I am new to the Zone diet. I haven't started it yet...I don't know where to start.


I don't know what to buy at the grocery store. I don't know what meals to cook for my family. I don't know how to figure out portions from the meals. They shoul have reciped posted on here for family style instead of individual. I am used to programs that have more technology to track and tell me do the math for me. You would think there was an app to create your own recipe and it would figure out blocks. I want to try this but am so overwhelmed I am scared to start!

Any tools, thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

There is a food b;ock guide to help guide you.
Most recent version is on this web site.
As a guide most meat, 1oz weight, pre-cooked is one block.
Fish in general is 1.5 oz pre-cooked per 1 block protein.
For Carbs use the block guide, very easy to use.
1 medium apple is 2 blocks carbs.
1 cup green beans is 1 block carbs.
1/4 cup black beans is 1 block carbs.
etc.
.
So, it depends on how many people in your family and how many blocks they eat.
MOST recipes are posted by regular folks, we just find a combination, and post it.
MOST posters include how many servings and how many blocks per serving per recipe.
SO, it should be easy to figure out for your family.
There are also decent books, available in paperback, so inexpensive, like Zone Meals in Minutes.
Dogs gotta go out, so cutting ths short ...

when i first started, it really helped me to have the book--"a week in the zone", it offers some recipes for both
male and female, you would just need to multiple for the amount of people you are cooking for.
the book also helps you to understand the basics of the zone.. it's inexpensive.. or better--get it from your
library-- there are a couple of recipe books (their titles are listed on this website in the products area).

it is confusing when you first start-- but after about 2 weeks, something clicks and it all makes sense.. don't
give up

Thanks for the advice! I will locate that book. Where is the combination?

I want to season my chicken and stuff but don't know what i can use and don't want to change the blocks. I see 1 cup of green beans is one block but i use salt, pepper and bouillon cube and don't know how that affects it. I know how many blocks i need but don't want bland food either because i wouldn't stay on it.

i agree with you about the bland food. i love flavor-- all kinds, spicy, sweet, sour, tart--- almost all spices/herbs are "free".
there is a list on this site of acceptable condiments...
just be careful with thickening agents, oils and breadings...