Okay.. I'm brand new to this. The first couple of days were fine, then I did a long run and I feel like I've been trying to catch up (I'm hungry a lot) since then. I think I have the snack thing wrong when it comes to fueling and recovering from exercise.

I read the book.. says 1 snack before and 1 snack after.

1. Are these snacks 1 block each?
2. Do they count toward my 11 blocks a day?

I'm thinking maybe they don't count toward my 11 blocks, but not sure. My runs are anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hours.

thank you,

Laura

Hi!

Yes, the book means 1 block snacks. It would usually be countes as part of your total daily block requirement. There could be numerous reasons for you hunger and the way you're feeling. The most likely possibilities are as follows (and it may be one or moreof these).

1. You may need to adjust carb amounts (refer to the fine tuning advice in your Zone book re judging hunger).

2. You are experiencing symptoms of the initial AA release (you should be taking at least 5 grams of EPA and DHA daily when you begin the diet; if you're not, increase to that amount; that's 8 caps or 2 teaspoons of Omega Rx).

3. You need to recalculate your daily protein/block requirement (use the calculator in the link at the right of this page).

4. You are so early on in the diet (still in the first week) that you haven't lowered your insulin into the Zone yet.

If you have questions please ask. There are lots of experienced helpful zoners here!

Thanks Sue!!!! I redid my blocks and I think I'm good at 11 right now. If I increase my activity level by 'one notch'.. I'm usually more active than I am at this current moment in my life - it jumps me up a block. So I assume that I resume my normal activity level I increase a block?

Also - regarding the bed time snack. If I'm not hungry is it still important for me to have that snack?

Thanks again for your help!

L

You're welcome ! :-) Sounds good on the blocks. Yes, the bedtime snack is crucial for staying in the Zone. It's puropse is to prevent hypoglycemia while you sleep.

God Sue.. how do you respond to all of these!? Thanks!