I received my shipment today of my first meals and someone said that the rolls are 2 complete blocks. Nutrition facts show 2 blocks of protein.. but it also shows 7 grams of total fat and 21 grams of total carb's. Can someone please explain to me how that equals two blocks when one block carb is 9 grams and fat is 1.5 g? For lunch I ate one white roll, and one oz hamburger meat.. and 1 1/4 cup of tomatoes.. i didn't add any fat because i dont want greasy meat and didn't have any mayo. so aside from lack of fat, it was 3 blocks right? In many of the recipes it calls for one one slice of tomatoe, or cut up cherry tomatoe.. that carb doesn't even count does it, since its such a small amount? Ahhh.. yep. I'm pretty confused, so any help would be appreciated. It would be nice if the recipes in the pamplet came with blocks on them.

Another question.. Sunday starts with Bagel with 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese. The bagal is balanced with p f and c. so wouldn't the cream cheese be extra fat, and you'd have to balance it would with protein and carb? which would then make it a complete 3 block meal?

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As I understand it ( I have not tried it yet because of the initial expense) You're not really following by Zone fast 1-2-3 by blocks; however, that would be hared to do if one were to mix.  So, that being said, blocks are not exact, it is a ZONE you achieve.  The ZONE being the center where everyone is different and it can vary on either side.
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So 1 block of Protein is 7 grams is the foundation,
And 9 grams of Carbs more or less is 1 block for 1 block of P.,
And 3 grams of fat is 1 serving of Fat for 1 block of P.
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 So, 21 grams of Carbs is close to 18 grams of Carbs is 2 blocks.
7 grams of fat is close to the 6 grams of Fat for 2 blocks of P.
Now, I do not know why one would add additional fat in the way of cream cheese.
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I do know that additional fat is some times helpful and required by some, but that is usually in the form of Mono fat and not Sat Fat.

Thank you John, Seems like just when I think I understand everything, something else confuses me lol. The 1-2-3 is expensive but I was really missing my breads. Just had a zone chocolate chip cookie.. interesting.. but it was good. Yeah.. i dont understand the additional fat either for the bagel breakfast unless the bread is fat free? but.. its supposed to be balanced so that doesn't make any sense without adding carb and protein block as well to make it 3 blocks. Maybe someone else can solve the puzle. If i don't follow by blocks, then I dont know how to do the zone meals.

As far as my zone. When I initially began learning about this, i configured my blocks to be 12, but when I found this site, and figured it all out again, the page said i was 11 blocks, so 11 i'm doing and I feel fine other than my evening snack doesn't hold me till bedtime. I just ignore it.

For dinner I'm eating a half pizza crust, put one ounce of cheese and a few small slices of tomatoe, and put 1 tsp of oil on the crust. Tried to follow one of the recipes.. but to me that would be 3 protein, 2 carb fro the pizza, and 3 oil? since the tomatoe is such a small amount? Anyone out there? I would really like some help understanding how to use these meals. Thanks Rebecca

I also just got my Zone Fast meals... and it is very confusing! I started it today. I am lactose intolerant and in looking at some of the meals... I am not sure how to get around the cheese, yogurt, etc.. needed... Also I can't find any instructions on how to cook the pasta/orzo. I took a stab at cooking the pasta tonight and kept trying it until it was done. I am confused about not getting to eat much fruits or veggies on this... I have been eating a lot of raw fruits and veggies but it looks like it has been elminated on this... Unless I am missing something and I am supposed to be adding it in. I have been pretty hungry today... I hope that improves! Anyone with any thoughts? Thanks!

The directions for cooking the pasta is on the "welcome to the superzone" page that came with the meals. YOu bring water to a boil in a 2-3 quart pot, andd one scant teaspoon of salt if desired, stir in package of pasta, simmer uncovered for 6-10 minutes or until desired tenderness drain and serve with fav. toppings. One package of pasta is 4 blocks though, so you'd probably want to half it.

Thanks so much Rebecca! I did get that page in my box so didn't have the instructions. I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can get more info... I got the women's package so I assumed that it was my serving. I have been eating the meal plans over the weekend and I have not been satisfied... been really hungry. I can't imagine cutting the pasta serving in half! Oh man! I have not even been eating much lately so my appetite is not really big. So... I am not sure what I am doing wrong. If I didn't get that instruction sheet... I am probably missing some vital information. Thanks! I will call the 800 number in the morning.

Hi Tammy,

  Here's the info I just posted in one of your other threads here.  It should help: 




   Welcome Tammy, and congrats on being a survivor! I'm an 8 year breast cancer survivor, with reconstruction too. :-) I've been doing the Zone for 15 years, and last year I switched from classic Zone meals to Zone Fast 1-2-3. You'll love it! You can find out your daily protein requirement here: http://www.zonediet.com/Tools/Calcu...fault.aspx The block system is one way to design classic Zone meals, but you don't use it when you're following the 1-2-3 plan. For 1-2-3 use the grocery list explanation which came with your food. It’s your basic blueprint for following the 1-2-3 plan. You can also find it here: http://www.zonediet.com/GroceryAddi...fault.aspx The 2 week sample menu that arrived with you food had some very good basic ideas for meals and snacks. If your daily block recommendation on the calculator comes to 11 or 12 blocks you will do fine following the women's 1-2-3 plan. If your daily block recommendation is 13 or more, the men's plan should be used. Essentially it includes one extra snack daily to provide more protein. I require 13 blocks daily and I use the men's plan.

Don't forget to include Omega Rx and Sea Health Plus (or Polyphenol Plus). They're very important for best results with fat loss and inflammation lowering.

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

_______________________________________

sue



Consultant of Zone Labs

Certified Zone Affiliate




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!

wow.. thanks for completely ignoring me even though I started this. I realize that most folks are ok with it not being perfectly in their zone.. but i'm not. If i'm going to do this, I want to do it right. I want to incorporate zone meals into blocks, so that way it will be in my zone, and I dont understand why the menu that is included, doesn't do that. It makes no sense to add 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese to a bagal.. health wise.. its not a balanced zone, that would be 2 blocks and some fat.. not 3 balanced blocks. Same with the rest of the menu.. there's no 3 p 3 c 3 f. and.. as far as pasta goes.. that's 4 blocks.. they want us to eat the hole thing? that's more protein than i'm supposed to have. I'm prob. better off with class zone as it actually makes sense. I do enjoy the breads and snacks though. Also.. the grocery list that came with it.. ok really? it says.. up to so many servings.. so.. what happens if you dont want to add anything.. or what if you add all that it says.. to me that's too much fluctuation of your zone. I have a year to lose 23 lbs or to get down to 110. My husband just deployed and i'm determined. Sorry for being crabby.. i just want some answers.

Hi Rebecca,


You can learn more about Zone Fast 1-2-3 by reading the various topics here:  http://www.zonediet.com/WeightLoss/...fault.aspx  


re: I want to incorporate zone meals into blocks, so that way it will be in my zone, and I dont understand why the menu that is included, doesn't do that 

The block method and ZoneFast 1-2-3 are two different ways to acheive the same goal (being in the Zone).  There are other methods too [gram counting, hand/eye (a.k.a. plate method), points system, and different 1-2-3 plan for designing classic Zone meals (sometimes described as10-20-30)].  The block method is one of the ways to design classic Zone meals.  The block method is not  really for use is not for use with Zone 1-2-3 foods, which is most likely why you're confused when you try to combine  the two.  Though there are many block Q&A's in these forums most people who eat classic Zone meals use the hand eye method to do the Zone.  
  

It makes no sense to add 2 tablespoons of light cream cheese to a bagal.. health wise.. its not a balanced zone, that would be 2 blocks and some fat.. not 3 balanced blocks. Same with the rest of the menu.. there's no 3 p 3 c 3 f. and.. as far as pasta goes.. that's 4 blocks.. 

Reading (or rereading) a Zone book should help you to understand better. 



that's more protein than i'm supposed to have.

A woman following the woman's plan will not be getting more protein than she needs each day.  If you prefer, you can split your pasta or pizza meals in half and eat the other half as a snack at some other time of day, as long as you eat you full protien requirement daily.


Also.. the grocery list that came with it.. ok really? it says.. up to so many servings.. so.. what happens if you dont want to add anything.. or what if you add all that it says.. to me that's too much fluctuation of your zone. 

The Zone represents a range of P/C ratios.  The suggested examples of protein, carbohydrate and conmdiment additions on the 1-2-3 Grocery Additions lists are not going to take the meals out of Zone balance.  Again, reading a book will give a better undesrtanding.   Toxic Fat  is the best place to get the entire picture. 




____________________________________________


sue



Consultant of Zone Labs

Certified Zone Affiliate




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!




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

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

I've read Mastering the zone.. and have done alot of research. I understand the reg block zone version.. I didn't know you couldn't combine the meals with the block version, as I thought you would still be staying in your block zone with the meals. I dont want to do plate method because I have a tendancy to not eat enough if I dont have a set amount of food that i have to eat. Not a big veg eater so the block version makes me eat what I'm supposed too. Thanks, I'll be going back to the reg block version after these 2 weeks are up, and maybe using the bars as snacks since they do have a block count.

Rebecca,

If you want to incorporate the block system with the zone 1-2-3, I don't see why it can't be done. For us ladies, meals are generally 3-block portions.   So, just treat the zone 1-2-3 foods as if they were 2-block portions, for those meals that you are using them. 

For instance, you could use 2 slices of bread for a sandwich, and then add a block's worth of protein (like a few slices of deli meat).  You could eat one block's worth of veggies for your block of carb, or enjoy a block's worth of fruit.  And, don't forget to supplement the fat, so toss in 3 almonds. 

I tried zonefast 1-2-3 and it didn't work well for me.  However, I had the best success with meals that I turned into a 3-block meal using zonefast products. 

Another example,  I would order a subway mini-meal (the kids-pack) for myself.  I would take a sandwich roll with me (which is equal to 2 blocks).  I would order a deli roast beef sandwich (my personal favorite), and then add some fixings.  The veggies don't amount to much, but I would order a side of apple slices as my side.  I generally carry nuts with me, so the fat is covered. 

Here's another idea, I made this at home and my daughter really enjoys it...  using bread, bagel or sandwich roll, we created an egg sandwich using an egg white and 1/2 ounce of lowfat or fat free cheddar.  She likes mayo, so that was an easy addition, but I prefer it without mayo (and there are some mayo alternatives that are more healthy).   Add a side of blueberries to complete your block requirements. 

Incidently, I will admit that the entire thing was very confusing to me, as I started out, as well.  So you gals are not alone in that!  I have been zoning for years and I follow the block system, mainly to control my portion sizes.  It is hard to think in terms of 1-2-3 if you are accustomed to blocking. 

You don't have to worry about the fat in the 1-2-3 products.  They are fairly well-balanced.  A block of fat is 3 grams, and so 2 blocks is 6 grams.  Some products have 7 grams of fat, and that is pretty close.  One extra gram of fat is only 9 additional calories, and since fat does not impact insulin levels, you do not have to add protein and carb to balance it out. 

On the other hand, if you have too much protein and carb, then you obviously will need to add fat to balance it out. 

Remember, a block of fat according to the food list is 1.5 grams, but our protein sources usually contain an additional 1.5 grams (or maybe even more), so we assume to be consuming 3g of fat per block.  If your protein is fat free, then you would need to double your fat. 

OK, so this kind of veers off of the topic a bit, but hopefully it helps to clear up the questions in the earlier posts. 

ahh.. yes, THANK YOU. I was trying to make the meals into 3 blocks like you mentioned in your first post, with exactly the way you said it, and it confused me as to why the menu meals didn't equal to be proportioned that way. I'm just going to ignore the menu lol. I like the block system too and I find the 1 2 3 meals to be very good and they do hold me. Just had a warm chocolate chip zone cookie yum Glad I can incorporate the meals as that was my goal.

OK, glad I was able to help!