Well, Laurie, I sure am grateful that you decided to share your thoughts with us about giving into temptations. A few of the things you said really resonated with me.

As I've mentioned, I have faced similar binge demons. Very much like yourself, they have occured every few weeks, and I have always been able to rebound from them in about a week's time. And also like you, I don't feel that pattern is truly acceptable. Who knows if we'll one day slip into a downward spiral, and wind up gaining an amount of weight that we won't bounce back from.

I've done a great deal of thinking about this issue, and I have even looked for a 'binge-ers anonymous' program. I've read that binging is a widespread problem. I've watched men of great potential destroy themselves in food and alcohol binges.

I believe we need to close the door to certan 'trigger' foods. Supposedly, we 'should' be able to eat anything in moderation. Experience has taught me that isn't the case. I don't know if I could only have one slice of pizza.

Haven't we already sworn off certain foods? I can't remember the last time I accepted a soft drink or potato chips. Why allow for pastries? Why allow for baked goods? I've made a decision, in light of recent events, to kiss desserts good-bye.

I've traveled through Italy without indulging in a tiramisu. Yet why did I choose to have some a few weeks ago after eleven at night? Because I'd recently hit a nice low weight of 130. My waist was 31 1/4" with 13% bodyfat. So why not indulge? Well, weeks later, and dozens of desserts later, I weigh in at 136 and have a 32 1/4" waist with 14% bodyfat. That's a big jump in a short time.

The progress provides us with a fleeting sense of security. The binge leads to a rude awakening.

I think it's time to put down the fork.

I am swearing off baked treats. Done.

It would be one thing if I hated healthy food. That isn't the case. I've been known to enjoy a giant green apple at a Dodger game, or smuggle fruit into the Staples Center. I enjoy salads and know dozens of ways to prepare them. I know how to find them, also. I had a salad in France that would turn you green with envy.

Desserts are for children. It's time to grow up.

Consider the options. Leave the door a crack open, and find yourself dreaming about butterized chocolate, or close it, and experience the power of mastery.

So today was day one. Wish me luck. I type a good show, but I can use all the cheerleaders I can find.

Ivan, I could not have said it any better. We're two of a kind you and me :-) .

Today is Day 3 for me. My challenge has been the lowfat/low-carb soft-serve ice cream at a chain in my area (like Tasti D Lite, but only 50 calories and 2g carb per 4 oz). It's more of a challenge because my mind says it's "ok" -- although unfavorable, I can easily work it into my daily blocks. However, the sweetness inevitably leads to cravings for more sweets.

So it's Day 3 of sticking to the right (Zone-favorable) foods, in the right balance at the right time. I keep reminding myself that the first few days of creating new behaviors are the hardest. And as we get into the Zone after a few days, it continues to get easier.

I've also increased my exercise a bit, in order to get those endorphins going to keep me positive and on track.

Hope you're doing well today -- keep me/us posted!

---------------------------------------------------

Thanks Sue for the congrats! But I only wish I've kept the weight off for that long :-) . I began my weight-loss in Oct 2008, and reached my goal weight in August 2009. So, although I'm over 1 1/2 years of Zoned eating (for the most part :-P ) , I've been maintaining my weight loss for 8 months. But this is by far the longest I've gone without regaining all the weight. As I've mentioned before, my pattern has been to begin regaining weight almost immediately once I reached my goal. I'm fighting with everything I've got to break free of that pattern once and for all.

I honestly believe the Zone diet is giving me the tools to do that, and the support in this forum is the "glue" that helps me stay (or get back) on track.

Thanks again, and, as always, I appreciate all the information and support you share with us!

Laurie

Oh...that's right...I was thinking you had finished losing it in Oct 2008. (oops!) :-)

More advice...

Try to start changing your focus from weight to health. If you're at a loss as to how to start, one way would be to read TOXIC FAT or THE ANTI-INFLAMMATION ZONE, and keep rereading them from time to time. It will add another layer to your Zone efforts, one that will most likely be impossible to ignore once you have a thorough understanding of the impact of inflammation on your body and your future health. For most people this change in focus won't happen overnight, but it will happen with time. Bottom line, it's really not all about weight.

Great advice, Sue. I ordered 'Toxic Fat' today. Health is a greater issue than weight, no doubt. That's something I need to tell people more often. You see, when I mention that I follow the Zone diet, I often get the response, "Why do you bother with that? You're already thin." Instead of giving them my history or quoting numbers, I think I'm going to talk about health issues.

But of course it's more than a clever excuse. It's also the best reason to choose what you eat responsibly.

Yesterday was the first day of my new fitness campaign. Can you believe that one day of correct choices led to a 2 pound drop? I also lost 3/8" off of my waist. The new numbers are 134, 31 7/8" and 14%. I photocopied my diet journal and am repeating it today. Tofu, oatmeal, chicken, vegetables, fruits, cottage cheese, nuts. All very basic, healthy stuff.

It was hard today, sitting in a restaurant for my book group (we read 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night') and watching them eat. I don't care how well you've planned your meals or your timing, being hit with a wall of savory smells can trigger cravings.

I thought about what I would report here later. Did I want to say that I broke down and ate the wrong thing at the wrong time, or did I want to report a perfectly executed day?

Knowing I would check in solidified my resolve. So thank you for being so supportive. You are helping.

Thanks Ivan. I'm glad to know my info is helping. Your 2 pound loss in 1 day is most likely the loss of retained fluid, which would show your meals are successfully lowering your insulin. Good job! The longer you stay solidly in the Zone and the farther you get into the transition to thinking in terms of health benefits, the easier it will be to dine in a restaurant without wanting to throw in the towel and indulge in unfavorable carbohydrates and fats.


You can probably imagine I've been where you are in my 15 years in the Zone, and I can in all truth say it's no biggie for me anymore. I ate in restaurants last week 3 days in a row, all special occasions with friends, and I had absolutely no desire to eat the foods the others with me chose to order. Granted, I do come from my own set of circumstances (I'm a cancer survivor, I used to be 100 pounds heavier, and I have a strong Alzheimer's family history) which make health of the utmost importance to me, but is it much more than that. Knowing the damage some foods do to a body and having experienced how I feel after eating them is a huge turn off. I urge you and everyone reading this to make it your priority to place health first and foremost.


What many people fail to recognize (not you per se) is that making health the number one priority is not losing sight of maintaining an optimal body fat % because the two go hand in hand. Part of achieving optimal health is maintaining (or increasing) your LBM and keeping your body fat at an ideal place. Whatever initial mindset it takes for a person to stick with a healthy diet and lifestyle so be it, but I believe one's ultimate goal should be to answer to no one and be true to oneself by giving your body the best shot you can at keeping it healthy. It's the only one you'll ever have.

Have a great day!

Sue, before I thank you for your encouragement, let me first congratulate you. I took a few minutes and followed your photo link. What an amazing transformation you've had. I am very impressed with your accomplishments.

Yesterday was the second day of my new leaf, and it led to .6 lb drop in weight, and a 1/8" in waistline, down to 133.8, 31 3/4" and 14%. Those first two days I had only eleven points each day, forcing improvements with some cardio and weightlifting as well.

Today I ate more reasonably and will round out at 15 points, closer to the higher end of my protein prescription (which would range from 10-16 points, depending on my activity level.)

My thinking behind the first two days, which I'm aware of were too low in protein, was that I needed to bring my weight back to an acceptable level. I know it was mostly fluids (although I'm drinking water constantly), but I pushed it a bit, just to get the weight loss starting. Now I'll probably stay at 14-16 points for a while, depending on how long a day I have.

So on Saturday I weighed in at 136.4 with a 32 1/4" waist, and it's Monday and my measurements are 133.8 and 31 3/4". I know the quick drop is, like you said, retained fluid, but I'm pleased with it anyway. You know why? Because if I hadn't committed myself to the Zone, and pushed it enough to see results, I might have weighed in at 138 today, with a 32 5/8" waist. And next week I could be topping 140 again. For me, the 3 pounds of fluids are symbolic, signaling a move in the right direction.

By the way, would you like to know a trick I use to stay on track?

I reward myself with three non-diet related items or activities. So if I followed the Zone guidelines for today, tomorrow I give myself permission to order a book online, to clean out an old drawer, and to spend an hour reviewing my Italian (those are just examples.) It's childlike, but when facing down a pumpkin pie, you have to fight dirty.

Thank you Ivan.


Some tips, eating less than one's protein requirement will work against Zone efforts in the long run. It's important to eat your full protein requirement each day. For instance, if your requirement 15 blocks daily (a little over 100 grams protein), you should eat those 15 blocks every day, even on the days when you exercise less. Last of all, try not to get too caught up in the scale.

You're on the right track. Have a great week!

Morning All-
welcome to the "zone".
Question? if i'm not in the Zone should i go by the book or my body? i should be eating a 3 1/2 block.i'm not in the middle of the zone. today i went down 1 block of carbs. is that the right thing to do? i feel alittle better.i've had such a difficult time finding the right combination for ME.
the immflamation is gone.now i need to work on the weight lose.
Tammy

Tammy, you'd judge how to adjust according to your hunger and other symptoms. I'll be happy to help if you have more questions about it. If you are getting hungry and feeling unfocused at 4 hours after meals (aka hypoglycemic symptoms) then dropping 1 carbohydrate block from each meal is appropriate. Here's a chart that explains: http://www.drsears.com/portals/6/Do...lchart.pdf

Sue, thank you for that chart. It's very helpful. I have a question, please. Yesterday I ate a meal of all zone favorable foods, very lean ham, bell peppers, egg whites, a little mayo (no sugar added from TJ's), broccolli and cauliflower combined to make one block, black beans for 1 block. I mix it all together (except the bells) and I stuff the bells. Normally I do this without the broccoli and cauliflower, just beans and it is wonderful! But yesterday I had some left-overs so I added them in. A total of 3blocks. I was tired within 20mins and then again at 1.5hrs later I had to stop and rest for a while. I am guessing too many carbs?

Thank you
Cleo

Hi Cleo,

It would take longer than 20 minutes to feel results of a balanced Zone meal. Symptoms 1 1/2 hours later could be related to one's previous meal. Without knowing whether you had hunger at 1 1/2 hours, and without knowing how much ham, egg white and mayo you ate, my best guess about your meal is that you probably didn't add enough fat (very lean ham and egg whites would reguire adding extra monounsaturated fat).

How long after you eat a zone meal do you know you are in the zone and aren't worried about wanting more? I continue to struggle with the veggie carbs but will continue to tweak it and hopefully have a full day of being in the zone completely. I have never had a complete in the zone day and sure would like to be there! I have basically taken all fruits out of my day except for the 1 blk of blueberries with my cottage cheese. I use the cottage cheese for 1 carb blk and yesterday I didn't add half an apple and was hungry after two hours. Today, I am going to add the half of apple and see how I feel. I usually eat either 15 or 18 almonds for the fat.

My husband made cole slaw, with pineappe and diced apple. I know that pineapple is an unfavorable carb but there wasn't that much in there. There was hardly any mayo either. So, my question is how do I figure out carb and fat blocks for it since it did have a bit of low fat mayo? Any suggestions?



I am really enjoying all the posts to the forum. I try to read it first thing in the moring before my day gets busy. You all keep me going! Thanks!

Hi Kimberly:




"How long after you eat a zone meal do you know you are in the zone...."

A 3 or 4 block Zone meal should prevent hunger for 4 to 6 hours.




"I use the cottage cheese for 1 carb blk and yesterday"

Plain cottage cheese usually doesn't contain enough carbohydrate to count. If yours has a significant amount of carbohydrate I'd suggest purchasing a different brand with less carbohydrate. For example, the low fat cottage cheese in my fridge right now (Cabot) contains only 2 grams of carbohydrate for every 7 grams of protein.



"My husband made cole slaw...my question is how do I figure out carb and fat blocks for it since it did have a bit of low fat mayo?

Since it is homemade, you'd pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate and fat in each ingredient in the cole slaw and then use the gram method to determine how much fat and carbohydrate are in your portion size.



When people have had difficulty getting into the Zone, Barry Sears has recommended they start over from square one, by reading their Zone book again, restarting with equally balanced blocks and then taking it from there according to the basic Zone principles and adjustments.

I'll be happy to help if you have questions. Good luck!

sue-
how do i get to that web site?thru this site of thru the internet alone?
eating a straight 3 1/2 block was not making me feel right. i was hungry within 2 hrs. that is why i dropped a carb. after looking at the chart in the book.i thought i needed to give it a try.
Tammy

Tammy, the page I gave you the address for earlier in this thread is found on Barry Sears' other site, drsears.com

That page displays the same flow chart that appears in the book MASTERING THE ZONE.

Cleo, may I perform a breakdown on the meal in question?

Ham, egg whites - okay, there's the protein

Mayo - okay, there's the fat.

Bell peppers, brocolli, cauliflower - yeah, I know they're supposed to count as carbs, but let's face it, their high fiber content basically erases them.

black beans - okay, there's some carbohydrates, but how many?

I think your meal is actually low carbohydrate. That may be working for you normally, but when you threw in more brocolli and cauliflower, you may have slowed down the entry of the meal's nutrients. Remember, most vegetables are high fiber. And what is fiber? Stuff the body can't digest.

Don't get me wrong. Fiber is awesome. It's an effective tool to control insulin. It balances our meals. It helps us stay in the Zone. But when I deal with high fiber vegetables such as brocollli, I don't even bother counting it.

I'd suggest throwing in a spoonful of brown rice, or have a piece of fruit on the side. Grapefruit makes an excellent breakfast choice. (By the way, what's this I'm hearing about Pineapple being high glycemic? Really?)

Now Kimberly, (and Sue, please weigh in on this) I think you're not eating enough. I mean, where are you getting your carbs from? I know you mentioned that you're carb-sensitive, but does that apply to grapes, pears, peaches, tomatoes, celery, spinach, mushrooms and other fruits and vegetables?

Dr. Sears says something along the lines of "if you're limiting your carbohydrates to fruits and vegetables, you'll actually have a difficult time overconsuming, because they are high volume foods."

Let's start pounding down the salad. When in doubt, have an extra orange. Am I off-base here?

Of course there are limits. But I doubt anybody ever gained weight from too many bell peppers. You should walk away from the table full. And by full, I mean with a bellyful of yellow, red, orange and green.

And Kimberly, may I point out a mistake that I have made countless times, and I think you're falling into? Don't count most foods as more than one type of block. In other words, cottage cheese is protein. Vegetables are carbs. Avocado is fat. You get the idea. Like Dr. Sears says, you aren't going to find many naturally occuring Zone foods, and if you start trying to analyze each food, you're not only going to need a calculator, but you're also going to short-change yourself.

I made the same mistake at breakfast for over a year. I was counting the protein in my oatmeal towards a block. I was counting the fat in the lowfat milk as a block. I wound up with a very small breakfast.

Okay, I'm done with dishing advice. Now I need some encouragement here.

So yesterday was day three of my new crusade. No more sweets. Solid dietary choices.

I ate a reasonable number of blocks yesterday (15) and I weighed in about the same as yesterday 134, 31 3/4" and 14%. Today I'm on track to finish at 16 blocks, the top end of my prescription (I pumped iron and played ball today - but yes, Sue, I'm going to stick with my prescription even on less active days, thank you.)

Here's where I could use your help.

My mother called from South Carolina. She shipped me a boxful of baked goods. I won't even describe them, but they are unbelievable. They haven't arrived yet.

My parents are not Zone followers. They actually feel I am overconcerned with diet. They have expressed to me that they feel I am 'anorexic'. During our recent travels in the Orient and in Europe, I kept track of my measurements and carried a food journal (I actually lost weight in Paris!)

I don't agree with their assessment. I'm feeling so much better at 14% bodyfat than I ever felt at 24%. The last few years, I've been at 19%. It's only been six months that I'm in this kind of shape. I'd like to bring it down further, to 9%. I'm in no particular hurry. That's just my goal.

For this reason I've sworn off pastries and baked goods. Never mind the fear of succumbing to a binge. I devoured a box of Armenian pastries on the 21st of the month. Laurie was brave enough to discuss her episodes, which encouraged me to come forward with my own. I find so few people talking about their troubles with overeating. Perhaps it's considered a stigma. Perhaps because our culture (and by that culture, I mean 'Earth culture', because it's everywhere) really connects feasting with celebration, anybody who talks about limiting portions faces criticism. Especially if they're not overweight.

I think my parents mean well. In fact, I courted these pastries. I actually wrote to my mom and asked her to send them. So I'm not blaming them. It's just that I've come to learn that one serving of a double chocolate brownie only leads to another, and then another...

My plan is to thank my mom for the gift, then give it away to my neighbors.

Any objections?

A guy like me, who absolutely loves fruit and vegetables, has no cause for eating baked goods. Why eat processed sugar and baked fat, when I am already happy being green?

"Now Kimberly, (and Sue, please weigh in on this) I think you're not eating enough."

The meal looks fine, other than the fat comment I made.





"Sue, I'm going to stick with my prescription even on less active days, thank you.)"

You're welcome and that's good.





"My plan is to thank my mom for the gift, then give it away to my neighbors"

Excellent plan.

Ivan

give away the treats. Your friends will love you.

As for my meal I had 1/4c beans because that equals 1 block of carbs. Following the blocks charty two bell peppers were 1 block and my roasted broccoli and cauliflower were one C block. Normally when I have that meal (it's a favorite) I have 1/2c beans for 2 C blocks (minus the broccoli and cauliflower. ). That way the meal is wonderful.

I had zoned bean and meat chili the other night and it was great.

You want to hear about a binge? Yesterday after a new lunch about 2.5hrs later I was feeling great but saw some sweetened Children's cereal. I haven't had that in about 5yrs or more. Easily. Yesterday fully aware of what I was doing I ate two bowls not big but still. So I had a protein chaser of four blocks and made my next meal small and back in the zone. I ended up actually in the zone better than on my bad perfectly measured veggies carb meal discussed eariler. And this type of carbs often holdeuch better than all veggies now that you mention it. That's why I keep going back to grains and other lower density carbs. Though 95% not sugary carbs.

When I very first started back on the zone after 10yrs leave of absence. I knew my body needed denser carbs and was concerned about it. Now that I've been reminded in this thread and others where I've been talking often with Sue I've been having beans as my denser carbs.

Sue, my entire meal was a perfect three blocks. I'm sorry I thought I mentioned that and that would tell you how much protein I ate. Two egg whites 2oz meat. 2 bell peppers. 1/4c beans. 1.5 c +2. c broccoli and cauliflower. I am really puzzled by this meal. I'm starting to think Ivan is right. Too low in carbs.

Would you please chime in on this also ? Having lived two years on the zine and successfully traveled for 6 weeks etc doing the eyeball method during that time and lost 1lb while gone even while at perfect weight I know I can do this.

Cheers
Cleo

Hi Kimberly,

Just to recoupe... a block is 9C(after the fiber is subtracted)/7P/3F, use these numbers from the nutrition labels of processed foods. There is a "Food Block Guide" at...
http://www.drsears.com/ArticlePrevi...fault.aspx ...(copy & past URL)that may help, everything is listed in 1block incraments in it's macronutrient group. Make a copy and stick it on your fridge, pretty soon you'll memorize your favorites. In your case you can write right on it whick carbs to avoid. Good Luck

Ivan, my mouth is watering just thinking about those baked treats from your mom!! It will be hard to pass them over but good for you for doing that. I can't say that I wouldn't freeze one for a special day or at least eat one. You are good!!

I see what you are saying about the veggies and fiber but I am not sure how to fix that? Do I research and find veggies that aren't high in fiber to add with say the broccoli?

You say to add an orange. What if I feel hungry after 1/2 hr? Do I add that at that point and won't it be off balance if I don't add protein and fat? That is where I am having a problem. If I am hungry after an hour or so, do I make a complete zone snack and if so, won't I be eating too much? If I do have a comp;ete snack. I am usually still resdy to eat my next meal in the four hour time frame even if my snack was eaten two hours ago.

Dr. Sears says something along the lines of "if you're limiting your carbohydrates to fruits and vegetables, you'll actually have a difficult time overconsuming, because they are high volume foods."

Ivan, can you elaborate on this or what does that mean exactly? My brain isn't functioning yet today. Does it mean that we will have a hard time getting in the zone because we have to eat so much (quantity) that we won't or don't?

I have to say, that the days I eat a superzone bagel with peanut butter and two egg whites, I am fuller longer but not the full 4 hours but still longer than any other meal I eat.

I seem to be sensitive to grapes and mushrooms or maybe I just don't eat enough carbs with some of my meals. I don't know. I do know that I can eat cups full of veggies from the zone diet with my protein and fat and still feel hungry or I should say I want some type of carb. I must be missing something.

I usually don't count one food for more than one block but I was trying to figure out why I can't get in the zone with the simple meal of fat free cottage cheese, berries or apples,and extra nuts to compensate for the fat free cottage cheese.

I am keeping track of the focused and unfocused hunger but it gets frustrating.

Cleo, I know what you are talking about when you mentioned eating the cereal and feeling full longer. I have gone out to breakfast and eaten a big breakfast with eggs, bacon and pancakes. Most times, that meal will hold me for hours and hours. I don't measure and I am in the zone. Why, I don't know.

Hi kimberly,

Some people do best with a little bit of medium density or higher density carbohydrate added to their meals. I'm very carbohydrate sensitive, yet I do best with a little moderate density favorable carbohydrate added to my classic Zone meals that conain mostly all low density favorable carbohydrate (plus I reduce the total amount of carbohydrate in the meals). Also, I can't stay in the Zone when most or all of my carbohydrate is from fruit (I get hungry, weak and spacey in a scary kind of way by an hour so after eating). The exception to this is berries which work fine for me (blueberries strawberries, raspberries and blackberries). You might find some more ideas for carbohydrate combinations that could work better for you by looking at my classic Zone meal photo album (the food photo in my signature here is a link to the album).

Hi Sue,

I have been staying away from the higer density carbs so I will have to add some. The list shows low and high density carbs. Where do I find the medium density carb list? Adding some higher density carbs might just be what I need..who knows! Thanks!

Hi kimberly,

You can basically use the block volumes on the Zone food block carbohydrate list to determine carbohydrate density. The lower the volume of food per block the higher the density. Some medium density favorable carbohydrates are lentils, hummus, and black beans. Steel cut oats would be the highest density favorabe carbohydrate.

Hi all -- just a quick touch-base, since I'm overwhelmed with work this week. I've just wrapped up Day 6 without a binge. I had been overeating every 3-4 days, so this is major. I've been eating more at meals -- making sure to have 3 full blocks. I had been eating 2-block meals so I'd have blocks left for more frequent snacks. Turns out, that caused me to be hungry and thinking about food all day long. Larger meals keep me satisfied for the full 4-5 hours, and I'm not nearly as preoccupied with food between meals/snacks. Less preoccupied with food leads to me being more productive and involved with other things in my life, which leads to less preoccupation with food, etc. So it's a good cycle to be in.

Also, I'm finding that adding a bit of higher-glycemic carbs at each meal is helping me stay satisfied longer, and is giving me much more energy.

I think these two changes are keeping the cravings and binges at bay.

I did give in last night and had some of that low-calorie/low-carb soft-serve I like so much. In all honesty, it wasn't worth it (never EVER thought I'd say that!) As I was eating it, and afterwards, I was so stressed about "is this going to throw me out of the Zone?" and "is this going to cause cravings or a binge later on?" that the stress completely out-weighed the pleasure. And I've been feeling SO good eating Zone-favorably that I'm just not interested in taking any chances with messing that up.

I'll post more when I can, but wanted to let you know I'm here and reading your posts, although I'm not able to post as much as I would like :-) .

Laurie

I remember when Oscar De La Hoya lost to Manny Pacquiao. I read an article afterwards where someone in De La Hoya's camp was talking about his diet. Oscar had lost too much weight. He had to lose weight to fight Pacquiao, who's naturally lighter than him. But Oscar hadn't put on any weight between the weigh-in and the actual fight. If I remember correctly, he actually came in lighter. The article spoke about how Oscar had tried a new diet, one consisting of ostrich meat, and Oscar was saying that he felt wonderful. Someone in Oscar's camp blamed Oscar's defeat on the radical change in his diet. This source claimed that you can't expect the body to accept foods that are so different from what you ate as a child, not without there being a price.

When I hear about people struggling with the different types of carbohydrate sources, I think about Oscar's ostrich meat diet. I remember that my first year or two in the Zone, when I tried to eat only favorable carbs (green vegetables, low-glycemic fruits.) I had some hunger issues.

My mother, who is diabetic, still enjoys regular pasta from time-to-time. It goes against all conventional wisdom. But she's pricked her finger and showed me the blood sugar levels following her bowls of goulash. She said, 'Hey, that's what I grew up eating. How am I going to change?"

Obviously, she doesn't do this every night. And she's cut out almost all alcohol and most sweets. And if something she eat really spikes her blood sugar, she's quick to eliminate it from her diet.

When I explained the Zone to her, she suggested to me that I needed to add back in some 'non-favorable' carbs. "Not alot," she said, "like a quarter of your meal. So have that salad, but then have a little rice, or a small potato, or a little bread."

It sounds an awful lot like what Dr. Sears said about limiting unfavorable carbohydrates to 25% of a meal, doesn't it?

So I'm really not surprised that Cleo's bowl of cereal (or two) or Kimberly's Zone bagel provided a fix that was unattainable on just fruits and vegetables. Or that Laurie's addition of 'high-glycemic' carbs helps her stay on track. Or that Sue's diet works best with a mixed of different density carbohydrates.

One thing I will say, and long-timers please share your opinion on this, is that the body gets used to favorable carbs after a while. I used to have serious gas after so much brocolli, and apples used to flush out my system. Onions used to kill me. Not anymore. After four years in the Zone, I'm digesting greens much easier.

Now, please let me update you on my dietary crusade.

The package from Mom arrived today. I was touched by the large, carefully packed box. I called my folks, and while on the line, sampled a small piece of each of the items. If you weighed them, I had maybe 4 ounces worth. Once off the phone, I tried to 'balance' it with a half-cup of cottage cheese.

Then I put the box in the back of my fridge and went on with my day.

I'm going to see how this 'moderation' thing plays out. Let's see if I can have a small portion every couple of days. That's the plan.

Remember, I'm worried about triggering a binge. I have previously (and publicly) sworn off all desserts. Now I allowed a small portion back in. What do you think? Am I avoiding a De La Hoya, or am I playing with fire?

Speaking of cheating... Kimberly, I had a 4pt breakfast at 8. The package came at 10:30. Let's be generous and call my snack a two pointer, okay? Well, I had a 4pt lunch at 1:15pm. So to answer your question about 'cheating'- when I break proper spacing, I try to balance it with protein, then get back in the Zone on the next meal. Today I had to eat at 1:15 (for work reasons), but if I hadn't, maybe I would have waited another hour. Either way, like Dr. Sears says, you're only one meal away from getting back in the Zone.

By the way, thank all of you for your encouragement. I look forward to hearing your responses, corrections, opinions, questions and suggestions.