I have heard conflicting information on how big a fat block is. I always thought it was the 1.5g that the Zone book says, but I have also heard that if you are counting your blocks by looking at the Nutritional Info on foods then you should use 3g? Has anyone else heard this conflicting info and what is the definitive answer?

Hi- Your fat blocks should be 3 grams. The confusion results from your protein source. If you are having a low-fat protein then it is assumed that there is about 1.5 grams of fat contained in every 7 grams of protein. You would then need to add just 1.5 grams of fat (and 9 grams carbs) to "zone" your low-fat protein. If your are having a non-fat protein then you would need to add a full 3 grams of fat to your 7 grams of protein (and 9 grams of carbs) to "zone" your non-fat protein. ~Michelle

[quote:e9f6d1ce51="yikerszikers"]Hi- Your fat blocks should be 3 grams. The confusion results from your protein source. If you are having a low-fat protein then it is assumed that there is about 1.5 grams of fat contained in every 7 grams of protein. You would then need to add just 1.5 grams of fat (and 9 grams carbs) to "zone" your low-fat protein. If your are having a non-fat protein then you would need to add a full 3 grams of fat to your 7 grams of protein (and 9 grams of carbs) to "zone" your non-fat protein. ~Michelle[/quote:e9f6d1ce51] And if your protein source, despite your best efforts, is not a lo-fat choice, then no additional fat may be required. BUt, remember the fat in the protein source is most likely saturated, and not the preferred healthy mono-unsaturated.

That being said, is it bertter to track your diet and and your blocks using the block guidelines found in the appendix of the Zone book or to follow the nutritional info on the foods. For example the zone book list natural peanut butter as a block of fat, but in actuality it also contains almost a clock woth of protein, at least the brand i buy anyway. Should i count it as a fat only? or a fat and a protein?

<<<< Definition of "Fat" and Common Terminology From: a_blacker on: 08/05/2003 at: 08:36 PM As per Jim's idea, a number of seasoned veterans (White Light, Scott, Sue, Jim and myself) have come up with this generic definition of what is a block and how much fat is in a block. A balanced Zone block contains: 1C + 1P + 1F If using the gram method a Zone block contains: 9g C + 7g P + 3g F If using the block method and eating a low fat protein source it is assumed that 1.5 grams of fat is hidden in each block (7 grams) of protein. A balanced Zone block is 1C + 1P + 1 mini block F This is broken down as: 1C = 9g carb 1P = 7g protein + (1.5g fat hidden fat) 1F = 1.5g fat In both cases the full fat quantity in the balanced block is always 3g (the hidden 1.5g fat in protein) and the added 1.5 g fat. Confusion is created when people use the term fat block in that it can be either 3g or 1.5g. To alleviate this confusion there are 2 methods: First, always list the grams in brackets so the intention is clear; and Second, always use the correct terminology. A full fat block = 3g A mini fat block = 1.5g If eating a non-fat protein source ie egg whites, protein powder, non-fat yogurt etc., one must add 1 full fat block or 2 mini fat blocks. If eating a high fat source of protein ie steak, bacon, salmon etc., no added fat is required. However, it should be noted that irregardless of the protein source, a standard 3-block meal should always contain 9g of fat, while a standard 4-block meal should always contain 12g of fat. Accordingly, please read labels. Anne-Marie White Light Scott Jim >>>>