that up, but there is no way I can go back to eating the other way, its just too much food, sometimes I can't even finish my meals the way they are now. Crazy, huh?!! I honestly don't know how I did it!! I think its embarrassing. Today I got on the scale and saw it was 2 and 1/2 pounds lower!!! I now weigh 200 pounds and I started crying as soon as I saw that. I haven't been 200 pounds for about 5 years. My goal weight is 130, I think if I did the calculations correctly, I will be there in December, Merry Christmas!! I sort of started doing my own thing- I created a "Bad Carb Day" On this day I have like a small piece of pizza, a bun, or a pizza pop with the rest of my meal. I usually do this at lunch time so I exercise either before or after I eat. I have a bad carb day every third day, today was one, the next one is on Friday. I stick to the Zone hard core, I never have anything outside of the plan until at that one mealtime. I have lost 34 and 1/2 pounds since February 2nd. I lost a total of 46 and 1/2 total though. I also take High blood pressure pills and hope I can stop them soon- I have an appointment with my internist on the 30th, and I hope he say's I can stop. I also have created a little tradition- every 20 pounds I lose I wear an outfit that didn't fit me before, and I go out for lunch, and have what ever I want. Then its back to the next 20 pounds. I have 5 and 1/2 pounds to go before my next celebratory meal, but who's counting?!! I hope we can talk soon, I would love your opinion on how I changed things around. I think the Zone is incredible and its a wonderful way to live, it just makes sence to me. You have to find a way of doing things that fit you, or it won't work. I lose an average of 2 pounds per week, sometimes its over by half a pound. I'm trying not to get too excited about it and put a time table on it, that's the worst thing I could do. 70 more pounds to go!! YIKES :oops: Sounds aweful when you say it out loud. Thanks Sue, Talk to you soon, Robin

The Determined One said: [color=green:57ede542ac]My legs are a size 18, but my stomach is in-between a 20 and 18!!! I still can't wear my size 18 pants- I have to wear my size 20 and I swim in them. Its so embarrassing because the crotch of the pants is literally down at my knee's, I look like one of those "Hip Hop" kids, people probably look at me and say, "Look at that 33 year old, trying to look like a kid!! Doesn't she know how foolish she looks?!!" Uh, yeah I do!!! [/color:57ede542ac] The smile you read is that of recognition...I, too have some pants from my previous size that I wear around the house, as I only have one pair in the next size down to wear in public. They, too, have the crotch that hangs down to my knees. The good thing about them is, if I have to go to the bathroom in a hurry, all I have to do is slide them off. It's MUCH faster than having to undo everything. :wink: Hang (no pun intended) in there, your size will come. Until then, maybe get a belt? Joan

Joan Thank You so much for your comments --It sure helps to know I'm not alone!! And also that the next size down is on its way.... Sometime!! I wish the belt would fix things but it wouldn't, not really anyway. My stomach still thinks I'm a 20 but everything else, including my butt thinks we have moved on to an 18. Come on stomach, get with the program!!! I got cocky with yesterday's 2 1/2 weightloss to try the jeans on. Nope still don't fit. It'll come, but I would like a date when!!! I have started stomach exercises with my daily 90 minute treadmill, my stomach is sore, so I know I'm doing them right!! I would love to hear about you, how are you making out? We're getting it done!!! Robin

:D I love your attitude. 90 minutes a day on the treadmill!!!!!! :shock: I bow to your fortitude. I can barely summon the resolve to go 30 minutes...actually while I'm on isn't the problem, it's just the trip getting there that is an effort (purely psychological). Our shapes are different...while I do have a pot belly, most of my "accrued interest" is in my hips and thighs and butt. So my waist is smaller, but getting skirts or dresses to look good, REALLY accents the wrong things (think: WIDE LOAD). :P I've just followed A Week In The Zone for four months now, taking the 8th day off for some other zone recipes. Do you know how lucky we are to be on this diet? To have FRUIT with just about every meal AND a variety to choose from! Having been on 3 fruit restrictive diets since '91, I really enjoy those apples, pears, oranges, berries, and peaches. Of course, being insulin sensitive does help in that area. And the muffins! And pancakes! And chili! And lamb! (NO diet has lamb!!!!!) And pizza! And even a reuben sandwich!!!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The only real problem is the measuring: for 1- 3 block Zoner and 1- 4 block zoner, in order to make the muffins, I have to do 2 dozen. I even wanted to have a different one (we're allowed 3/meal), so that involved making 6 dozen at a time (and freezing them). I always say, if you have to make a mess and clean up, make it worth your time. My highest weight was 249, but most of the time (since around '86) has been 238. It sure is nice seeing some numbers that haven't (and really shouldn't have) been seen for awhile. I'm down to 194 today. I was on Metaforim 2x/day, but got nauseous after being on them for a month. It was bizarre having morning sickness when there was no way I was pregnant. Well I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can do more than just look at those size 18s! Keep us informed when you do, although chances are we'll hear your screams before then! :wink: Joan

[quote:01b89a990f="The Determined One"] I hope we can talk soon, I would love your opinion on how I changed things around. I think the Zone is incredible and its a wonderful way to live, it just makes sence to me. You have to find a way of doing things that fit you, or it won't work. I lose an average of 2 pounds per week, sometimes its over by half a pound. [/quote:01b89a990f] Hi Robin, Congrats to you on your progress and efforts! I do have some thoughts about your situation. You may not like what I am about to say say, but since you asked for my opinion, I'll be honest (Sorry!). It's a little difficult for me to be this critical, but here goes. In reviewing the info you've been posting in this thread, I doubt that you are really in the Zone. I share the concern already voiced by Donna and Scott in regards to LBM. You have lost about 35 lb in 12 weeks. This is twice the maximum to be expected for a person who's in the Zone. I know you're already aware of the wt loss to be expected in the Zone and, as you can see, yours exceeds the maximum. This type of wt loss in 12 weeks almost certainly includes loss of LBM and is unlikely to be permanent weight loss. It is detrimental to your long term goals because with the loss of LBM you are reducing your body's ability to burn energy. Have you been monitoring your LBM? If not I suggest you do so . The Body Fat Calculator on this site can be used for this purpose. As the pounds go down on the scale you'll want to see your LBM stay the same or increase, but [b:01b89a990f]not[/b:01b89a990f]decrease. Your "Robinizing" of the Zone is essentially keeping you out of the Zone entirely. Meals of 1P, 3C,1F are not Zone meals. Not even close. Frankly, I don't see that an additional 2/3 tsp of oil and 2 oz of meat or fish (those would balance the meal) would make the volume of food in the meal too much. You are starving your body of protein by following the plan you've devised. The result includes loss of LBM, hence your large amount of wt loss in a relatively short time. Your "bad carb day" every third day is adding insult to injury. While I see the need to enjoy what you eat, by doing so in this way, you are not reaching the Zone. If you need to eat that pizza pop or whatever, try it once a week and Zone it. Have it as all the carb in the meal, rather than as an addition to the meal. The fact that you exercise before or after that meal is not negating the damage done by the excessive amount of unfavorable carb. Get creative and find delicious fun meals that are favorable and Zone balanced. That's the way I find it easy to stay in the Zone. Some of my favorites are nachos, enchiladas (see Ronica's recipe), chocolate tofu with cherries, Buffalo chicken breast chunks, etc. (Search this site to find the recipes in past posts.). Your exercise is the other component that might be working to your disadvantage. Depending upon how fast you are doing the tredmill you may be keeping your cortisol levels elevated to a level which will be detrimental to your zoning. After 45 min of strenuous exercise cortisol levels will rise to a level sufficient to impact zoning. I suggeat you split your tredmill workout into two 45 min walks a day if you wish to do 90 min. Dr. Sears has written that diet plays a much larger role in helping you reach theZne than exercise does, although it is important to get exercise. I fully agree with Scott that excessive aerobic exercise can work against your efforts. As Donna has mentioned it is good to also incorporate strength training into your plan to retain LBM. Just remember to start slow. In closing, I have one last tip to offer. I would consider this to be the best info I can give. Rather than focusing on your wt loss, redirect your energy and focus on doing whatever you can to put yourself solidly in the middle of the Zone. Enjoy what you eat (only eat things that you really love), how you eat, and when you eat, and most likely, you won't feel the need to indulge every third day. Best wishes! Sue :D

Boy, don't hold back Sue- I got blasted!! I have to disagree with you on if I'm in the Zone or not - from everything I have read about the feelings you have when your "In the Zone" I am, its like they are describing me. I read a question and answer from Dr. Sears himself saying that it is normal for a person to lose up to 2 pounds a week if they are exercising hard, I am. Other diets say its normal, healthy and safe for you to be losing 1-2 pounds a week, I have heard that for years, so I wasn't worried about my healt-Just proud of my determination and progress. My "Bad Carb Day" 1 meal in that one day. I do count it as a carb. I surround it by Zone favorable foods as well. I don't feel I am hurting myself because you can have 1/2 a bun with a hamburger for lunch in the Zone. I don't have any bad carbs any other time, just that 1 time every third day. By exercising before or after the meal I am burning the calories because my body is still working hard at burning calories. I don't feel the need to indulge every third day, I'm just allowing my body to have 1 bad carb every third day. Thank you for your comments and candor Robin

Joan, thank you for all of the wonderful things you said to me. 194?!! You Go Girl!!! You should be so proud of yourself, I am!!! Keep up the good work and please let me know how your making out, I would love to know!! If you ever need support, email me, I'm there for you!! Robin

I will! :wink: Joan

[quote:a1e2d2169f="The Determined One"]Boy, don't hold back Sue- I got blasted!! I have to disagree with you on if I'm in the Zone or not - from everything I have read about the feelings you have when your "In the Zone" I am, its like they are describing me. I read a question and answer from Dr. Sears himself saying that it is normal for a person to lose up to 2 pounds a week if they are exercising hard, I am. Other diets say its normal, healthy and safe for you to be losing 1-2 pounds a week, I have heard that for years, so I wasn't worried about my healt-Just proud of my determination and progress. Robin[/quote:a1e2d2169f] Hi Robin, You asked my opinion, and I stick by my post. You may feel in the Zone, but there is no way I can see that the "Robinized" (your term) plan you are using (meals of 1P, 3C, 1F) will get you into the Zone. Yes I've read Dr. Sears advice of a 1 to 2 lb wt. loss many times. In your April 27 post you stated you'd lost 34.5 lb since Feb 2. This works out to be about 3 lb a week. Sue

3 pounds a week?!!! Yay me!!!! WOOOOO, WHOOOOOO!!!! :D