Hi, My name is Julie and I'm new to the Zone and forums. I'm a 38 year old physician and mother of three kids ages 6 and under (2 boys and a girl). I'm 5'7" and 158 pounds. I had gestational diabetes during all three of my pregnancies and required insulin during the 2nd and 3rd. This puts me at increased risk of becoming a Type 2 diabetic later in life. I exercise at least 4 days/week, but my job is sedentary. I've been following Weight Watchers, but I admit that I frequently cheat and don't bother to record all of the points I've consumed. Part of my problem is that I'm an emotional eater. Another part of my problem is that I was always underweight as a child and very slim as a young adult. I could eat anything and everything I wanted and not gain weight. Unfortunately, my appetite has persisted although my metabolism is no longer so forgiving. As a physician with education in science and nutrition, you would think I would be able to figure out how to maintain a healthy weight. I've found that isn't exactly the case.

My goal is to lose 18-20 pounds, develop healthier eating habits, and get more energy (I'm frequently exhausted). I'd also like to do everything I can to maximize my health and stave of Type 2 diabetes. I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that this is the plan to follow and the lifestyle to adopt. I've been reading Mastering the Zone and understand the science. I just haven't started putting the eating plan into practice yet because it seems like it might be time-consuming and cumbersome to figure out the proper blocks for meals when I'm in a hurry and trying to get my family fed. Also, I read reviews for the Zone Meals in Minutes and Zone Meals in Seconds books on Amazon, and many of the customers complained that the recipes took a very long time to make and were complicated.

Is there anyone out there in the same boat? Can anyone offer suggestions, encouragement, or tips for getting started? I ordered A Week in the Zone and should have it in the next few days. But I'd like to get a jump start on good health.

Thanks!

Julie

Hi and welcome!
Look at this website, aside from the Block method you can use the At-A-Glance or 1-2-3 method.
Though the Block method is simple for some of us, it can appear over-whelming.
So, take a look at the other two similar but easier methods of arriving at the same (similar) 40-30-30 ratio.

Julie,

I started following the Zone Diet 18 years ago using Zone At-a-Glance, lost 100 pounds in a bit less than 2 years, and have maintained it ever since (I'm your height). In spite of the fact I have hypothyroidism (I take levothyroxine), I have tons of energy. Simply stated, yes, it works, and it's easy. My whole family eats this way. Go for it!

Thanks, John!

You're right...At-A-Glance and the 1-2-3 Method do look simple. I guess now I just need to stop making excuses and get going!

I appreciate your help!

Thanks, Sue!

I appreciate the encouragement! Congratulations on your weight loss and energy gain...no easy feat when you have hypothyroidism.

Thanks again for the pep talk. Now I just need to do it!

Julie

Thanks, Julie. Yes, my endicrinologist mentions to me, every now and then, if not for my diet adn lifestyule I would be very overweight considering my degree of hypothyroidism. (Thank you Dr. Sears!)

I think you'll really like it. It's a learning process at first, and it soon becomes second nature. Familiarize yourself with the principles and listen to your body. It'll will tell you what it needs. I highly recommend reading Dr. Sears most recent book, "Toxic Fat". It gives the entire up to date pictute, and explains the impace on your gene expression. Extremely interesting stuff. The Zone has evolved since it's inception and continues to evolve. I'll be happy to help if you have questions or concerns. I wone be around here much for the next few days, so sit tight if I don't happen reply immediately. Let us know how it goes. :)

Julie,

I don't know what happened to my response that I posted last night... it seems to have been deleted??

Reading your post, I feel that you and I are very similar, although I am 10 years older (but we won't be focusing on that lol). I am a mother of 3 children, and I also had gestational diabetes for all 3 of my pregnancies. After my first pregnancy was when I first heard of the Zone, and so I had applied some basic Zone principles for the subsequent pregnancies and was able to manage my blood sugar without having to go on medication.

Since that time, I have been "glucose intolerant", and so I am still classified at higher risk of developing diabetes. However, over the past 8 years, I have followed the Zone Diet and have not progressed to Diabetes.

My job is also fairly sedentary, although I do find excuses to keep myself moving. I am a nurse, but my job is not an active "floor" job. I wear a pedometer to encourage me to be more active, and I do exercise 4-5 times per week, mostly by riding a bike, but sometimes walking, and I do Leslie Sansone videos when the weather is not great outside.

I think you will find the books helpful. Sometimes the recipes are a bit complex and complicated, but I usually take recipes and break them down into simpler versions. Also, after you try a few things, you will likely develop your list of favorites. I developed a recipe card collection that is basically Zone recipes, or other recipes that I adjusted and balanced myself for the Zone. I do use the block system, and I find that it isn't hard at all! At first, I would keep the list on my refrigerator, but after so many years, I generally don't need it anymore.

Keep us posted!