[color=darkred:f59d018821][size=18:f59d018821]Hi, Meditation is recommended in the Zone lifestyle, yet it hasn't gotten more than a passing mention a couple times in these forums. It's a very important tool in lowering cortisol. How many of you practice meditation or some form of relaxation? What do you do, and how long have you been doing it? [/size:f59d018821][/color:f59d018821]

[quote:cdde469f25="Slknorr"]How many of you practice meditation or some form of relaxation? What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?[/quote:cdde469f25] Sue, I have been practicing Raja Yoga meditation for 25 years (24 years longer than I have been on the Zone). I spend over an hour a day with it. It has done for my mind what the Zone has done for my body. It is interesting to note; going back through my meditation lessons, I see that the Zone way of eating was also taught over a hundred years ago. It was there all along, I just could not pick it up correctly. Thank goodness Dr. Sears crystalized this knowledge in a way that clicked with my brain. I am very happy that Dr. Sears emphasized that meditation of one sort or another is an integral part of the Zone lifestyle. The scientific data has proven that it is a physical health as well as a mental health benefit.

Hi, I've been doing something called restorative yoga (the term my teacher uses...is teacher even the right word?) I'm definitely still a novice at this. He teaches in the lyengar tradition. It's very laid back, none of the real paced real physical type of yoga you see some people doing these days. [quote:b1cd61577a="gofish"] It is interesting to note; going back through my meditation lessons, I see that the Zone way of eating was also taught over a hundred years ago. [/quote:b1cd61577a] This is very interesting. You've piqued my curiosity. Can you tell me more? Thanks.

[quote:f3e062c08f="Slknorr"][quote:f3e062c08f="gofish"] It is interesting to note; going back through my meditation lessons, I see that the Zone way of eating was also taught over a hundred years ago. [/quote:f3e062c08f] This is very interesting. You've piqued my curiosity. Can you tell me more?[/quote:f3e062c08f] Of the information I am aware of: The general dietary instructions for Yogis going back 500-1000 years are to eat a simple reduced calorie diet (traditionally lactovarian). 100 years ago my teacher's "teacher" suggested the diet should be made up of simple whole foods that are tailored to the individual constitution. That each individual eat the food that agreed with them. More specific information from 70 years ago (from my "teacher") said to eat mostly colored vegetables, whole fruits (and some whole grains) for carbs; dairy, eggs (and some legumes) for protein; avocados, almonds, cashews (generally mono-saturated) for fats; and some fish oil (cod liver) if needed. Meals in general should be modest and no more should be eaten than required to maintain a healthy weight. He also said to not be greedy with food --to eat less. Eating more than you need would lead to health problems and premature aging. "You think that you are eating the food, but the food is eating you!" The general idea behind the zone was there, but the technology for measuring the elements in each food and refining the beneficial omega 3s from FO were not available at the time. Each individual had to experiment with the simple whole foods in order to find the meal combinations that worked for them based on how it made them feel. I did not know how to make these dietary recommendations work for me in the face of the onslaught of eating advice from the food industry and government. High GI grain products were pushed as healthy choices. I slowly changed my diet over the years, but progress in finding the right diet was very slow. When I read about the Zone a year ago, I knew that it was compatible with the way that I knew I should eat and the way I wanted to eat. The difference with the Zone, is that it is an explicit recipe with a lot of supporting material based on years of scientific research. I was able to see the connection between the ancient and old wisdom to the new scientifically verifiable ideas. The two came together very elegantly! I was hooked. :D

[color=darkred:df4bffc3be]Very interesting, Dennis. Thanks for sharing.[/color:df4bffc3be] :D

[color=darkred:9c7621b497]Yes, I noticed "teacher". Thanks 8)[/color:9c7621b497]