See, that is the question that no one seems to be answering. WHY?

In the original zone, we always count SOMETHING. Sure, lets just say that the appropriate zone ratio is 0.6-1.0. It appears to me as if the ratio could swing drasticly one way or the other, because of the possibility of adding too much or too little carb to the food.

Or, an even bigger concern is that I fear many people won't be meeting their "protein prescription", which has always been a very important factor in the Zone. The superzone food has 2 blocks of protein in each meal, and if one eats 5 meals per day, and maybe only adds a carb or a fat to the meal, one is going to be at risk of not getting enough protein.

Say, for instance, that my breakfast is a bagel with peanut butter. Then, my lunch is the lemon hummus avocado sandwich, and my dinner is fuslli with tomato and spinach. Assuming that my snacks are 2 packages of cookies (and I would have assumed only having one cookie since I am a seasoned zoner who follows blocks), this day's meal plan is missing protein. Yet, it appears that this plan allows one to interchange protein and fat without any concern at all???

I thought it would be interesting to see how the zone chat answers some of my questions regarding the superzone. Here is a copy of the transcript (it is a bit lengthy):



Marilyn says:

Hello Jenny. My name is Marilyn how can I help you?

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

I have questions about superzone products

Marilyn says:

Ok and what is your question?

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

First, is there a 2 week meal plan available online, and are there recipes that accompany the meal plan?

Marilyn says:

The 2 week plan will soon be available on zonediet.com. It is available now on the medwell123 website. There are recipes that accompany

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

So, if I go to the medwell site, I can find the recipes for the 2 week plan? I just placed an order and while I wait for it to arrive, I would like to be able to do some shopping and planning for grocery additions.

Marilyn says:

Yes all the recipes are listed there. There are a few on the zonediet website as well

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

Second question, if I follow 11 blocks on the traditional zone, how do I do the snacks in the superzone? Would I just do one cookie in the package, or would I do both? Reason why I ask is because my snacks are generally 1 block snacks, and 1 cookie would be the equivalent.?

Marilyn says:

You could do it that way. All the Super Zone foods are primarily 2 blocks so for 1 block you would consume half that

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

Third question, I don't quite understand how it is possible to interchange the added foods, some are extra fats, some are extra proteins, and some are extra carbs. If I ate all superzone food all day and only added extra carb to my foods, would I be at risk of not getting enough protein, as per my "protein prescription" in the traditional zone?

Marilyn says:

No because the Super Zone Food already has the adequate amount of protein per serving.

Marilyn says:

14 grams of protein in 1 serving

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

That is what I don't see... each super zone food has 14 grams of protein per serving, so if I eat 3 meals that is only the equivalent of 2 protein blocks... 3 meals is only 6 blocks, and then depending on how I go with the snacks, I could conceivabley only eat 8-10 blocks of protein. My protein prescription is for 11 blocks. The math is not adding up?

Marilyn says:

The Super Zone Foods are not meant to be followed by the exact block method, so it's not going to add up 100%.

Marilyn says:

If you want it to equal 11 blocks exactly then you will need to add the extra amounts

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

My last question deals with the food that is added... if I choose to have some peanut butter with breakfast, some deli meat with lunch, and some roasted veggies for dinner, I also don't understand how a protein/fat/carb can be interchangeable when they are NOT interchangeable in the traditional zone.

Marilyn says:

I'm not sure I understand exactly. You would be adding only the amount needed to equal the 11 blocks.

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

Let me clarify, the last question is not related to the 3rd question, it is a different question (sorry, I was typing it as you were answering the protein question)

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

Is that a hard one? LOL!

Marilyn says:

I still don't understand what you mean by it being interchangeable. With the Super Zone Foods you are able to add small amounts of protein fat. You are also allowed unlimited amounts of low glycemic vegetables. You have to look at the Super Zone with the 1 2 3 method.

Marilyn says:

Link Sent: http://www.zonediet.com/SuperZoneFo...fault.aspx">http://www.zonediet.com/SuperZoneFo...fault.aspx

Marilyn says:

http://www.zonediet.com/SuperZoneFo...fault.aspx">http://www.zonediet.com/SuperZoneFo...fault.aspx That is your best source.

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

Well, studying the meal plans, and knowing what I have read on the website, it appears as though one can add just about anything to their meals, and it won't affect the hormonal control of the meal. But, in the traditional zone, everything is balanced. I don't understand why it works that way?

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

For instance, look at the examples of meals that I listed above

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

sorry, hit enter before I was ready, more coming

Marilyn says:

Everything is still balanced with the Super Zone Foods. The difference being it is all done for you in the product.

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

1 bagel with peanut butter = 1 fat, then a sandwich with deli meat and perhaps a side salad (the salad wouldn't count for much, but the meat is a protein, and this is not an equivalent exchange in the traditional zone, so it is technically NOT balanced unless you eat the superzone foods by themselves

Marilyn says:

As it states on the site, In addition, "the SuperZone™ ingredients will provide all the protein you need on a structured weight loss program. After you reach your goal weight, you can begin to add greater variety to your meals while still maintaining an approximate 1-2-3 ratio of fat, protein, and carbohydrate needed to prevent activation of your fat trap.". You have to maintain the correct ration and again this is based on the 1 2 3 method not the block method.

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

So I should eat the foods without any additions at all?

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

I don't think that you are getting the intent of my question, is there someone that I can send an email to, so that I can put more thought into how I am typing the question? Perhaps I am typing so fast that I am not quite translating the message to you?

Marilyn says:

Yes you may email wellnesssupport@zonelivivng.com

Jenny On www.zonediet.com says:

I will read more about the 1-2-3 method, and then I will either come up with the question again here, or else I will email it. Thanks for your time!

"See, that is the question that no one seems to be answering. WHY?

In the original zone, we always count SOMETHING..."




Hi Cranberrycat,

I understand that you are truly confused by some issues, and you are trying to make sense of the SuperZone plan within the context of the block method. From reading your concerns here, it appears you could be caught in a rut, maybe having become so focused on precise block counting that you might not be seeing the forest for the trees. The Zone works very well for people using methods other than counting blocks. I lost 100 pounds with the plate method and even made some gains in LBM when I was using that method. I doubt I ate an identical precise protein, carb and fat count on a daily basis with the plate method, and it was just fine. A person doing the block method is not eating identical amounts of P, C and F every day, because of the design of the block method. As you know the block method categorizes foods by P, C and F, disregarding the C in cottage cheese, the P in legumes (even the amounts of P in various legumes that is available for digestion), etc.

I started the SuperZone plan 2 months ago to experience it for myself. My original thought was to try it in earnest for only a couple of weeks, just to see what would happen. I was honestly scared to try it that first day, because of my long history extreme hypoglycemic reactions to even little bit too much of certain carbohydrate foods (many and varied foods, even a fair number of the Zone favorable carbohydrate foods). I received the first SuperZone order at 3 pm on a Saturday afternoon in November, just as we were on our way out of the driveway. I grabbed 1 package of chocolate chip cookies (2 cookies) and split it with my husband (I ate just 1 cookie). Three hours later, with no hunger and still feeling great, I was no longer scared to dive right in to the SuperZone plan. I decided the only way I was going to find out how well it worked was to whole heartedly try it for myself for those 2 weeks. When the first two weeks was up, I loved it so much that I ordered more, a larger variety, and I'm still going strong with it. I'm not being extra careful to meet any certain block amounts, and I'm definitely not losing LBM. Much to my surprise, I've been losing some more body fat, even though I've been maintaining at 25% body fat for a lot of years. As I've mentioned here before, my usual Zone protein/block requirement is closer to a man's than a woman's (due to having a higher LBM than the average woman, plus a demanding exercise schedule), so I've been doing the SuperZone by adding 1 /2 to 1 full extra package of SuperZone food to the woman's plan each day. That was pretty much a no brainer, since I've always needed more than the average woman. Like I said, I'm not counting. I've been keeping a food diary, and now and then posting my daily menus here. As you will readily see if you apply blocks to my Day in the SuperZone menu postings, they don't add up to the same exact amount of blocks each day. Also note, that they don’t differ by that much from day to day either, even though I'm not paying a lot of attention to whether or not I choose to add extra protein or carb to a meal. It works well, and in fact, I've been enjoying better satiety for the past 2 months of SuperZoning than I've even had, while paying less attention to balancing than I ever have, since beginning the Zone. I can only assume that the molecular baking process is what has allowed me to enjoy this excellent satiety while I am paying little attention to the actual amounts of additional carb I eat. As for the dietary fat concerns you’ve been expressing, Dr. Sears has always told us that a little extra dietary fat enhances insulin control without interfering with the loss of stored fat. You needn’t have concern about adding a little extra fat to you SuperZone meals, as long as you keep it to no more than several times a day, as explained in the instructions

I could go on about my benefits, but the point I am making in this posting is that there is not one single way to do the Zone. Now that you're going to be receiving an order, I urge you to make the most of your trial by stepping back from the skepticism you’ve told us about, and embracing the plan. Enjoy!

I agree, it does NOT appear to make sense,
and that is because it is not clearly stated.
.
Though I am not very familiar with 1-2-3 method, but being balanced and in the zone is being balanced and in the zone, regardless. How can one way (Traditional)food must be balanced to stay in zone and with the new chemically or other altered food state - some how we are magically kept in the zone regardless of whether you add Fat, Protein or unlimited (veggie) Carbs.
.
I realize that the Chat person was suggesting a different paradigm shift; however, it still does not make sense, AND if they expect traditional zoners to understand (leave alone accept), then it should be much better explained!
.
I'll take a closer look at the 1-2-3 method; though I doubt it will clear it up as regards superzone.

Here's my best guess with Superzone and 1-2-3 method:
1/3 plate with Protein. Since SZ foods are complete with protein, count that as the 1/3 portion.
2/3 plate with lo-glycemic veggies. Even though SZ has balanced carbs, but somehow, because menu says to add unlimited lo-glycemic veggies, and some of SZ food takes up space on plate that would be veggies, you can still add additional veggies to fillplate, and you're atill within limits of .6-1 ratio, and therefore still considered balanced.
Fats - add touch/dash of Mono- Fat. Since additional fat is still OK and sometimes helps in zone, OK to stick with this portion of 1-2-3 method, as well.
.
I am not saying it's right or accurate; but that's my take on how SZ with unlimited veggies fits with 1-2-3 method.
.
Oh, but you ask, what if one adds some protein to a SZ meal? I am guessing same applies. Whether you add additional veggies or not to SZ meal with extra Protein, you are still within .6-1 ratio range.
.
Then, you might ask, What if I am carb sensitive, or hormonally I must remain closer to the .5 ratio to maintain zone with traditional foods? Well, I am guessing that they would say that the magical SZ foods are so wonderful at maintaining hormonal control irregardless of individual needs and responses and body chemistry and metabolism, that you no longer have to worry about where your ratio is in the balance of Carbs to maintain in the zone.
.
I am probably way-off, but the only way it makes sense, short of any real detailed explanations not forth-coming - if you believe that some magic is baked in! That's it, they hi-jacked the Keebler elves and transformed them, that's why there's cookies included!
.
P.S. I am still for giving it a shot, when some funds allow. I'll have to wait a while longer. But, Jenny, I'm sure you'll keep us updated. However, I would still like a good, clear, detailed, scientific explanation. That is what got me started even trying the zone to begin with. I read his first book, and it made sense! And it was not simplisitic, nor did it expect me to just believe.

Thank you, John. For a minute there, I thought that I had lost all of my brains and that I was unable to conceive anything else. I am glad that you are about as lost as I am!

I have no argument about the fact that there are many different ways to get in the Zone. But, prior to the superzone, all of the other ways were fairly close as far as balance, and for adjusting. Sure, there can be some variability using the plate method, depending on what veggies you select (spinach vs. carrots). But, we are taught to measure out protein in a way that helps us meet OUR protein needs. Blocks measure protein a certain way, plate method measures it another way, but it all comes out about equally, and it is all fairly individualized. AND, our protein needs are met. But, in the superzone, we are supposed to believe that 14 grams of protein per meal is all that we need. Period. WHY IS THAT? What happens when we eat a menu where we don't add any extra protein at all, for days and days? Isn't our bodies going to need more? Sears said we needed XX amount of protein, but now it is ok to skimp on it? Oh, and BTW, at least it isn't quite as big of a deficit for me, as a female, but what does a male do? 2 blocks-worth of protein per meal, when a man is used to receiving 4 blocks-worth? That is creating an even larger deficit!

As for carbs, it used to be that veggie carbs COUNTED, and so I would assume that eating 2 cups of carrots (remember, they are unlimited)would alter my ability to control insulin levels because I have altered the P/C ratio of that meal. And, being carb sensitive, I have altered it in a way that is technically supposed to put me OOZ (love that term).

But, suddenly the superzone comes along and erases all of these issues.

I think that the explanation of the Keebler Elves makes more sense to me than all of this "molecular baking"! LOL!

Seriously, I hope that Sue (and everyone else) appreciates all of this analysis that I have put into this. I feel that I DO need to give it all a try, otherwise my opinion would not mean much. I really want to try it in the best way that is possible, to give it a fair shot of working.

John,

Tech Support has already informes us, here in the forums, that SuperZoen foods haev nto been chemically altered. Refer to this:

http://www.zonediet.com/Community/F...fault.aspx

11/18/2009 5:08 PM

"molecular baking"
The concept refers to close molecular contact of proteins and carbohydrates.

”sounds like Monsanto came calling”
The products are not genetically engineered, irradiated, or chemically altered. The molecular baking process allows Dr. Sears to naturally reorganize the proteins and carbohydrates into structures that prevent the rapid breakdown and absorption of the protein before it reaches the ileum or small intestine. This allows specific hormones to be released that travel directly to the brain to induce satiety.

“that's NOT the way mother nature intended us to thrive”
We agree, interestingly most of us were not genetically designed to consume grains. This new technology allows us to consume grain products without the adverse impact of excessive insulin secretion.
We hope you find this information helpful.

Zone Technical Support

Sue,

LOL! Then, I think that we, as consumers (or potential consumers) have a right to know what we are going to be consuming. We need answers, and I don't feel as if the answers that I got today really made a difference. Except that they told me I could have 1, or 2, cookies for my snack. Hmmm, now that doesn't really make sense, either (and disagrees with what you told me).

That definition of molecular baking is NO help at all. As far as I know, the proteins and carb molecules are already aligned the way that God meant for them to be aligned, and they are fairly close together. I imagine that they are even touching each other! Isn't that what we do when we throw eggs and flour together, mix into a batter, and then bake muffins? Yep, my protein and carb molecules are right next to each other, and I have baked them into a muffin! ROFL!

And, exactly what are we doing to our food if we are "reorganizing" the protein and carb molecules? We are altering the structure. No, maybe we haven't irradiated or chemically altered it, but we HAVE changed the structure. What is this going to do to our bodies 10-20 years from now? Have these products been tested in the long run? Where are those studies?

Hmmm...

I think that it does pay to be critical about what foods we are putting into our bodies, and we have every right to ask the questions that we are asking. Just because the Zone name is slapped onto the product, doesn't make it right. Sorry to sound so negative (I was laughing at the beginning here, oh well).

I have just read everyone's comments and evaluations and it is all very interesting, but I do wish they could provide some more insight to the whole process. I also am still very sceptical about how healthy it all is, but if I am still eating my fruits and vegetables I guess it would not be too bad as an addition to our current healthy diets. From what I have read, there is not much insight as to the best way to combine Superzone with the regular Zone diet, so I guess we just have to use our best judgement.

Anyway, my 1st report, as promised. Today I ate my 1st Superzone bagel, then had to run for the day. I was not at work, so not a structured schedule. My Mom has macular degeneration so we were off for a few hours of shopping and then her appointment. I waited until 9:00 a.m. to eat my bagel only because I knew I would not be eating for many hours, even though I was up at 6:00. Not a wise choice, but wanted to get the full effects of the bagel. After lightly toasting it, I smeared it with cream cheese, whipped (did not have light as this was left over from holidays), and drank a very full glass of water, approx. 2 cups or 16 oz. (A little bit of Heaven, after going for so long without a bagel, I have to admit). I was tempted to make my 3 slices of turkey bacon but time didn't allow it, and I wanted to see just how the bagel worked. Also, still very sceptical about the whole issue and expecting to be starving within the hour.

Well, maybe it was part being pre-occupied and there were times that I thought I just may be hungry, but the feeling quickly passed, and that darn bagel kept me very comfortable until 4:00 p.m. when we finally stopped at a restaurant to eat our 1st real meal of the day! I even took a pack of the cookies with me as a survival kit and never even considered trying one! In that whole time, I only had 1/2 cup of coffee at the doctor's office. With me being hypoglycemic, I would never have guessed it would work, and as I said previously, it may also be that I was pre-occupied with the business of the day. I have to say that it was totally amazing, and if I could go that many hours between meals I could see how one could loose weight rapidly. Had I ate a regular bagel, I wouldn't have lasted an hour. I don't understand the whole concept, but I have to say I am amazed. I am not going to have a snack tonight because of the restaurant meal, and for some reason I am just not hungry, nor was I really that hungry at dinner.

Tomorrow morning I will try one of the cinnamon rolls with a smear of cream cheese, lots of water and my usual Zone lunch and dinner. After reading Cranberrycat's conversation with Zone support, I will only have 1 cookie for a snack with a glass of water tomorrow night since I follow the traditional Zone for most of my meals. Will be interesting if I wake up hypoglycemic for work on Saturday considering the cookies have chocolate in them, but will give a report.

Now, on another note, in response to Sue's comment,
"I could go on about my benefits, but the point I am making in this posting is that there is not one single way to do the Zone."

I am wondering about the many books that everyone has purchased and followed faithfully, and I am still in the process of studying, and now the Superzone is apparently changing everything that so many have followed and believed in for so long. Is it any wonder that those that have studied the books have so many questions that no one can seem to fully answer? I also guess that part of it is that I have always been an inquisitive type of individual and have always wanted to know how things work.

In as now believing in the bagels, at least, I would still like to know why they work, and am still wondering if they will work on a daily basis, as the body seems to work a little differently each day. I guess time will tell, but for the 1st day, I have to admit I was very impressed!

Mari, thanks for the input. Coming from a "skeptic", that does mean a lot to me, carries some clout!

I wonder how it will work in the coming days? I have had those days when meals work just fine for me if I am pre-occupied, whereas they do not work as well when I have time on my hands.

Yes, I would agree, this is a whole new learning experience. I am not really satisfied with the answers that I got. I think that the answers are perhaps scripted, they may not be prepared for deeper questions like that!

Good result Mari!

The SuperZone hasn't changed everything. It's the 1-2-3 Method, which was explained in A WEEK IN THE ZONE 10 years ago. Basically the differeces with SuperZone are that now you can eat baked goods in the Zone, while maintaining excellent insulin control and further lowering you omega 6 intake at the same time.

I have been using the Superzone foods for about 2 months..I can understand you all are confused b/c you don't have the explanation in front of you.I learned the zone the old -fashioned way just like the rest of you. It was not until I got my first order and read instructions and began experimenting that I figured it out. There is no problem...I need 11 blocks or 77 grams of protein a day. If I want to get all that from superzone foods, it is very easy. I usually eat 5 small meals--each 2 blocks or 14 grams. 5 X 2=10blocks and then I add an extra block at night to equal 11. It is extremely easy...no hocus-pocus about it...I don't understand what all the upset is about..just do it if you want to and it will all become clear..Best of luck..CoCo

Well, I have to confess my sin. I was not going to have my snack, but curiosity wins, as usual as I never been very good with patience. Since I had a grilled chicken salad for dinner at 4:00, even though I wasn't really hungry after having a cup of herbal tea, I decided to go ahead and try the chocolate chunk cookies at about 9:30. Well, I was only going to have 1 with a full glass (not cup) of water, but it was so extremely good that I had both! They are sweet, but not sickening sweet for those of us that have gotten away from sweets. The outside has something on them to make them a little crispy/ chewy and I thought they were wonderful. Must be microwaved for a few seconds to be good, IMO. They are very rich, so a lot of water is necessary, at least for me, and I am thinking that is what helps them to be satisfying. I can't explain how they make me feel, but yes, it really does seem so far to make me feel more satisfied than my usual snack of cheese stick, almonds, and half of an apple, and although not touting it to be more nutritious by any means, I do feel extremely satisfied. I will know tomorrow morning, as I would never, ever have been able to eat a cookie before bed in the past without waking up sick. In fact, I think the carb content in the apple made me a little hypoglycemic at times, so I definitely am anxious for my results in the morning, but for now feel great!

Well, clear instructions would be nice!

But really, until just now, all I know is that I "could" add some veggies, as much as I want, but in the traditional zone, those veggies "count", and may throw off my zone ratio (especially since I am carb sensitive). The snack can be 1-2 cookies, but that is a huge difference, IMO, the difference being 2 complete blocks.

But, Coco, the way you explain it, makes more sense than how it has been explained previously! Eating it in proportions of 5 small meals (that means 2 cookies, no less--lol) instead of 3 meals/2 snacks is more logical. Because, in the context of 3 meals/2 snacks, the implication is that the meals are larger (like a 3 block meal), and the snacks are smaller (like a 1 block snack). But, 3 small meals indicates that the meals are equal, which this is, in essence.

So, then the additional ingredients as suggested on the 2 week meal plan are just condiment portions. I guess I was thinking that you'd be adding the equivalent portion of a block, but I had a chance to review the Medwell website, and I realize now that the "add-ins" on the meal plan are pretty small. And, putting that together with the diet recommendations, there is no additional protein or fat required, and you'd consume one dairy (there's that protein block that I was missing).

Thanks, Coco, for the enlightenment! I did order some products and am waiting now for the shipment.

BTW, for Sue, I see NO CONNECTION between this and the 1-2-3 method, but perhaps I will have to go back and read on it more. AWIZ is one of the only books that I don't have.

Amazing!

I ordered the choc chunk cookies, too. And, the bagels, along with the bread. That was it, didn't want to over-extend, but I must say I am looking forward to the cookies!

Hi Zoners!

Here's more info about the 1-2-3 Method of the Zone. You eat approximately 1 gram of fat for ever two grams of protein adn 3 grams of carbohydrate 1-2-3.

The following information is copied and pasted from the SUPERZONE FOOD tab above:


" How It Works

With SuperZone™ products in your pantry, losing weight and keeping it off is as easy as 1-2-3. Obesity and its associated conditions, such as diabetes, are caused by your diet interacting adversely with your genes. Rather than trying to battle your genes with willpower alone, you can change their expression with your diet. Substituting our delicious breads, pastas, and snack products for the foods you normally eat will help you balance your hormones and boost your satiety to achieve permanent weight loss.

In the process, you will also have more physical energy and mental acuity than ever before. Why? You are eating meals with the correct 1-2-3 balance that you are genetically designed to eat. Maintaining a consistent 1-2-3 balance of macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) in each meal controls those hormones generated by your diet, which in turn control your hunger.

Incorporating SuperZone™ products as an integral part of your diet, it is now possible to change the expression of your genes to provide the hormonal control necessary not only to lose weight, but also maintain wellness, peak mental and physical performance as well as improved emotional control all by eating the foods you like to eat. It doesn’t get any better than that."

You're welcome Cran...it took a little time to figure it out, but is very simple once it clicks..I really never eat a 3 block meal at one time..this could be combined very easily with the traditional zone..just mix and match as you feel it works for the day..Good luck and enjoy the foods..very good! CoCo

The 1-2-3 method is basically the same as blocks and gram counting. It does not explain how it is possible to add as many veggies as you feel like, and it does not explain the fact that you can exchange a protein and a fat (obviously this was where my head was going before I realized that these portions were really small portions and not block portions--again, clear instructions would be nice).