Hi all,
   I'm really new to the zone so still trying to work things out a bit so please forgive my ignorance.

If I am eating a 2 or 3 course meal which would be zoned over the whole meal...how fast do I need to consume all the courses?

Can I eat my first course and 'rest' for 10-15 mins before starting on my second course, but still be in the zone?

Hi Sarah,

Yes, that would be ok. A tip, starting with some protein first would be the best way to go, but it's not absolutely necessary to.

Hi Sue,
   thanks for that...I'll keep in mind about the protein too, though that shouldn't be too difficult...smoked salmon is a favorite!!!

You're welcome.  Smoked salmon...one of my favorites too.  I had some for lunch today, on a Zone bagel with light cream cheese. 

Hi there. I'm very new to this as well and I am having a hard time wrapping my brain, and stomach, around the portion sizes that you are supposed to eat. For example, tonight's meal should be 3oz pork, 3 cups broccoli, 1.5 cups eggplant, 1/4 cup lentils, and I still haven't added the 3 blocks of fat! Really...how on earth am I supposed to eat this much food?
I am 5'5, 135lbs and I workout 5 days a week (crossfit). According to the protein calculator, I'm supposed to eat 13 or 14 blocks a day.
I'm just not understanding the portions! Please help! Will my appetite grow to match the portion suggestions? I tried to eat 6 egg whites this morning and had to stop after only 3!!

And another quick question! I can't eat the Zone 1-2-3 diet for fitness because I eat gluten free. Shouldn't I be eating far larger portions of protein if I'm working out this much?


Any advice is so appreciated!

Hi Evelyn,

13 or 14 blocks would be the maximum for your activity description.  In fact, depending on your LBM, 14 could be a bit too much.  Your activity level for the calculator would be either Active or Very Active.   You wouldn't require more protein that that.  Keep in mind that excess dietary protein consumed, beyond the body's need, will be converted to stored fat.

No one is expected to eat cups and cups of vegetables at one sitting. When you mix and match favorable carbohydrates your meals will be of smaller volume.  Take a look at these 7 day planners for ideas (men's contain 14 blocks):  http://www.zonediet.com/Tools/MealP...fault.aspx.  

Yes, you will most likely become accustomed to eating larger meals with time. 

_______________________________

sue

Lost 100 lbs 15 yrs ago, off BP meds, thanks to the Zone diet and Zone fish oil. ZoneFast 1-2-3 is the best!

Consultant of Zone Labs

Certified Zone Affiliate

View my Zone Fast 1-2-3 meal photos here:  http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...3%20Meals/

View my classic Zone meal photos here:  http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/...4/?start=0

 

Welcome both of you!

Evelyn: Too much food is a common complaint in the beginning. I'm not sure if you get used to the larger amount so much, as getting used to mixing and matching your carbs. The lentils in your meal is a nice small dense carb. You could also try a piece of fruit instead of one of the green veggies. As for fat, the pork might already have enough fat in it, but even if you had to add some fat I bet you could fit in 3 macadamia nuts or a tsp of olive oil for cooking your pork or eggplant.

I still remember my first meal. I was all gung ho, had just Zoned my kitchen and did a big grocery shop. It was breakfast, and I cooked up loads of mushrooms, onions, peppers; made an omelet and folded it all in, and topped it with salsa. It looked delicious! About half way through I thought I was going to be sick! I couldn't finish it. Now I just cook up a few mushrooms for my eggs, and have steel cut oats and blueberries for my carbs.