I have been reading the work of two medical doctors (John McDougall & Caldwell Esselstyn) also, author T. Colin Campbell (The China Study). They all promote a vegan diet. The Zone advocates lean meat and cheese. Who is correct? I am so confused. Please take the time to help me. Thanks.

Protein cannot be stored and needs to be replenished daily. Muscle wasting can occur if protein intake is inadequate as it may be needed for more important body functions.

It's estimated that over 50 % of the dry weight of your body is protein. Proteins are everywhere in the body - in muscle, bone, brain cells, blood cells, genetic matter, skin, hair, fingernails, etc.

Constant processes of repair and renewal takes place inside our bodies with the aid of protein. Maintenance, repair and growth of body tissue is accomplished by the digestion of protein into subunits called amino acids. In this form these amino acids can enter cells where, following instruction from DNA, they can be synthesized into new proteins as is needed. Protein is therefore essential for healthy living.

Thanks for your reply tech support, but that does not answer the question as you can get protein from a vegan diet.

I've been told that consumption of animal products promotes cancer and heart disease. I don't know what to believe.

Hi Ellen,

Learning more about the topic will probably help to allay your fears. I highly recommend “Toxic Fat” by Barry Sears.

The Zone Diet suggests "lean" meat and "reduced fat" cheese as protien sources those who choose to eat meat and cheese. It is not necessary to eat meat or dairy to be successful with the Zone diet, btu it is necessary to consume the appropriate amont of protein daily to prevent the loss fo muscle. A vegan diet, as you mentioned is acceptable, as long as you carefully design your meals and snacks to meet all the requirements of the Zone. For more info on vegetarian Zone meals and snacks, check out "The Soy Zone" by Barry Sears.

To give a bit more clarification, the main goal of the Zone is to reduce the type of inflammation that has been linked to cancer, Alzheimer's and other inflammatory diseases, through dietary insulin control and the avoidance omega 6 fats, especially AA, an omega 6 fat found in animal products that is a direct cause of inflammation. In addition, EPA is consumed in the form of an ultra-refined fish oil concentrate, like Omega RX, in order to further dilute out excess AA in the body adn keep you inflammation levels low. The third important piece of the Zone is to consume large amounts of polyphenols, which can be accomplished by eating a variety of colorful veggies and fruits, or by taking a polyphenol supplement like Sea Health Plus or Polyphenol Plus.

If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be happy to try to help.

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sue
Consultant of Zone Labs
Certified Zone Affiliate

Ellen, I forgot to say, I use Zone foods as my major protein source, specifically because they don't contain AA, and secondarily because they provide me with excellent appetite control, better than I've even been able to achieve with the strictest adherence to classic Zone meals and snacks in all of my 16 years in the Zone.

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sue

sue, thank you for your reply. I bought the Anti-Inflamation Zone today, but am not sure how to begin. It all seems overwhelming to me.

Ellen,
I am not sure that any of us can answer your question easily. You can get adequate protein on a vegan diet, but you just have to work harder at it, utilizing vegetable protein sources. Tofu is probably the most popular and complete protein amongst the vegetable proteins. You can get protein from other sources, like beans for instance, but much of the protein is bound to the fiber, and so some of the protein is not utilized (this is what I have learned from reading Dr. Sears, but I don't know if anyone else writes this or not). Many vegans eat combinations of vegetables to make "complete proteins".

The Zone does not specifically advocate lean meat and cheese; rather, it advocates for protein that comes from lean sources. Whether that be from lean cuts of meat, or from fat free cheese, or from tofu, or from egg whites, it doesn't matter.

Of note, Zone food products are apparently a good source of protein, but if you are considering approaching the Zone as a vegan, these are not vegan products. Some of the protein does come from milk protein isolate.

no cranberrycat, I'm not considering approaching the zone as a vegan. I've been trying that and I am so hungry. I had just read about animal products causing disease. I have dry itchy skin and just generally don't feel good. Just trying to figure all this out. I'm just tired of worrying. Thanks for your reply.

do you use the zone foods like sue?

Hi Ellen,

Re how to start, there are 3 parts to the Zone, 1. The Zone Diet, 2. Ultra-refined fish oil concentrates, and 3. Polyhenols, consumed either by eating an array of colorful fruits and veggies (10 + servings a day) or by using one of the Zone polyphenol supplements.

You can begin the diet with either Zone Foods 1-2-3 plan (refer to the wealth of info on this site) or with Classic Zone meals (see the Classic Zone recipes on this site, and also the details in the book you mentioned). If you choose the Classic Zone, my tip is to keep it simple by using the plate method (aka hand/eye method). I used that method to lose 100 pounds, without measuring or counting a single block or weighing anything. It's easy and it works. That was sixteen years ago and I've maintained the weight loss. Two years ago when the Zone Foods became available I took advantage of them for the reasons I mentioned earlier. I've had excellent results since then (check this out: http://www.zonediet.com/forums/aft/58048). Either way, Classic Zone or Zone Foods, you can be successful.


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sue

Ellen, in case the link in my previous post doesn't work, I was referring you to my thread in the Weight Loss Forum here, with the title, Wow! Unbelievable Labs with Zone Foods!

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sue

Ellen, it is likely that if you were hungry with the vegan diet, that the protein:carb ratio was off, or that your protein sources were not actually providing you with ample protein.

I think that the jury is out regarding whether animal products cause disease. Sure, some animal products may contribute to disease. However, if you are smart about the sources of protein that you choose, you can reduce or eliminate that possibility.

Don't worry! I think that sometimes there are extremists who will put stuff out there in the internet or publish in books stuff that scares people. It isn't always easy to know what is true and what is just hype.

Thank you so much cranberrycat and sue. So, should I just eyeball my plate and read my Anti-Inflammation book?

Go for it!

Here is a link to the food block list, this list will help you to make good food choices:
http://www.zonehealth.com/portals/0..._guide.pdf

i've only been in the zone for a little over a week now. I'm feeling full of energy. i've been following "a week in the zone" which does not have vegan recipes. although there are quite a few that use tofu, steel cut oatmeal and chickpeas. I have found all the recipes to be wonderful in taste and appearance. i have had NO feelings of hunger!! from one newbee to another--get the book "a week in the zone". give it a try, see how you feel. and i agree with cranberrycat there are always extremists out there trying to scare people into doing things they are unsure about.

[quote]
Posted By Ellen on 15 Jun 2011 08:02 PM
Thank you so much cranberrycat and sue. So, should I just eyeball my plate and read my Anti-Inflammation book?
[/quote]


You're welcome, Ellen. That would be a great way to start!

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sue