Hi,

I have seen some similar posts to this, but not one that asks my specific question so maybe someone can advise me. I am a recent returner to the Zone, and I am hoping to lose only a few pounds. I am a small (5'1") 31 year old woman, and I workout a few times a week at relatively irregular times. As I am only supposed to eat 11 blocks a day, I am a bit unsure of how to manage the pre-post workout snack. For example, if I wake up at 7 and workout at 9:30, should I eat a meal prior to the workout? or a snack? or a meal split into 2 / 1 block increments? Or, if I decide to workout after work one day (maybe 5 or so) should I have my afternoon snack prior, have a post workout snack afterward, dinner a couple hours later (when I get home) and then no snack before bed? Or is it okay to have an extra block on the workout days?

Sorry to be so confused!

Cheers!

Elli,

First of all, you should check to make sure that you are truly supposed to get 11 blocks, even with the elevated activity factor. Most likely you are, but you should check it out to verify. Also, as you check it out, play around with activity factors to see where the "break" is, you may be close enough to the breaking point that you could allow yourself to go to 12 blocks.

Assuming that 11 blocks is what you get, you can divide it up in the way that works for you. Depending on your workout intensity and the proximity to the next meal, you may or may not need a pre or post workout snack. When I work out, it is usually after work and before supper, and its been awhile since lunch, so I will eat a pre-snack. But, since dinner is right around the corner, I generally don't eat the post-snack. I have also divided up meals and snacks to accommodate my workouts, too. That is acceptable to do.

It is really up to you as far as how to divide up your snacks and meals. Just keep the basics in mind and eat again within 4-6 hours of your last meal, eat within an hour of rising, and have your bedtime snack before your bedtime.

By no means should you not have a bedtime snack, unless your dinner meal is close to that point.

And, it is not recommended by the Zone to eat more blocks on exercise days. You should eat the same number of blocks on all days, regardless.

Hope this isn't too confusing!

Bedtime snack - that is something new to get used too! I don't think I've ever heard of a diet that recommended it. In fact isn't it a fad to not eat anything after a certain time?

I think CW (conventional wisdom) is coming around to keeping blood sugar stable and is starting to adhere to some of the principles of Zone, including a balanced snack within 1 hour of retiring for the night.