My wife and I both started the zone a few days ago. We both run 5 times a week and I lift 4-5 times. I've been eating 16-17 blocks per day and she is getting 13. Both of us have already started to feel a bit sluggish. I thought the zone was supposed to enhance your energy levels. Is this a common response? Will it go away?

Also, I frequently feel like I am getting plenty of carbohydrates, but I often crave more protein. If I am going to increase my protein intake, do I need to balance it out with more carbs and fat, or can I just eat more protein?


Thanks!

James, give it a little time before making too many adjustments. Yes, the sluggish feeling can be normal a few days into the Zone. 25% of people experience symptoms of the initial AA release during their first week or two in the Zone. Sluggishness is one symom of initial AA release. If this is indeed the cause of you sluggishness, it can be alleviated/eilminated by temporarily increasing your fish oil dose.

As for you feeling of craving protien, if you are becomign hungry while still remaining focused and feeling otherwise fine, you may neeed to increase blocks (recheck your block requirement calculation). If this is the case you would increase by balanced blocks fo P, C and F, not P alone.