[Zone] After OWL, can I phase into Zone or will it all come back?

[Erin4980]

That's pretty much my Q. Is that possible? I know Zone has crazy amount of carbs so it scares me (well, way more than what I'm having now). My friend tried Zone and she said it also suggests having something to eat before bed? is that right? That would kill my loss if I did that. I never lose unless I go to bed on an empty stomach.

Thanks,
Erin

[Karen]

Why don't you follow the Atkins or PP guidelines with maintainence? Learning how to maintain would be much the same as learning basic low-carbing so I would think that it would be best to keep on doing what you were successful with.

Karen

[lupine]

Hello Erin,

I am one of the only people it seems that is following the zone. I know it allows more carbs that Atkins and most of the the other LC plans out there, but there are also some important misconceptions. Dr. Sears recommends eating more favorable kinds of carbs which seem to be very similar to what is recommended on the Atkins plan. Some of my mainstays are lettuce, cabbage, berries and broccoli. I am avoiding sugar and refined anything. One big distinction is also in the dairy area. Yogurt fruit smoothies are also one of my mainstays, but with added soy protein to stay in the zone. Everyone has to find what is right for them. Sears recommends eating 5 times a day, including one snack about 1 hour before you go to bed. I had thought this was madness for me too, but was pleasantly surprised. It is all about insulin balance not empty or full stomachs. I usually have some string cheese, nuts and berries before retiring. Even though I probably have more carbs than many of the folks here, I am losing weight and have found only one day out of the last 30 that I felt hungry. Read the books or check out the website (DrSears.com) to do some comparison.

[deze]

lupine,
are you still doing the zone now?

I am have been researching different WOE, and have been curious about some of the different ones. I feel like I would like more fruit and some smoothies here and there.

My fat level's are high on Atkins, and I am trying to find the best approach to use. I started BFL yesterday too so will have to up my carbs a bit anyhow (have been staying at about 25-30 g).

What is the main diff between zone eating and Atkins maintenance?
d

[ZoneCoach]

Originally posted by deze
I started BFL yesterday too so will have to up my carbs a bit anyhow (have been staying at about 25-30 g).

What is the main diff between zone eating and Atkins maintenance?
d
d,
The Zone strongly advises to reduce saturated fats and replace with monounsaturated (ie; nuts, olive oil, etc.). Minimum daily carb totals are 99g, although I suspect you'd be at a higher level.
The Zone is about hormonal (insulin) control/regulation. This is achieved thru eating 40/30/30 EVERY TIME you eat. Therefore, your "smoothie" would contain 40% carb, 30% protein and 30% fat. A favorite blend of mine is: Protein powder, strawberries, peanut butter and (yes) cooked oatmeal (cold) w/ a dash of splenda. Yummmm nice and thick.