If you get invited somewhere to eat a good meal,
for example pizza, tacos, beef and chips, lasagne, etc. How do u solve it?
this is mye biggest problem for staying in the zone.
i dont want to be rude, just eating a slice of two of pizza, leave alot of chips on the table, or not eating dessert, water instead of beer. etc.
What do u do?

Hope i got understood.

Daniel,

I don't eat the offending unfriendly Zone foods, and I make sure I always have Dr. Sears Zone food with me so I'll stay in the Zone (cookies, bars, brownie, bagel chips, etc.). As for what to say if you're put on the spot by the host or other guests when you pass on the foods offered, simply let them know you are refraining from eating them for health reasons. That is the bottom line, after all. Good luck!

You really have to figure out what works best for you, some of these foods just don't fit due to carb sensitivities. However many people can handle those "special occasions" just fine by following a few guidelines. Dr. Sears does give suggestions for eating out and staying in the Zone in many of his books.

Pizza: 2 pieces, eat 1/2 of an entire piece, then eat the toppings of the rest of it, along with just the toppings of the 2nd piece. (trying to find the exact reference to this, but can't seem to find it now)

Tacos: I like making a taco salad. Many hosts do not object to "how" you put your taco together, so I usually use the ingredients and make it into a salad instead of a taco.

Lasagne: isn't really that bad for balance, but of course it is unfavorable carb. I would just have the lasagne, maybe a side salad if offered, and make sure you skip the breads.

Other ideas,just use your eyeballs and eat a portion of meat the size of the palm of your hand. I cut it up right away, so that I know my stopping point. If you are served a good variety of sides, then concentrate on filling the other 2/3 of the plate with favorables. If there are only unfavorables available, then your unfavorable portion should not be any larger in volume than the protein serving.

Some people will skip the carbs at dinner just to save room for dessert.

If you drink beer, count it towards your carb blocks. Water is a better choice, obviously, but it is nice to share a beer or a glass of wine when celebrating with friends.

DISCLAIMER: these are not everyday solutions. These are basically ideas on how to do the best you can to stay in the Zone when you are not in control of the menu.

Daniel,

I don't think you are rude if you are eating healthy. People who are your friends should realize you are trying to improve your eating habits. Bring some backup if there isn't anything you can have that is offered. Have stuff in your vehicle or something like that. Instead of beer, perhaps have some sparkling water.

For now I am avoiding those situations. I have only been on the Zone since Jan 11. I was confronted with challenges initially when I started the Zone. Everyone around me used to eat out for lunch (and breakfast), as did I, but I started bringing my Zone meals. Soon they took the message, I was not participating. Then came the "meeting" where there was a buffet, lots to eat, but nothing really for me. I eat some salad with olive oil and has some meat that did not have bread crumbs. I drank water. I am sure there will be more challanges ahead, but I try to prepare where I can.


Anyway, stick with it, it is worth it.

Kevin

You're doing a good job Kevin!

i'm sure there will be times where this will be a problem for me as well. I now have a very valid excuse. I can't eat those things, i am diabetic. No one will argue with that.

Thx alot for your replies and help, folks!
This diet is still very new to me, so ill come back with more questions for sure!

Off-topic, but i put a little question here. Is tuna a bad proteinblock choice?
(im sure i could find i out myself but right now asking u guys is the fastest) sorry for being lazy.

Tuna as far as Protein goes is a good choice.
However, I would worry about Mercury!
You can find canned Alaskan (or wild) Salmon which is a much better choice as far as mercury, PCB, and toxins are concerned.
Just ensure it is not farmed Salmon; where Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio is reversed to what God designed for us.