I’m in The Zone.

by

subtitle: No, People, I dont mean this one.

Back in the day, when this woman was all the rage, Miz ate nothing but fat!free!eat!all!you!want! carbohydrates.

Bagels, pretzel, potatoes, pasta, rice, power bars, Snackwells (remember those?!) —that sort of thing.

I was skinnyfat.

I was always hungry. I could eat a half dozen bagels in a sitting & I thought this was something everyone could do (curious for more on that? please to let me know in the comments.).

And, more important than my looked ok in clothes but was all kinds of dimplecity out of them bod, my energy fluctuations & mood swings were a pleasure sight to behold.

This was 1996. I was young, in love, and had just opened my personal training studio (you know, in case you’re a detail person as am I).

Then (my then-boyfriend) Ren Man and I discovered Dr. Barry Sears’ new book, The Zone.

We became instant converts. Zealots.

Our friends not only grew tired of our urging them to read The Zone (I cringe at the recollection we gave the book, in hardback no less, as HOLIDAY GIFTS that year) but were horrified at the fact we were eating (cue ominous music) fat.

I remember the first time I offered my mom (*waves to MizMom who may or may not be reading*) a zone bar and, after reading the label, she handed it back to me and pronounced it ‘too fatty’ and flatly refused to place its wonderful rectangular goodness near her mouth.

Like imagining a world sans internet, you youngsters (my reverse mentors) may not be able to conceive of a society which shunned good fats but, take my word for it, it’s true.

In 1997 we were consuming bread by the loaf & had convinced ourselves that eating fat made us fat (which, when you read it like that, almost appears to make some sense).

Ren Man & I, despite ridicule, stuck with our new eating plan and noticed tremendous changes. My energy levels were more even, I was far less moody which he adored, &, as an added bonus, I actually found I shed fat by consuming more of it.

Flash forward almost twelve years (!) and imagine my mizpleasure when I received an email inquiring if Id like to do a short interview with Dr. Barry Sears & asking if I were familiar with the Zone way of eating.

Id like to say I didnt respond with a hastily thumbtyped:

FAMILIAR? I admire him so much I once traveled all the way to Chicago to hear him speak at a conference geared toward medical professionals (this was the year of the ZoneBookAsGifts)! My cupboards are still filled with Zone bars/cereal & the Toddler Tornado has been known to beg for a Zone bar as her IPoopedOnPotty treat!

…but I did.

My overzealousness, however, is the Bumbling Band’s benefit.

Not only will I get to interview the Food Guru Who Changed My Ass Life– the company tossed in a freebie for good measure.

(or because they were frightened of me. either way.)

The full interview will be posted as our first Viewer Mail of 2009—but for those of you unfamiliar with The Zone I wanted to share one of Dr. Sears’ answers now. His response to my request for a general Zone overview for the Bumbling Band.

The Zone Diet is based on awareness and moderation. The awareness comes from the realization that every time you eat you will cause powerful hormonal responses that can either result in lack of hunger and peak mental acuity for the next four to six hours (this is good) or the rapid onset of hunger and fuzzy thinking within a few hours (this is bad). To achieve the optimal hormonal response, you have to think of moderation and use your hand and your eye as a guide. All you need is to divide your plate into three equal sections. On one-third of the plate put some low-fat protein that is no larger or thicker than the palm of your hand. Then fill the other two-thirds of the plate with colorful carbohydrates (vegetables and fruit). Finally you add a dash (that’s a small amount) of heart healthy fat like olive oil, slivered almonds, or guacamole. Now you have a meal that is moderate in low-fat protein, moderate in low-glycemic carbohydrates and moderate in monounsaturated fat. That combination will keep you in the Zone where your hormones are balanced for the next four to six hours. The fact it took a few reads to understand my first book, The Zone, is not surprising since it was primarily written for physicians. A far better practical book would be Zone Meals in Seconds written by my wife (the first Zone cook) and I based on our experiences with our own children.

 

Now the freebie. A chance to win a Zone Treatment Pack including:

  • Zone OmegaRx (120 count)
  • Dr. Sears’ Zone SeaHealth Plus
  • Dr. Sears’ Zone Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Dr. Sears’ Zone Pasta
  • Dr. Sears’ Zone Bars (1 box)
  • Dr. Sears’ Zone Shakes (1 box)
  • A Week in the Zone guide book

All you have to do is share, in the comments, what was most surprising/eye opening to you about the Zone way of eating (think my mom & the fat) or what you would wanna ask Dr. Sears about the Zone approach should you have the chance!

**USA only. (I know. I know.)**

Winner will be announced Monday.

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Comments

  1. i’m the first commenter again. man.
    i think i would ask him what studies have been published that support his diet. mostly because i am curious. because, i mean, the eating proportions make sense, in a way.

  5. I can’t believe I’m number FIVE!!! I’m usually late to the party.

    I remember the ‘low fat’ days – it’s how I lost 70 pounds (the first time). I too, was ‘skinnyfat’! I also gained most of it back eventually.

    By the time the Zone diet came along, I was ignoring any and all ‘diets’. However, reading the nice summary of the plan today, I am intrigued. It seems I have been ‘accidentally’ in The Zone for the last 5 months! Which may explain my new and improved ‘steadiness and less moodiness’, and that I no longer have nap-jerks at my desk at 3:00pm, or go racing to the vending machine in a fit of extreme hunger….

    I would like to know how the Zone views the whole grains…brown rice, fiber rich cereals and breads? These are good fuels for runners…I noticed the ‘sample plate’ had veges and lean protein only.

  6. How coooool! I can’t wait for the interview! Its crazy how our thoughts on food change/evolve over time. Products that we once praised are now the enemy (hello Splenda). Hope you have a lovely Friday with the Tornado!

  7. I found this really helpful/interesting CLICK HERE. I love forums though—where people share what they are really experiencing.

    I do think, like Cyndi, Id have eventually come to this way of eating (which I dont do as a planned out obsessed out thing but which is entirely intuitive now) anyway mainly because of the vast amount of fatfree high carb foods I COULD eat without being satisfied or full.

    Is it wrong that Im kind of bummed the tornado is still sick as I have work to do? what’s that you say? that’s mamahood? oh. ok. duly noted.

    Miz

  8. I definitely remember snackwells! I used to eat a box of those mini- chocolate chip cookies in two days.

    Please share more about eating 6 bagels. Thanks

  10. PS – As a former Susan fan and lover of her butch-ass haircut, I want to say she looks like….Hades. : ( What the heck happened.

    You, Miz two-word for you to consider if you look bad-tired:

    Eye liner. thick. heavy. face-veiling…

    I shudder

  11. Oh, the Zone! My dad fell in love with it about the same time as you…I was a freshman in college, must have been ’97 or ’98.

    My question is also about carbs. I’m training for a 10 miler and a half marathon this coming spring. There is no way I could get away without eating any carbs. What is Dr. Sears’ take on good, complex carbs?

  12. I don’t have much to add here other than I remember Snackwells and I was offended by them. I’d argue with the TV every time the ad came on. Do they still exist? Have I reason to get re-offended?
    Now, about this six bagel biz, Miz…

  13. linda? life calls in the from of a whiner (wine’r?) but Im gonna get with you and boost yer arse where YOU want it to go. so more in a bit.

    and I LOVED susans hair as well.

    I need to get a scanner as back in the day I had dreadlocks, shaved my head to get them off, and bleached it PLATINUM.

    people joked I was trying to be SP.

    and more on the bagels soon as well, Hangry.

    Miz.

  14. Oh, yeah…still have the book on my shelf. Right next to the one about the woman who talks about skinnyfat in her exercise book. She’s in a bathing suit on the cover. My mom used to rip on me for snackwells replacing fat with sugar and thinking this was ok. My dentist liked the Zone Diet and regaled her captive audiences with eating plans. I’m just sitting here on the sidelines watching the diet trends parade by and trying to figure out what works for me…

    A sick toddler is the universe’s way of saying “slow down child – momma needs a break!” Just think of it as a marathon immune system training circuit, because if they don’t learn to fight germs now there will be hell to pay later!

  15. What a great opportunity for you getting to interview Dr. Barry Sears. Congratluations!
    I’ve never read the book and don’t know much about The Zone except that you should have healthy fats. That I certainly agree with. Like others, I am curious what he says about healthy carbs.
    Hope The Tornado is on the mend. I think it is hitting our house and my daughter looked like Rudolph yesterday. Just in time for travelling in a week…

  16. I did The Zone, too -among MANY other too many to mention “diet plans”!! You are right about feeling more even keel in the mood department; I remember that! Too bad for the rest of my family that I abandoned The Zone -again, along with MANY other “diet plans”!!! So now I proudly display a plaque that states, “It’s not P.M.S., it’s Y.O.U.”!!

    Anyway, congrats on the awesome interview deal; can’t wait to read all about it!

  18. Ahhhh…Mizfit you are telling my story. I too embraced the zone (along with my husband) and loved the way it made me feel. I can’t begin to tell you how many Zone bars I have consumed!

    I still make my favorite Zone breakfast (the strawberry banana protein shake with the shaved almonds on top)!

    And when I want to “get back to it” I still turn to the principles of the Zone. It just works for me.

    You’ve brought back some great memories (I actually remember giving a few of my friends the Zone book (the first or second I can’t remember) as well!

  19. That’s way simpler than I thought. But, I’m sure there’s more to it than that 🙂
    I remember it being so different from everything we were told about it – like the low fat carbs is the way, then boom. A switch. But, given that it’s what people are saying all over the place now (doctors, diet experts, etc.) it’s funny to remember that there was a time when it was weird.

    As a lover of all things carbs (you know the kind I’m talking about!), it saddens me to get rid of it all. But, I don’t want to be the typical American forever!

  20. Like S, I would ask about the studies behind the diet–err–way of life. I was an anthropology student back in school and I’d love to hear a comparison of the Zone and the basic principles of a paleo-diet. Sounds pretty hunter-gatherer to me anyway.

    I figured the Zone was another fad, so I have avoided it entirely, but you have peaked my interest Miz…..

  21. Miz & the Bagels.

    The short version as I know I can tend toward writing a POST in the comments.
    It’s how I roll.

    Growing up we’d often get bags of hot bagels for weekend mornings (I’m remembering it as 2 dozen? One for now and one to freeze…but no matter really.)

    Miz? She could eat one in line, and EASILY 5 more at home.

    (And I eat them plain. With hindsight I do that a slather of cream cheese would have made the whole thing less likely in that there would have been protein & fat tossed in the mix.)

    And really I could have eaten more in that I wasn’t STUFFED at all.

    I thought carbs affected *everyone* that way.

    That all people weren’t satisfied and simply needed to pick a place to stop eating—-lack of satiation or not.

    Another reason the Zone idea resonated with me was that I was FULL.

    The *mix* of protein, good fat & carbs was what my body had been missing.

    (Make any sense? I’d imagine it’s fraught with thumbtyped typos but that’s the jist.)

  22. and….
    😉

    Ill verify my facts when I’m at a computer but to my recollection the Zone was initially created for the medical community to prevent wasting in aids patients and for diabetics.

    (I know it wasn’t initially done for weight loss it’s the specific community I can’t recall)

    That was the only reason Ren Man and I checked it out.

    We (like to think we) roll as intellectual snobs.

    When we had our personal training studio our tagline was:

    ….the marriage of mind & muscle.

    I’ll let you guess which role I played 😉 and there was also the pun of the fact we got married (@ the justic of the peace. 10.00. Highly recommend) the day we opened our studio doors.

  23. “I cringe at the recollection we gave the book, in hardback no less, as HOLIDAY GIFTS that year”-hehe. This made me laugh. Did you convert anyone that year?

    I was in college in the late 90’s, and every girl I knew lived on bagels, cereal, and pasta with low fat sauce. Snackwells – a staple in every dorm room!

    My body got totally whacked out on a low fat diet. I saw many improvements when I reintroduced the good fats. Our bodies need fat! My husband always wonders if people would treat “fats” differently if they were simply named something else.

  24. Hmmm. I was aware faintly of the Zone diet book, and have heard Dr. Sears name, but the funny thing is, I never equated the Zone bars (which I like) with the Zone diet. That little paragraph from him makes so much sense. Kinda how I am eating now. I have trouble adding oil to my food…I’m still a little afraid of too much fat. I think since that was a BIG problem for me in my past life.

  25. Hey Miz,
    I am not in the USA so do not enter me to win but this post made me choke up a little bit.

    I still am how you say your were and am terrified of fat.

    I needed this as my hair isn’t good any more and my skin looks terrible and after looking at teh zone site I think the fat could be what I am missing.

    THANK YOU SO MUCH.

    IF YOU CAN DO IT I CAN.

    Kellie

  26. Wow – I got to sleep in this morning! 😉 I do remember the fat free craze and eating as much as you wanted as long as it didn’t have fat in it. I think that’s what started my sugar/huge portion addiction!! His was of eating makes sense. I haven’t read the book (yet), is he saying not to eat any carbs such as brown rice and oatmeal?

  27. if you are diluting something that they already are familiar – you have to rig the percentages slowly. Switching to whole grain pasta –
    75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 100%

    moving to 1/2 white potato and 1/2 cauliflower started with one spoon of cauliflower in the potatoes and then gradually increased.

    And WHAT is it with all of us (I have done it too) feeding kids unhealthy stuff when they are sick??? I totally get the – anything to get fluid in them, anything to get some calories in them – feeling – but when the little bodies most need good fuel and liquid – we revert to doing the oddest things. . .

  28. how exciting! (as the bagel crumbs fall from my fingers!)

    I was a fan of the fat free craze too and now I am a carb-oholic. (yes, I said it. It is true. I love me some bread/white flour/cookies/pasta)

    So….I need a change and this sounds perfect!

    I’m surprised by the fact that I can still eat guacamole. Sign me UP!

  29. See I TOTALLy get the protein thing. I too am a girl who can happily bolt down round after round of toast, but stick some laughing cow on there and WOAH! I slow down. Lean protein has been key for me on every weight-loss journey. Carbs make me crash and leave me hungry.

    But the eating fat bit? I still don’t get. It scares me half to death. Our assistant snacks on brazil nuts and when I look over I SWEAR they have little devil horns.

    I think it’s about trusting yourself enough to try, right? I do NOT trust myself enough yet.

    TA x

  30. I “came of age” during the peak of the lowfat/nonfat age. I was a high school athlete and ate almost nothing but carbs and protein, then went to college and continued this eating type, but not the working out stuff. Needless to say, I gained the freshman lots-o-weight.

    When I started adding fats (!) to my diet and eased back into working out, I was so surprised that I didn’t need to pull all-nighters anymore because I could function during the day! Energy and mental clarity are the two greatest things your diet can do for you, I think.

  31. I remember the Snackwells, but it seems that there are still people who say “that’s got a lot of FAT”, in regards to nuts, implying that they aren’t healthy.

  32. Everytime I think of the Zone I think of Jennifer Aniston (who is now on the cover of GQ, apparently). I think the Zone SOUNDS esay, but I wonder in practicality how simple it could be. I need simple, you know : )

  33. Ooh, I’ve totally done your bagel thing but with croissants (the affect of living in the Netherlands for 3 years hehe). I was the croissant queen. Could pack em away at the age of bout 10.

    You know how I feel about dieting and carbs:) This is interesting though. However it does bother me that all diets/lifestyle plans feel that they need to come out with bars and food products etc etc… its sort of a signal to me that its just a money maker.

    That being said, I will attest that I do NOT know very much about the Zone. I’ve heard that there’s not much in the way of scientific evidence to back its claims and that it is a complicated diet to follow, but that’s it. So later on today when I’ve got more time (as I ignore the clients at work because I’m too busy blogging, hehe), I’ll check out your links and see how it looks! (It’s gained more respect in my books if MizFit is an advocate:)).

  34. Miz I want to read more about your skinnyfat past please.
    Oh and one more please – is there really nothing to do about having international giveaways? I would run some from where I’m living but have no clue where to start from…!

  35. I had totally forgotten about Jen Aniston’s foray into the Zone!

    I wonder in practicality how simple it could be. I need simple, you know : )

    it is simple for me. how I do/did it. all because I dont obsess about specifics and just eyeball and give my best attempt at the percentages. more on that in my interview post.

    (It’s gained more respect in my books if MizFit is an advocate:)).

    OOH SAGAN. there’s some accidental foreshadowing there. more in my PREVIEW OF COMING MIZTRACTIONS post.

    off to play nursemaid to the toddler who is drinking a homemade protein shake ;)…

  37. Miz I want to read more about your skinnyfat past please.
    there’s a little clickhere (flashbacktoearlyMIZ) and if youd be interesting I could do a short, dimply, YOU LOOK GOOD IN CLOTHES BUT OUT? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE GYM, MIZ? post in the new year!

  38. In regards to commenter #10 (what the heck happened to Susan Powter). She actually became an alcoholic and wrote a book about her journey.

    I think switching alcohol addiction for sugar addiction and sugar addiction for alcohol addiction is fairly common.

    Oprah did a show about gastric bypass patients who had to drastrically restrict food and now they had a drinking problem. People in AA typically load up on sweet snacks and sweet drinks during meetings (and throughout the week to replace the alcohol).

    There are no absolutes, and there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule, but sugar and alcohol cravings run the same pathways in the brain. People must address serotonin and dopamine deficiencies to really get a handle on cravings, no matter what diet/eating plan they follow…just one of my side interests as a nutritionist:-)

  39. Must read more about the Zone.

    Bag Lady has never been in any Zone. Oh, wait….

    crap. Can’t remember being in a zone. (Actually, she is really tired, so is rather ‘zoned-out’, but she’s pretty sure that isn’t what y’all are talking about, is it?)

    Is she the only one in the world who cannot eat pasta by the plateful? It fills her up so fast, it’s ridiculous.

  40. Darn…I thought you were channelling Britney. I don’t know how I feel about the zone. I <3 carbs. I used to eat a TON of carbs every day (hello…. bagel), but I can’t commit to cutting things like pasta and fresh bread out of my diet.

  41. ok. it can totally suck to be a canadian. there are no cool prizes to win, can’t get on any good tv shows..oh but yay me i can see a doctor for free!! If i can find one..this month..

    But i digress..

    The fab MizFit is interviewing Dr. Sears??!!! YAY YOU!!! Was that on your vision board Mizzy??

    My question is the same as most. I gotta have my brown rice. My kashi cereal. The occasional ..i don’t know what. How do i deal with that??

    My DH loves the idea of hte zone. is always preaching it (never doing it though lol) I should maybe look at that book one more time and try to pretend i’m a doctor and understand it lol:)

    Congrats Miz on the interview!!

    xo

  42. I have a million questions for Dr. Sears – but the first one probably would be “Where Have You Been All My Life?”

    Unfortunately, the answer is probably that he’s been there, but I was just clueless.

    I have to admit it – I’m completely unfamiliar with The Zone. Oh, sure, I’ve heard of it – but I will confess I dismissed it as another fad diet and have never even looked into it. But I’m like Kellie – a little choked up – and you’ve got me half sold just with this post. Why? Two words: Hormones, and Common Sense. (Okay, four words, but one is a conjunction and Common Sense really should be hyphenated or something.)

    I have so many hormonal issues…and I’ve definitely noticed the connection between what I eat and how skewed those balances get. This post was an epiphany for me…and I foresee myself spending too much of my supposed-to-be-working time today researching the Zone.

    And as for common sense – this sounds a lot like the way I eat, but I will admit I do limit fats. I try to get the good ones in – but when I review a day’s eating, I am shocked at how badly I do with that. I hadn’t given it much detailed thought beyond, “Yeah, let’s get some Omega-3s in cause they’re good for you.” But it hasn’t been a big priority.

    So, giveaway or no giveaway, thanks. You’ve given me a lot to think about. And I’m looking forward to reading what Dr. Sears has to say. And I absolutely want to read his “mostly for physicians” first book – I LIKE to read the complicated, nine-syllable-word science behind the plan. 🙂

    V.

  43. had i heard of the zone? yes.
    had i read the book or known anything about it? nope.
    does it surprise me? nope

    Sounds quite logical, as I think I’ve figured out the same thing over the years. There’s so much “food” that does nothing to curb my hunger, I’ve stopped looking at the total fat (just saturated) on labels. That and protein and fiber, otherwise it’s just not worth it.

    Unless of course it’s chocolate…

  44. I haven’t read the book, but from what you’re describing, it seems like the way my dietitian taught me to eat during my year with Shape is quite zone-ish.

    I’m a girl who loves her carbs, but when I focus on the lean proteins, veggies and healthy fats, I feel SO much better.

    Great score on the interview, Miz!

  45. Is she the only one in the world who cannot eat pasta by the plateful? It fills her up so fast, it’s ridiculous.

    so many thoughts but for now, BL, THAT IS PRECISELY what shocked me.

    I though, erroneously, everyone was as I was. Able to eat carbs by the pound (flashback of NOT MISSING to my saddlebags of carbs gone by)

    also, just a reiteration of the fact it is still 40% carbohydrates on the plan.
    no cutting carbs out—-just eating different ones.

    the complex.

  46. It’s all about balance, yes? Better eat some carbs. New study shows too low carb equals cognitive problems.

    Really, I’m glad I am at that place where I eat for normal health and not struggling with the dietary jungle of weight loss. In reality, there probably is not a single weight loss system that’s good for us!

  47. What struck me about the Zone information was the correlation of a strong hormonal response to eating and how important the choice of food is to that fact.

  48. I have a very negative view of The Zone. It was the excuse that many people I know used to either a) eat LOADS of fatty stuff but “no white stuff” and b) hardly eat anything at all and then lose tons of weight, bordering on ED.

    I was very surprised when I did read up on the plan and saw that the plan, done correctly, makes a lot of sense.

  49. I don’t know to to much about this diet, but what I do know I like:) I am that person who does not get enough FAT in my diet, I need to read more about this ZONE diet.

  50. Congratulations!! It is interesting to know that he wrote the first book for physicians. I read it many years ago and thought, “yeah right, i’m not doing that.” But now I eat so much healthier than I did then that The Zone wouldn’t be that much of a stretch for me. I may try the Zone Meals book a try.

  51. Sigh. I love me a toasted seseme bagel with cream cheese. That said, I try not to indulge that want to often. Oatmeal with berries and pecans is a much wiser breakfast choice for me. Now the boy does his with lox *shudder* and I think that may be slightly better in terms of longer satiety (that has got to be spelled wrong) but I just cannot get down with the lox. Dry smoked salmon? That I can inhale, but the cold smoked slimey lox? yech. (I know, sacralidge in some circles. 😉 )

    Oh, and as for the zone? Can’t limit my whole grains that much, or eat that much meat. It’s just how *I* roll. 😀

  53. This is going to sounds weird, but the thing that most suprises me about the Zone diet is that it sounds perfectly healthy. For most diet plans, they are so far out there that they are crazy. This one sounds like it would not only work but would be easy to maintain. Way to go Zone!

  54. Is there any wonder that after the fat-free craze of the nineties, we’re dealing with rising incidence of Type II Diabetes?

    I had Gestational Diabetes, and my nutritionist told me how many grams of carbs I needed at each meal. When I asked if my blood sugar would be different if I ate whole grains or complex carbs vs. white bread and rice; she responded that, “A carb is a carb.” I had read Dr. Sears, and decided to see what my body would do with the different types of carbs. Because I had the concrete proof of blood sugar readings, I know that there is a huge difference – in my body at least.

    If I didn’t know about the concepts of the Zone, I would have taken the nutritionist’s feelings as fact, and I would have been taking insulin through my pregnancy (and probably would be dealing with a whole host of other problems).

  55. Interesting. I recall also thinking that there was a lot of fat in that diet and a friend (A mom in red high heels) urging me to follow the plan. Those were bike racing days!

  56. I am not surprised at all about this “way” of eating. I know this is the healthiest way to eat and it totally works for me. It is just very hard when we live in the world we live in and our lifestyles. For me it is my family. You are blessed to have a husband that wants to live a healthy lifestyle with you. For me it is not that easy.

  57. ahhhh Betsy it has so been a on&off with the husband.

    we are nontraditional in that HE is the one who is on and off the fitness horse through the years (we had a big s-t-r-e-t-c-h of off until we had our daughter. then he climbed back on for HER and wanting to stick around).

    I love that the Zone is pretty much old school.
    how our grandparents ate.
    in that half a sandwich a piece of fruit a smattering of nuts and a glass of milk is pretty dang Zoneclose!

    Oh, and as for the zone? Can’t limit my whole grains that much, or eat that much meat. It’s just how *I* roll.

    Love the sassy!
    The Zone–unlike, say Atkins–is only 30% protein!

    Miz.

  58. I am not familiar with The Zone, however what does surprise me in the paragraph that you shared is the concept of some foods actually making you more hungry. I can think about that happening actually, but I wonder what the science is behind it.

  59. definitely something I want Dr Sears to address, John.

    my thumbtyped not at computer .02? (id link if I could)

    GLYCEMIC INDEX and INSULIN SPIKING.

    Miz.

  60. Oh how I miss 1995 when I could have a big bowl of rice or pasta with a few veggies thrown in and feel like I was eating healthy. (And vegetarian! Bonus!) I would go days without protein…no wonder all that working out didn’t give me the results I wanted. Sigh.

  61. Didn’t we ALL live on SnackWells in the 90s?

    I know his philosophy, and I would like to be able to say that I ‘live’ it…. but I don’t and obviously that is something I need to work on.

    Why does he have his own olive oil? Is it different than the organic olive oil I buy at Whole Foods, or are ‘his people’ just trying to find ways for him to increase his children’s inheritance? Just curious! =)

    In any case, I do recall THE HORROR I experienced the first time I started incorporating MORE fat into my diet. And what do you know… when I was eating avocados and sauteeing veggies in olive oil and skipping the chunk of fat-free sourdough…….. I weighed the least amount I’ve ever weighed.

  62. First, your response cracked me up. You should totally have fan shirts for him 🙂

    Second, your fat free in the 90’s so much reminds me of my mom drinking slimfasts and dancing to sweatin’ in the oldies.

    I <3 good fats.

  63. I never really knew that much about the Zone until today, but I also am pretty much eating that way these days myself… When I fall off the wagon, I go right back to the sugar and bread and feel TERRIBLE. Exhausted and hungry all the time.

    I came to the Zone way of eating through the same path as you, Miz, with a short foray into the Atkins diet in between.

    I need to read up on the Zone, now… maybe I can add the book to my Christmas list…

  64. I remember the low fat/high carb craze. It coincided with my learning I had high cholesterol. It also coincided with my first gaining weight inspite of not changing my activity level – in fact increasing the distance I walked every day.

    The more I cut protein (it has fat) and fat (it has fat) out of my diet, the more steadily my weight went up. And people told me I must be doing something wrong and still eating too much fat.

    sigh.

    Add back quality protein and good fats in my diet and look? I’m back to the weight I was before all this madness began.

  65. What a timely post! The CrossFitters are all about The Zone and they’ve been saying how I will experience some kind of nirvana if I switch to this type of diet. I’ve been contemplating doing a two-week Zone challenge of some sort. But I wonder about the place of whole grains in this diet like many others. I enjoy brown rice and whole wheat bread. I (think I) need them for running fuel! I shudder when I think of the miserable three years I spent on Atkins and I can’t go back there. I don’t want to exclude regular healthy foods from my diet again.

    Also, how does this diet differ from the Paleo style promoted by MDA?

  66. I have a friend who has been “dabbling” in the Zone for awhile. I don’t know how she’s doing it, but she lost a lot of weight upfront and then leveled off. Either way, she looks great.
    I’m thinking the Zone sounds like a good plan for me. I was just telling my chiropractor yesterday about how wavy my energy levels get throughout the day. I’m up, I’m down, I’m up..you get the idea. he told me he’s been doing a lot of research on hormones and eating and stress and everything he said corresponds with the Zone. So I think I will read up some more and give it a shot.

    My questions: if a person doesn’t eat much meat, what are the best ways to substitute lean protein, keeping in mind a person can only eat tofu so many times a week
    and
    which food group is the wine and beer in? 🙂
    Happy Friday!

  67. Congrats on your interview!

    I am unfamiliar with the zone, but I am wondering if balancing your hormones daily through food can help any underlying hormonal issues in the long run? If so, it definitely sounds like a good way to go!

  68. yeah, sure wish I’d known then what I know now. I’m a zone gal, but find I eat more like every 3 hours and was surprised that he said every 4-6 here. I thought the zone way of eating was more often..did I dream that?

  69. I’ve heard of the ZONE but don’t know too much about it. I’ve done South Beach and Atkins and the hardest part for me is doing them as a seafood eating “vegetarian” so my question would be how is the Zone for those of us who eat only seafood/eggs/cheese but no other meat products?
    Thanks MIZ!

  70. I generally stay away from processed foods, but it is not beneath me to scarf a Zone Bar during time emergencies.

    My favorite “healthy” snack from the old low-fat days: a big bowl of “fat free!” gummy bears.

    I also felt pretty virtuous because I only used 1 tablespoon of butter per box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

  71. Yum, it is sad, but I still like Snackwell’s Devil Food Cookies, bastardly things are delicious.

    I guess my question would be, “Could the bumbling band have advice for doing this on a very limited budget?” (alas I will be jobless in Jan, and officially a poor “college student” again)

    Thank you Officer Sugartakeraway…I needed that

  72. But but…canadians need the Zone too 🙂

    I’m a fan of the zone. I’ve read it over…had friends who are physicials read it over, and taken in a practical way, it’s a healthy way to be. Attkins pushed your body into ketosis (something some bodies cannot tolerate and is not a good long term way to be) and other diets are…well…diets. I’m up for a way to boost my energy and fine tune my eating. The few snippets I’ve read out of this make it seem the right thing…
    I’ve been itching to pick up the book and read it/get into it myself this next year. Suppose I’ll have to go buy it…*sniff sniff* 🙂

  75. Mz – I generally prefer my protien in rice&beans (or quinoa, or tofu, etc) or eggs or tuna or nut form. I find it difficult to “translate” diets that refer to protien as meat and ask you to limit carbs to veggies (mostly). The way I eat is inherently against that, as my protiens are usually also considered carbs. if that makes sense. Not a huge meat eater up in herrre 😉

  77. btw – what I found so surprising is how accurate it is about how your body responds based on what you eat or don’t eat. Eat right and you’re good for the next several hours. Eat wrong and it’s a train wreck. 🙂

  78. I’m so glad thinking has changed from the low-fat high carb days to more of a balance. And the Zone diet helped so many people!

    I’ve never been on it myself but I do subscribe to some of the key aspects of it, many of which are now mainstream thanks to his efforts to get the word out.

  79. I guess I would like to know how to keep track of how much of each macronutrient I have eaten etc. Do you write everything down? Practice on a couple meals and eat those same meals frequently? I guess that’s why there is a Zone Meals book, but without specific recipes I imagine this is a lot to keep track of.

  80. Justice of the Peace? Oh no. no no no… SIGH.
    Bag Lady and I will trade any and all pasta for shots.
    I remember what I didn’t like about the Zone diet: the math. But I do know that if I don’t have protein on a pretty regular stream all the carbs in the house end up being shoved into my chip hole (don’t like pie).
    Amy? Beans, tuna, and while you still have a job, buy meat in family packs (it’s way cheaper) and freeze it. Beans make great soups, stews, meat replacement in almost any mexican meal, and great dips for raw veggies (think hummus only with different beans – tasty!)
    🙂

  81. Six bagels? Yikes – more like six doughnuts or apple fritters, all in uno sitting – ugh! I’ll have to check out Dr. Sears’ wife’s book – sounds as if I might be able to get that better than Sears’ book! And yes, oh how I took the carb route – let me count the ways – snackwells, check – bread, check, etc. etc.! So many diets we’ve fallen for! Thanks for super post – again! Have a good wkend!
    Miche

  82. *jumps up and down, clapping hands in WAY too much glee*

    REALLY? You’re interviewing Barry Sears?? I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!! (See how many exclamation points I used? I am THAT excited!)

    ‘Scuse me while I calm my fangirl self down.
    *deep breath*
    Ok. I think I’m better(ish. Betterish.)

    I’m trying to RElearn the Zone. I did it for a while a few years ago, but got so caught up in (read: OBSSESSIVE about) figuring out the numbers, that it made me crazy (crazier?) and I had to stop. So now I’m trying to ease back into it, using the method above: the 2/3, 1/3 plate rule. It seems much simpler and less crazy-making (for me).

    But I have to admit, even though I was obssessive about it, physically I felt GREAT. I had energy, I slept better, the whole nine yards. (And what other diet says, “Sure, have that glass of wine! Just make sure you eat some cheese with it!” WHA . . . ??? BEST. THING. EVER. ;D)

    Also, for the record? My diet in college? Red licorice and Tootsie Pops. No lie. They were FAT! FREE! *BARF* (I think the only thing that kept me healthy was dinner. Seriously. That was the only meal I ate. All other food consisted of aforementioned candy. Yeesh.)

    (AND – hoping the Tornado feels better soon! Sick toddlers are NOT. FUN.)

  83. i’ve been skinny fat too, and since i’ve changed to a more zone-ish style of eating, it has made a dramatic change in my appearance (and attitude!). it’s been a little harder since i stopped eating meat but i think i’ve worked around it pretty well. thank goodness for bars 😀 the nutritional kind, not the drinking kind…. ok, the drinking kind too
    hope you have a wonderful friday!

  84. I do try to eat very “Zone” when I can. It was a huge thing for me to give up the lowfat and embrace fat.

    It’s kind of liberating, and honestly gives me a lot more freedom on the types of food I eat.
    Whole grain foods? Yep, they have more fat than the refined fat free stuff, but so much better for you.

    Real cheese? Yep – eat that, too.

    Fat is so important to the diet, just for gall bladder function, vitamin absorption and quality skin at the minimum.

  85. Oh, I forgot – I saw a new kind of Zone bar – Coconut crunch, and it is divine!! Yum, yum. My favorite is the Fudge graham, though.

  86. I teach patients (and recently a group of senior citizens) the Plate Method which looks an awful lot like the Zone now that I know what it is…so in my opinion sounds great. The Plate Method is basically dividing your plate into three with half being for fruits and veggies, a quarter for protein and a quarter for carbs. It’s a simple way for most to be able to balance their blood sugars and as for the seniors I was just teaching balanced eating in general. Getting enough protein is a HUGE problem for our older population, I even made a nifty display board with protein choices and a big plate method demonstration in the middle.
    Anyway, looking forward to reading the interview, very cool!

  87. OK Miz SkinnyFat you know I totally mocked the zone. until today.

    I want to know if it can be cost effective in todays economy.
    thanks!!!

  88. Here’s what I would ask if given the chance…

    As a runner and an endurance athlete, how can I follow and/or modify the zone diet to work for me?

  89. I saw him speak about inflammation at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. He was insightful and articulate- plus he’s spot on! Can’t wait for the interview.

  90. I still can’t get over the amount of added sugar being factored in as 30% carbohydrates in his ready made products…

  91. *The Zone* seems so complicated to me (is it just me?) but I get the sense that *The Zone* was a precursor to *The SouthBeach* which seems to be the precursor to all sorts of other diets (even WeWa seems more bent this way now…) Moderation and balance, good carbs, some fat, protien…what nifty ideas, huh, so why does *The Zone* seem so confusing?

  92. ok, People, I have to say it.

    THE ZONE? Dr Barry? Lucky to have the eyes of the Bumbling Band!
    and I love that you speak your minds as well.

    why does *The Zone* seem so confusing?

    I still can’t get over the amount of added sugar being factored in as 30% carbohydrates in his ready made products…

    those kind of questions will be great to add to my interview as well.

    Miz

  93. Hey Miz! First I would like to appologize for not commenting lately. I have been reading but I was having some issues with the computer not wanting to load your page. Seems to be fixed now though, we shall see for how long.

    As for the Zone, I am pretty skeptical of most fad diets these days and I remember when the Zone first came out I read it and didn’t understand it. It sounded like a fad diet to me. However the description that the Dr. gives in your post makes sense. Having said that I am thinking that maybe I should take another look.

    So glad to be back in the comments,
    Jenn

  94. I don’t think I will be able to pull off the Zone Diet since it takes a lot of organization and coordination and I’m not like that. My food is all over the place and I’m very heavy on the rice.

    Well, diet in general doesn’t jive with me.

  95. I think the comprehensive zone diet might be too complicated for me to stick wtih, but i agree with the principles! My body fat went down 3% in the last year with a combo of reducing refined carbs, eating more good fats and weightlifting.

  97. I actually know nothing about the Zone diet – but am trying so hard to become an intuitive eater with well-balance eating habits!

  98. the zone is 40% carbs 30% fat and 30% protein.

    this might help clarify!

    Sample Menu:

    Breakfast:
    6 large egg whites, scrambled with asparagus and 2 teaspoons olive oil
    2/3 cup oatmeal
    1 cup strawberries

    Lunch:
    Salad-
    3 oz chicken breast
    mixed greens, tomato
    1 tablespoon dressing made with olive oil
    Piece fresh fruit

    Snack:
    2 boiled egg whites with hummus filling

    Dinner:
    5 oz salmon with 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
    2 cups steamed vegetables
    1 cup berries

    Snack:
    1 oz soft cheese
    Glass wine

  99. I lost 50 lbs on a diet very similar to this one.
    Don’t ask me how I gained that 50 to begin with.

    That was a WAY different “diet.”

  100. I’ve been wanting to check it out for a while now, and you’ve pushed me over the edge. I’ll be getting the book & making my recent eating patterns more official – and dragging Marathon Man along for the ride 🙂

    Thanks for this post, Miz!

    Shelley

  101. Wow! I’m only surprised at the fact that my preferred way of “dieting” has an actual name and a book! And an author!

    I am a firm believer in the benefits of fat.

  102. Boiled egg whites and hummus? I can really see how one would lose weight that way…

    Actually I don’t think I eat that much all day. Probably the problem. Mebbe need to find a way to add protein powder to coffee.

  104. My sister followed the Zone for awhile and not only did she lose weight but health problems disappeared. I am a big believer in that way of eating……..similar to Atkins……….fat can be healthy! I love the focus it gives to veggies and fruits!

  105. Well,I don’t know that much about the Zone diet,so I would truly benefit from this giveaway and reading his interview…

  106. I remember the days when fat was evil. I myself had a rule (a disordered eating rule) that I would only eat foods that contained more protein than fat. Miz, I’ll call your six bagels and raise you a dozen rolls AND a quart of fruit juice!

    The most surprising thing to me is the mood regulation. It makes sense to me now, but the nutrition information I was taught in school had nothing to do with the immediate effects various foods can have on oneself.

  107. I think I would miss carbs too much! What would Dr. Barry recommend to those of us who can’t stop the cravings for pizza, pasta, etc?

    I’ve never tried a diet plan before, but this is the only one I’ve ever considered!

  108. As many other commentors, I am not exactly sure about the particulars of The Zone Diet so would love to receive this most excellent prize! I do love the Zone bars!

  109. Hi Miz,

    I’ve been busy, and damn is it hard to get an early post here…

    Congratulations on hooking up with Barry and the Zone Poeple.

    I continue to believe that our wonderful government has misled the people so badly on diet that it’s practically criminal. In particular the emphasis on carbs.

    I was a pastaholic myself got on the extreme amounts of exercise just to stay even lifestyle, then ballooned when real-life happened.

    Cutting my carbs back to Zonish or lower levels has changed my life. I did a reent post at e4e about how my diet has progressed and some considerations if you stall in your progress.

    Getting your diet right is absolutely critical to good health. as you know I recommend less than 40% carbs (and jsut stay away from grains), but even that would be a huge improvement for many. If people even made a commitment to halve the amount of grain they eat, they would likely be better off.

    Anyway, keep it going. You’re doing a great service.

    Cheers,
    Tony

  110. I had no idea that having fat in my diet could actually help me loose weight, get healthy, curb appetite, and create happy brain waves =). I’m loving it. I try to find a way to get some peanut butter in every day, or almonds, or olive oil, or…..

    I’ll definitely have to check this book out. Thanks!

  111. Yeay, Miz! Congrats on getting the interview!

    Regarding the Zone diet being used to treat diabetes, I’m wondering what the heck happened. The ADA continues to advocate what seems to me an excessive amount of starch-based carbohydrates. I hadn’t read anything about the Zone diet, but my way of eating since my diabetes diagnosis sounds very similar.

    And I like the plate method of determining portions, I used it quite often when dining out. I still don’t trust myself enough to completely do away with weighing and measuring when at home. I’m too prone to “portion-creep.”

  112. (To clarify, I don’t follow the ADA guidelines. I used various information I read online to create my own right-for-me food plan, and I’ve never felt better. Of course, I give props to being more active, too.)

  113. I have read the Zone and have always been impressed by how practical it really is. My biggest beef with it though is it requires you to track your macronutrient ratios. Which is no different than most other diets I suppose. My question for Dr. Sears though (and I really hope he sees it buried down here at comment #111!) is there is A LOT of talk on the Internet about doing “Zone proportions” but taking out all grains. basically, it’s eating Paleo (or Primal) but with Zone macronutrient ratios. So instead of getting your carb percentage from whole grains you only get it from veggies and fruit. What does he think of that? Good idea? Thanks Miz!

  114. Diet food-bars depress me (I mean bars that are part of an eating plan’s commercial enterprise). They make me doubt the diet author’s good intentions. But I still want to be entered into the contest! Because I’m… ambiguous… that way ;).

    I was really happy to see oatmeal included in the sample menu you posted! Although still sad if no brown rice or whole wheat products. But I could deal.

    Question for the good Doctor: What’s your current take on saturated fats? In the past few decades they were almost universally lambasted because of their connection to people having high cholesterol, etc. However, correlation does not equal causation, and many are now questioning that theory and saying the saturated fats have lots of nutritional and satiety value. What do you think?

  115. I have to just chime in with the I need to know more because I am not a diet fan.
    I assume every single one is just out to make money from people, like me, who want and need to lose weight.

    Miz says she likes it? I’ll give it a look.

  116. Well, this is one I have not read but I am up for anything. I am most interested in the balancing of hormones to make you less hungry. I would love that cause I still have days that I am just feeling empty all day

  117. Miz, I’ll call your six bagels and raise you a dozen rolls AND a quart of fruit juice!

    ann? that made me laugh AND wonder if you’ll be in chicago for blogher in july?

    I mightcould step out of the Zone for a bagel eating contest. We Jews can hold our own there!

    🙂

  118. Most surprising to me was the 30% fat component. Since the sample menu mentioned only fruits/veggies as allowed carbs, I’d like to know which types of grains are allowed and up to what portion of the carb component.

  121. i beg for zone bars when i poop on the potty, too…sooo delicious!

    i’d ask why he doesnt feel the need for whole grain carbs? esp for hard-core exercisers. feel like we need them, at least in some meals.

  122. Miz,

    Skinnyfat. A brilliant description! Been there. Sadly only one part of the phrase still applies… Can the Zone really address that? Open to the possibility.

    Fresh bagels are addicitive. No other explanation necessary.

    As a Guatemama myself, I so understand your concern/ love/ pain for the TT’s undertheweatherness. Hope it passes quickly.

  123. I’m so sad to see Susan looking like that! She used to look so great and powerful and energetic! I guess what I got from her mostly was whole foods, not refined foods. I don’t remember much about the fat stuff, but it’s been a while. I eat lots of healthy fats and have been losing weight. I am a little skeptical about anything that purports to be “the answer”, but I would like to learn more about the basics of the Zone.

  124. Ah yes. What the heck was the name of that diet book in the late80’s/early 90’s that coined the phrase “eating fat makes you fat?” That advocated jelly beans and pretzels as ideal snacks?
    Oy.
    I also would like to learn more about the Zone. I like having healthy fats in my diet, and not the overly-processed diet crud.

  125. I. Cannot. Take. Processed. Carbs.

    AndYetSometimesIEatThem.

    Then I feel nasty.

    Zone = veryvery clever, and much love to Sears for convincing the world that a fat/carbs/protein BALANCE is best. ’cause it is. (See Manda Run Part 2: Chasing After Balance, in my mental theater, coming soon) (hahaha)

  126. I’d love to ask him if eating the Zone way would be beneficial to other hormones, not just digestive. I haven’t read much on the Zone, but that sample days looks yummy (although I confess to being hesitantly intrigued by the hard boiled eggs with hummus…).

  128. First time visitor I love the comment on reverse mentors (youngsters) in the post, anyone showing that kind of humility is worth further review. This may work because it can work in community. Thanks

  129. On a side note, I just checked out that Susan Powter link; haven’t seen her in years. Nobody mentioned that she no longer has eyes, just black, bottomless eye sockets!

  130. I am a lurker Miz but wanted to comment here.
    I have been in the zone for years now.
    it is the perfect way to stay energetic and fit and healthy.

    and NOT SKINNYFAT LOL.

  131. HolyCrapBalls. why did I think she looked kinda hip and funky the last time I checked?

    with fun colorful hair extensions and sparkling eyes.

    Thanks D’mamma for the heads up (your dvd is in the mail!).

    Brace your collective selves, People:

    http://www.susanpowteronline.com/

  132. This sounds like a good approach, although I don’t know too many details. Oh my, I remember Snackwells. The problem is that if you eat the whole box, they’re definitely not low cal or low anything.

  133. I’ve never read anything about the Zone Diet, although I’ve heard of it. It just seems to make sense and seems very balanced…I think it could be something I would start modeling my meals after definitely.

    ps…I loved snackwells…as a lifetime overweight person, I was so happy that there was a cookie out there that I could eat and not feel guilty about eating and tasted pretty good…but what I loved better was the yogurt they had out…they were all chocolate…chocolate raspberry, milk chocolate, etc….I don’t know how good they were for you, but they were delicious!

  134. I’m coming out of my die hard lurking here. 🙂

    I had totally sworn off buying any more books about diet/health and fitness but this one bring me to break my oath to myself. I’ve rode the diet coaster too many times to count and know that I am a)addicted to sugar b) a better functioning human being if I have less carbs. I don’t want to go “no carb” so this Zone sounds like a good fit. Is the book a must or could I follow it with the info provided on the site?

    I LOVE this site. Seriously. 🙂

  135. MIzfit-

    First let me say thanks for opening my eyes to the Zone. After trying most of the diets out there I know that low fat doesnt work for me but low carb certainly does. The Zone seems like such a civilized eay to manage carbs and still get a balanced meal out of the deal.

    You are awesome. (I can’t speak yet for Dr. Sears so I’ll let you know on that one.)

    I will dig around more on the zone site and try it out.

  136. no need to give me the freebie as I just wanted to take a minute, Miz, and say you have given me so much already.

    THANK YOU and I appreciate your blog.

  137. so cool that you are interviewing an icon!! I used to do the Snackwells fat-free thing. Peanut butter was The Enemy. Now, I swallow fish oil supps, eat almonds by the handful and like olive oil on my salmon. I totally *get* it now. I’m not quite in the zone, percentage-wise, but I’m nowhere near as fat-phobic as I was before. PS tonite I’ll be diving into a tib of movie popcorn covered in oil. Does this count? 🙂

  138. My jaw just dropped. This describes ME:

    I was skinnyfat….
    …And, more important than my looked ok in clothes but was all kinds of dimplecity out of them bod, my energy fluctuations & mood swings were a pleasure sight to behold.

    I can’t even believe it. The Zone Diet came out back when I didn’t pay any attention to diets. I didn’t even know (until I read your blog) what it was. I am DEFINITELY looking into this one. Thank you for pointing me in this direction.

  139. it is very very cool you got this interview.
    I want to know:

    how you got it
    how you get so many comments
    why the glycemic index is important.

    (not necessarily in that order)

  140. I just stubbed my toe on the Zone book in the garage the other day. Its not mine, its my sisters so I’ve never read it, do you think this was a sign I should read the book? I could be a Zonette!

  141. ahh, who knew there was a virtual sisterhood of the skinnyfats wandering around town.

    and this was all after I was, well, fatfat but you’ll have that.

    love all of your comments and am excited to do the drawing sunday night (drumroll please using ZONE BARS in lieu of sticks…)

  142. My question would be about how to adapt the zone diet to vegetarian eating. My protein’s all mixed in with my carbs, so it’s not as simple as dividing the plate into thirds.

  143. I think the biggest thing I took from that post was “I could eat a half dozen bagels in a sitting”… which is SOO me! What can I say, I just REALLY love bagels!

  145. I tend to have a pretty carb-heavy diet, and I have to practically force myself to get enough protein in. I also have a TON of carb and sugar cravings. I was really intrigued when I did some research on lower-carb, more balanced diets and found that they can reduce your carb cravings! This would be absolutely wonderful!!!

  148. I’m playing catch up in my blog reading…

    I too believed the fat free hype..in fact my doctor put me on a very low fat diet to bring my cholesterol–which was around 230–down. Guess what happened while I was eating all those Snack Wells and bagels, etc.? My cholesterol rose to 297 and I gained a lot of weight…about 40 pounds.

    And my husband who eats why I buy and prepare–gained a huge belly, his 135 cholesterol rose to 180 and he became ill– had 2 hospitalizations with no definitive diagnosis. His symptoms were extreme tiredness. He responded to antibiotics but tested negative for infection. Even an infection specialist could not determine what or where the infection originated–only that my husband improved once antimicrobials were administered. Of late the doctors think the problem is his gall bladder. And that makes the most sense. Extreme changes in diet can cause gall bladder disease.

    Prior to the fat free diet my husband had the resting heart rate of an athlete and wonderful blood pressure. Two years later he had extremely high bp diagnosed as primary hypertension. He must take meds to lower it.

    I’m convinced when I reduced the animal protein and fat in our diets it made him ‘sick’ and made me fat.

    I thought we’d be healthier. Today my husband is prediabetic, or as it’s also called glucose intolerant.

    I’m totally convinced the fat free diet is responsible for his ill health because of the timing.

    And I’m convinced that the fat free diet is what caused my cholesterol to sky rocket and caused my weight gain.

    I’ve read similar stories of people with almost identical results. Jane Brody–the food writer and author–to name one–her story could be mine.

  149. I remember (about 2 summers ago) when I was living on white carbs. I thought that because I could stay skinny(fat) while eating muffins, bagels, and waffles for all my meals it was okay! (Well, I kinda knew it wasn’t okay, but I cared more about being skinny(fat).) Then I didn’t want to be skinnyfat anymore, and I started eating REAL food. It wasn’t quite that simple, but I’m there now. Almost. Trying.

  150. I can’t wait to read your other posts on this topic and get caught up. Is this how you eat now, still? I will rseearch it myself but…are any wholegrains permitted in The Zone?

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