I am new to the Zone (this is literally my 5th day on the Zone) and have a few questions which I can't seem to find the answers to. So if someone could help me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Can someone please tell me the difference between the Zone foods (i.e. pastas, breads, etc) offered for sale and the pastas, breads, etc. you would buy at your local grocery store?

Also, I find nothing on what coffee with a fat free or sugar free creamer would be considered in your blocks. Can someone please help me with this as well?

Lastly, what is you want to eat a food that is not in the book or in the list of foods in the user guide? Does this means that it is totally off limits?

It's only been 5 days, but I am feeling a difference already. I find that I have more energy and I'm not hungry all the time. This is good! I was on Weightwatchers for over a year and did lose over 20 pounds, but then I platued and can't seem to get past it so I did some research and came across the Zone. So far I like what I'm seeing and feeling. I just have the keep my food choice wide so I don't get bored with it so if you all have suggestions on things to eat, especially for the snacks (it seems that is where I'm having the most difficult time coming up with stuf), please share<img src='desktopmodules/ntforums/images/emoticons/smile.gif' height='20' width='20' border='0' title='Smile' align='absmiddle'>

I thank you in advance for any help you can give me!!

1.) Can someone please tell me the difference between the Zone foods (i.e. pastas, breads, etc) offered for sale and the pastas, breads, etc. you would buy at your local grocery store?

The t are specially Molecularly Baked" Zone friendly foods which are Zone balanced and designed for maximum hormonal balance. You can rwad all about them under the "HOME" tab, scroll down and look for:
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Why the new Zone 1-2-3 Program Works:
The combination of our revolutionary fresh-baked Zone Foods, Omega|Rx®, and Zone Polyphenols now makes it possible to change the activation of those genes that cause both weigh gain and silent inflammation.
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CLICK the "Learn More" link.
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Not Necessarily - just ask about a specific food, here - and some one will be able to help.
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Lastly, caffeinated drinks (Coffee and Tea) not herbals are diuretics. They act kind like opposite of water.
Rule of thumb is that you should drink one-half your body weight in oz of water per day. So a 180 pound person should drink 90oz of water per day. If you drink caffeinated coffee or Tea - then you will need to drink an equal amount of additional water to counter-balance the diuretic effect.