Hi, I read somewhere that you can substitute a carbohydrate block with 2 fat blocks, for example in a 3 block meal: 3 protein blocks, 2 carb blocks, 4 fat blocks. Can you still be in the Zone this way? Thank you very much.

Annie,

Yes, you can still be in the Zone. The example that you provided is a typical adjustment for those who are sensitive to carbs. Some of us here follow the Zone with that carb adjustment.

If you eat a balanced zone diet and find that you have "unfocused" hunger approximately 4 hours after eating, then this is the adjustment that you would make. Otherwise, if you eat your balanced zone meal and are not hungry after 4 hours, then the meal is hormonally correct, no adjustments required.

Thank you very much!

That's very interesting -- I never heard that one before. Which of Dr. Sears' books contains that information? I didn't notice it in his first two ("The Zone" and "Mastering The Zone"), which are the only ones I have at hand right now.

Also, can you define "unfocused" hunger for me? I'm a bit vague on how hunger would be focused or unfocused. ;)

It is not the hunger that is focussed, are you mentally focussed or unfocussed?

I am sure that this is discussed in "Mastering the Zone", but I don't have my copy available right now, so can't give you a page reference.

Look for the "hormonal test" or "4 hour hunger test", something similar to that.

James

Check-out this page from DrSears.com

http://www.drsears.com/Resources/ta...fault.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.drsears.com/Resources/ta...fault.aspx

Within the page you can select from resources to assist you and help understand messages your body is sending you.

Here are Two:

http://www.drsears.com/Resources/ta...fault.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.drsears.com/Resources/ta...fault.aspx

http://www.drsears.com/portals/6/Do...Report.doc

I just started considering this plan last week. The calculator results show that I need to use 14 blocks for Protein, Carbs and fat.
So to figure how many grams per day I am allowed I figure 14 blocks x's 7 grams = 98 grams for Protein. 14 x's 9 = 126 grams for Carbs.
14 x's 1.5 = 21 grams for fat. Is this correct?

Another question is: When you key on one food in a group (like proteins) are the Carbs and fat grams from that food to be counted when you
chose food in the other (carb & fat) groups?

Proteins is not counted in plants/grains - except Soy Protein.
Most Carbs in Protein is negligible.
Count it if it is not negligible.
Like in Yogurt and milk.
Same with Fats.

Thank you John,

How about my question: The calculator results show that I need to use 14 blocks for Protein, Carbs and fat.
So to figure how many grams per day I am allowed I figure 14 blocks x's 7 grams = 98 grams for Protein. 14 x's 9 = 126 grams for Carbs.
14 x's 1.5 = 21 grams for fat. Is this correct?

Your calulations are correct; However what many do not mention in this forum is this:

from Dr Sears Book " Zone Blocks" (page 10)

When calculating... use 1.5 grams fat when your recipe has low fat Protien. If your protien is a non-meat source.. Use 3 grams fat

Yes, but focus on balancing each meal/snack. - instead of daily.
In thinking daily, you might think you can have more protein at breakfast and make up for the Carbs at dinner.
NO! Each meal/snack should be balanced.
A 3 block meal is 3 blocks of each.
3x7=21 grams P
3x9=27 grams C
3x3=9 grams F
4.5 grams F from the Low-Fat P source + 4.5 grams added F