Hi, My wife and I started the Zone diet on February 02, 2004 and I have lost 26 lbs, she has lost 22 lbs so far and we feel great!. I have done other diets in the past but none seemed to work, specially because I was always hungry and craving for carbs. My wife is prone to high insulin levels but ever since she started the diet she feels very good. Our weight loss rate is around 1 to 3 lbs/week for me and 1-1.5 lbs/week for her, we are now getting close to our "goal weight" so we are concerned that after that we might continue losing weight. We feel and look good and we want to keep it that way, we really do not want to lose more that we should. I have read some posting on this site that is not a "goal weight" but a "goal body fat%" that we (zoners) ought to seek. How much in this is true? :?: What is the real goal :?: Any replies will be greatly appreciated. FF

[quote:cfe78374c3] Our weight loss rate is around 1 to 3 lbs/week for me and 1-1.5 lbs/week for her, we are now getting close to our "goal weight" so we are concerned that after that we might continue losing weight. We feel and look good and we want to keep it that way, we really do not want to lose more that we should.[/quote:cfe78374c3] Once you reach your ideal bodyfat%, begin to add more fat blocks to keep from going lower. The fat should be primarily monounsaturated fat. [quote:cfe78374c3] I have read some posting on this site that is not a "goal weight" but a "goal body fat%" that we (zoners) ought to seek. How much in this is true? [/quote:cfe78374c3] Weight can flucuate depending on water retention, changes in LBM, menstrual cycles. Bodyfat% is a much better indicator of whether you are losing excess body fat. [quote:cfe78374c3] :?: What is the real goal :?: [/quote:cfe78374c3] For the average female-around 22%. For the average male-around 15%. It could be lower if you are involved in any type of athletic endeavor. Here are the guidelines: http://www.drsears.com/drsearspages...tcalcu.jsp

What I found interesting in my experinece was that I lost the 8lb that I was over weight and then I just stopped loosing weight!! ( went 1lb lower and then bounced back up again) My % body fat is spot on 22% and their it settled and stayed. Back at my normal body weight. Any one else found this? cheers top

[quote:26830d3ae4="TopBoffin"]What I found interesting in my experinece was that I lost the 8lb that I was over weight and then I just stopped loosing weight!! [/quote:26830d3ae4] With the Zone, you are eating as if you are already at your ideal bodyfat%, so it is not unexpected to stop losing once you are at that %.

I am confused by the body fat guides. Currently I weigh 160 and am 5'8" 46 y.o. female. I want to lose 15-20 pounds. I gained 30 pounds over the last 2 1/2 yrs. When I weighed 130 I really looked gaunt and most people felt I looked too thin, although at the time I maintained that weight easily. Alas, seems my systems changed and weight really piled on. I think the Zone is going to be the answer for me. But, I tried plugging in different numbers in the body fat calculator, and it says I would need to get down to 130 to be at 22% body fat. So, that seems like a pretty ambitious number to get to. I work out with weights and I wonder how this calculator can be accurate based on just height, weight and hip and abdomen measurements. What about the amount of muscle you have? I definitely want to be ideally healthy. Am I understanding this thread correctly that I should just "forget" about the number on the scale and eat this way and I will lose until I am at the right place then level out? That is an amazing concept to me. Thanks for your help ~ Donna

[quote:8c7ccc9d21] But, I tried plugging in different numbers in the body fat calculator, and it says I would need to get down to 130 to be at 22% body fat. So, that seems like a pretty ambitious number to get to. I work out with weights and I wonder how this calculator can be accurate based on just height, weight and hip and abdomen measurements. What about the amount of muscle you have? [/quote:8c7ccc9d21] The waist and hip measurements take into consideration lean muscle. For example, a 140lb person with a small waist measurement would have a higher LBM% than a 140lb with a large waist circumference [quote:8c7ccc9d21] I definitely want to be ideally healthy. Am I understanding this thread correctly that I should just "forget" about the number on the scale and eat this way and I will lose until I am at the right place then level out? That is an amazing concept to me. Thanks for your help ~ [/quote:8c7ccc9d21] The scale alone wont tell you much of anything--because you are right, you may have more LBM (muscle) which would result in a higher scale reading but a lower bodyfat%. The calculator is a good guide to track your progress as you lose inches.

There is no doubt that body fat% is the indicator to follow for those people who excersice as well as for those that do not and want to be sure if they are on the good health track . I would definitely recommend The Zone to anyone who is interested in a healthier lifestyle. Many thanks to Scott and everyone else who shared their knowledge and experience in this topic. FF