Thanks!   

I've never tried it with applesauce, but it sounds like a good idea.  Make sure it's unsweetened.  You're correct that the more anythign is processed the less favorable it becomes. 

Thanks Claire.  I'm glad you like it.    One tenth of the whole recipe I posted would yield one carbohydrate block (and 4 fat blocks).  I haven't figured out the volume in cups.  The easiest way would be as you did, to use one bag per bolck and divide the whole recipe equally among all the bags.

Claire,

I understand, and sometimes it DOES help me to be a bit more precise.  If I eyeball things, sometimes my eyes get bigger and bigger, and I tend to underestimate what I have actually eaten. 

Just re-reading your question, I have another idea that might help you...
when I am trying to measure portions, I generally will mix the entire thing in a large measuring container.  So, in the example of the cowboy caviar, just use one of those larger measuring containers (I have an 8-cup sized container), and mix all of the ingredients in there.  You will see the total volume, and knowing that it makes 10 blocks, just divide the total volume by 10 to get the 1-block volume. 

I have followed the Zone and used the block method for years, so if you do have any furhter questions, I am always happy to help out. 

Here's some more insight.  Regardless of the method you use to compose your Zone meals, applying the Zone principle of adjusting for hunger will bring things to the level of adherence your body requires to stay in the Zone.  Whether you precisely weight and measure, or use the Zone block method, or use the Zone point method, or use the plate method, or use the Zone fast program, when you adjust for hunger, you will have achieved the precision you need, and you will end up with the same things, in the same amounts, on your plate.   The better your adherence to the Zone rules, the better you results will be.   The Zone rules apply the kinds of foods you choose as well as to amounts, timing, adjusting, P/C ratio, etc. 

____________________________________________

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!

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

Hi Claire, you're welcome. 

Re adjusting, the goal is to achieve at least 4 hours without hunger after a balanced Zone meal.  Lack of hunger shows that a meal was hormonally correct for you.  If you are hungry 4 hours or less after meals, then an adjustment is needed.  If you have significant hunger and still have plenty of energy and good concentration, referred to in the Zone as focused hunger, you would add one more carbohydrate block to every meal.  If you have significant hunger with one or more hypoglycemic symptoms (common ones are sleepy, poor concentration, feeling faint or dizzy, irritable, jittery, shaky), which is referred to as unfocused hunger, you would drop one carbohydrate block from each meal.  Focused hunger is the result of not eating enough carbohydrate for your individual need, unfocused hunger the result of eating too much carbohydrate.  If your hunger is unfocused, it will also help to eat most or all of your carbohydrates from favorable vegetables.  If you have unfocused hunger and drop a carbohydrate block, in addition you might also find it helpful to add a little extra monounsaturated fat to your meals.  For a helpful flow chart on adjusting, youcan click on "Hormonal Adjustment Diagnostic Chart" at the botom of this page:  http://www.drsears.com/Resources/ta...fault.aspx

Let me throw in a piece of additional information (this isn't on the hormonal chart): 

Lack of hunger does not mean that the meal was hormonally correct.  I would add that one must also consider energy and focus, even if hunger is not an issue.

For example, lets just think about Thanksgiving (especially since it is coming up in a month).  Think about how you have eaten this meal prior to the Zone--turkey, dressing mashed potatoes, yams, squash, pumpkin pie, etc. (just to name a few common items).  Prior to my days in the Zone, I have overeaten this meal, and have paid the price later on with an inability to stay awake several hours later.  Am I hungry?  NOPE!  Am I energetic and focused?  NOPE! 

So, if you are eating in the Zone, and you are hungry, then definitely use the hormonal chart to make your adjustments.  But, just consider the fact that an absence of hunger does not mean that the meal was right.  If your energy is low and unfocused, then it is likely that whatever you ate was NOT hormonally correct at all. 

I am editing this post because the one prior to it from Sue has been deleted.  I will not delete it, I am not here to play games.  The post was placed because Sue had posted regarding how she felt that my Thanksgiving example was a poor one. 

below are my comments to her post:

Sue,

You missed my point.  I used Thanksgiving meal as an example, but I truly don't believe that lack of hunger after ANY meal is a complete indication of being in the Zone.  One MUST use hunger AND mental focus to determine whether or not the meal was a hormonal winner.  I have experienced meals that were fulfilling for hours, yet didn't have the mental focus afterwards, and I am sure others have experienced the same thing.