Hi, all.

I have been an Atkins devotee for a long time, but am having trouble getting and staying on it again.

I thought I would try SP because womentowomen recommends it. But, I don't really see much difference between that and the Zone. Other than she limits the exact amount of carbs you can have at each meal (whereas Zone just balances everything), can anyone tell me the difference. I think this would be easier because of the exact limitation, but how can I tell if I'm balanced or not?

For instance, lunch, I may have a turkey burger, green beans, tomato slices and a small portion of brown rice. Is that ok? Can I consider myself balanced or like the Zone, do I have to count everything other than carbs?

Thanks.

Hi,

Schwarzbein limits your protein if you have burned out adrenals but the calculations come out similar to the zone (a little lower because the zone increases your protein for a higher activity level and Schwarzbein does not). I think the zone protein amount is fine so long as you don't have burned out adrenal glands.

The other difference is that the zone limits your fat to a measured amount, and Schwarzbein tells you to eat fats freely because your body will tell you when to stop. I find that if I'm eating the right amount of carbs and protein, the fats just take care of themselves, remember back to when you used to just butter your bread without measuring it? Also Schwarzbein does not count your nonstarchy vegetables as carbs and zone does, so you are not calorie restricted on Schwarzbein and you are on the zone.

Otherwise, they're pretty similar. The importance difference between Schwarzbein and the zone vs. Atkins is that the former two keep your insulin slightly above your adrenaline which is what you want. Atkins takes your insulin too low which is why it is not recommended.

KRST

Thanks for the easy to understand info!