On March 5, I turned 40. My two goals for myself this year are to lose 20 pounds and train to run in a marathon. I have lost 17 pounds and gone from a tight size 10 to a comfortable size 6 in 2 and a half months. I have been taking weekly measurements and have noticed a decrease in inches almost every week. I don't ever remember being able to wear a size 6 - not even in junior high. At the end of February this year, when talking with a serious runner about eating advice while training for my first marathon, the Zone Diet was recommended to me. I went to the local library and signed out nearly all of Dr. Sears' books. I lost 5 pounds in the first week by trying out the 7 Day Meal Plan and have steadily lost close to a pound a week since. By being careful about my intake of the three blocks - carbohydrates, proteins and fats - combined with a regular exercise routine, I am only three pounds away from my 20 pound goal. I have come to really enjoy a wide variety of salad combinations - from from the books and some from creatively mixing and matching the foods from the food block lists. My marathon goal has been put on hold by a foot injury on May 3rd, however, even with greatly reduced exercise in the past four weeks, I have still noticed that my body is getting "leaner". A friend who hadn't seen me in a while had mentioned to her mom that my recent "slimming" must be a result of a "strict runner's diet" as part of my training. I had a chance to tell her about how simple and effective the Zone principles have been for me. I am thankful to my running "guru" friend for suggesting this program. I plan to continue training to run and to continue with my healthy eating. I am in better shape at 40 than I have been in the better part of my adult life. Thank you Dr. Sears.

- Emma L.