Hi I tried to do a calculation on the website of how many blocks he would need if he went on the Zone and when I plugged in 315 it wouldn't calculate, but would at 300. Is there a limit for calculation? Also, he is a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy and arthritis in his knees so he can't excercise to much (if at all) and want to know if the Zone would be good for him. He also has some kidney problems and quite a while ago was told to keep his protein down, but if he does say 15 blocks, that would be 103 grams of protein a day. I know I'm asking a lot of questions, that probably a Zone doctor should answer, but I was hoping someone on these boards could answer me. I just started the Zone myself last week and am down 2# so far and am not finding it too hard. Thanks for any answers you could give me. Lois

[quote:fc78c0bd05="labrooks"]Hi, (Parts edited for brevity) ... Also, he is a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy and arthritis in his knees so he can't excercise to much (if at all) and want to know if the Zone would be good for him. Lois[/quote:fc78c0bd05] I don't know about diabetic, part, but I have done little or no exercise both before and after starting the ZONE. My calculations were at 11 or 12 blocks per day. I have no medical problems except for high total Cholesterol. I started at 222 lbs and went down to 191 lbs, so far, since may (5 months). My Total Cholesterol dropped from 284 down to 204 in three months! (Taking High Quality Fish Oil, as well.) Though I do tend to work on our older home, a lot. But on those days, I may have an added balanced block. Though I am not a poster example, due to lack of consistent exercise (so far). I think this tells you that no additional exercise will hinder neither weight loss nor the long term health benefits for your husband. By-the-way, I am eating far more food than I was before we started the Zone! Just healthier and more balanced.

Lois: First, sorry bout your Sox. :( You say you have just started The Zone, and if you read the book you'll know that your husband is in the condition he's in because of his diet. He isn't overweight because of his diabetes, he's diabetic because of his diet. Arthritis is also a result of maintaining high insulin levels. Both are auto-immune disorders, which are caused by hormone imbalance, which is caused by years of pizza and cake, beer and sweets. (I've been there.) At this point in your husband's wieght loss, I would not be overly concerned with how many blocks a day he needs. [i:ece52c845a]Remember[/i:ece52c845a]: the amount of blocks a person needs is calculated as the amount required to feed that ideal-sized person inside. In The Zone we feed only our lean-body mass, and the excess fat that covers him/her up will melt away, revealing our true selves. I would, rather, make him read Enter the Zone (if he hasn't), at least the first 4 chapters. I would plan all his meals and snacks with NO UNFAVORABLE CARBS whatsoever for the first week or 2. This means no starches, no grain-based foods, no refined sugar. All his carbs should be fresh fruit and vegetables. Stretch it out a third week if possible. (This would be a good way to kick-start your own metabolism well into the Zone, so support him by joining him.) And it can not be emphasized enough that he drink as much water as possible, at least 6 liters a day. Kidney trouble is one of those things mainstream doctors warn patients considering a high-protein diet like Atkins. (These are the same doctors who reccommend the Heart Association diet and the USDA Food Pyramid.) The Zone is not high-protein, it's adequate protein. Ample hydration will take care of any kidney trouble. Don't worry about that. Don't let the fear of kidney trouble be his excuse for eating french fries and Twinkies. The real trick for the first few weeks will be for your husband to avoid cheating. He needs to limit his snacks to nuts, cheese, deli meat, fruit. Let him eat whenever he wants to, and any amounts he wants to, as long as he only eats lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and dietary monounsaturated fats like olives and nuts. Drink only water, juice and milk, NO soda pop, no alcohol. After a few weeks on this stricter diet, his weight will drop to a manageable level, he can begin keeping track of blocks, and moderate amounts of unfavorable carbs can be introduced. He'll be able to start joining you for walks. The important thing for your husband to accept is that he can indeed live life without bread, that he can get through a day without eating candy or chips, and that there is a thin, fit man inside of his obese body. It is that thin man inside that he needs to feed. Good luck to both of you. Please use this Forum as a support group, ask questions, and keep us all posted on your progress.

Adam, Sorry about your Cubs - I gave up on the Sox years ago - been down that path too many times! Thanks for the great reply for my hubby - so you're saying I shouldn't worry about blocks at the beginning and just make sure he doesn't eat bread, chips, soda, etc. How about oatmeal for breakfast - (one thing he likes). I'm not sure if he is ready to do this or not - he's been this weight and actually 100+ before for a long time. Hopefully he is willing to change or I'm afraid I'll lose him in the next 5 to 10 years. I'll keep you posted. Lois

The oatmeal in question is the only grain recommended on the Zone. It must be steel-cut, not flat rolled flakes. Look for a brand like McCann's Irish oats ( [url]http://www.mccanns.ie/[/url] ) or a similar one requiring 30 minutes to cook. 1/4 of a cup (dry) is one serving, cooked in 1 cup water. There are many ways to prepare and serve this; a lot of folks find a slow-cooker overnight to be more convenient, or cook a large amount and micrwave individual servings in the morning. Run a search under the Cooking Tips section for recent suggestions. Oatmeal is recommended for its supply of GLA; slow-cooking steel-cut oatmeal is recommended because it is minimally processed and therefore has a low glycemic level. GLA and Pharm-grade fish oil are required Zone supplements, and you should both start taking your RDA of these essential fatty acids. PS: I'm an Indians fan, but was indeed pulling for those Cubs.

[quote:90b608898d="adam_h"]PS: I'm an Indians fan, but was indeed pulling for those Cubs.[/quote:90b608898d] P.P.S.> I'm a Yankee fan, living in the heart of Boston (Red Sox) country!!!

Just watch what you put ON the oatmeal. Oatmeal itself is a relatively hi-glycemic carb, you want to NOT put sugar or maple syrup on it. Try the herb Stevia, which is a powerful sweetener. Charlie P.S. At least Bill Buckner is free now.

You can use a splenda-based maple syrup. There are a few brands out there, and they have a better flavor than straight splenda or stevia, IMO. Check labels carefully, though, and don't use much. We like to add our fat to our oatmeal in terms of natural peanut butter, which also adds to the perceived sweetness of the oatmeal. Ronica

[quote:8532e69125="labrooks"]Hi I tried to do a calculation on the website of how many blocks he would need if he went on the Zone and when I plugged in 315 it wouldn't calculate, but would at 300. Is there a limit for calculation? Also, he is a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy and arthritis in his knees so he can't excercise to much (if at all) and want to know if the Zone would be good for him. He also has some kidney problems and quite a while ago was told to keep his protein down, but if he does say 15 blocks, that would be 103 grams of protein a day. I know I'm asking a lot of questions, that probably a Zone doctor should answer, but I was hoping someone on these boards could answer me. I just started the Zone myself last week and am down 2# so far and am not finding it too hard. Thanks for any answers you could give me. Lois[/quote:8532e69125] Hi Lois, For a person of your husband's size, one would assume 50% body fat and an activity level two levels above current activity. The activity level is increased for the calculation because carrying the extra weight is comparable to strength training. If he weighs 315 you would assume a body fat and LBM of 157 LB each. Since he doesn't exercise, you would use an activity level of "Moderate" (two levels above "Sedentary"), which is a 0.7 factor for the calculation. His protein requirement would be 110g per day, which is 16 blocks (157 pounds of LBM x 0.7[activity factor] = 110; to convert to blocks divide by 7 [7 g protein per block]; 110 divided by 7= 15.7, which you would round up to 16 blocks.) I'm not a doctor, but I would think that because the protein is the amount appropriate for his body's needs and is being consumed with an appropriate amount of carbs it should not be a problem. If he is on meds to control his diabetes, you may find they need to be adjusted once his insulin levels lower due to the Zone diet. Best wishes to both of you for success in the Zone. :D Sue

Lois, I was diagnosed with early diabetes and have been to the dietician. Besides having to educate her about The Zone in general . . . she did sanction it for me to "try". While she was trying to convince me to have "more grain products" rather than fruits, her protein calculations came out about the same as the blocks that were worked out for me. I weight about the same as your husband and am doing 15 blocks with minimal activity. I am able to my very tight control on my BSL's. Weight loss is slow, but I feel so much better when I stay in the zone its worth it.