My doctor told me to do the Zone diet....

The diet centers on a "40:30:30" ratio of calories obtained daily from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively.

SO I'm using the zone diet's numbers without knowing it. I eat to those goals, which you can custom set in Myfitnesspal... what's to pay for?

The diet centers on a "40:30:30" ratio of calories obtained daily from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively.

SO I'm using the zone diet's numbers without knowing it. I eat to those goals, which you can custom set in Myfitnesspal... what's to pay for?

How do I custom set my goals for the carbs, proteins and fat in MFP? I've searched but couldn't figure it out.

Thank you
Cherie

as others have said, a large part is about the ratio. Manually change your fitness goals to this. Il have a slightly different ratio but still emphasize the importance of lean protein and healthy fats.

also if you don't have the money and want to get started sooner, google is your friend

here's a good link i found: http://www.the-zone-diet-recipes.com/

Thank you for the info on how to change the goals!!! I did it!!!

Skips the bars and eat real food. Most of them taste terrible anyways. Just focus on balanced meals. An apple with peanut butter (carbs + fat/protein). Wine plus cheese. Meat and veg.

Exlpore this page, lots of good ideas/information.
http://www.zonediet.com/home

Don't stress too much about getting exactly in the zone, just make sure you get a good balance of healthy fats, low-glycemic carbs, and lean protein. It doesn't have to be perfect .

Yay!

I have the book: The Formula Diet which is very similar to the zone diet. It is 40-30-30, but they also have a 30 day "shred" type thing where you eat all low gi foods and lose much more quickly.

Definietely try out the 40-30-30 regimine.

Here are my tips:
1. Make sure to have protein at every meal and snack.
2. Stick with low gi veggies like broccoli, spinach, green beans, etc. Ease your way back into carrots, potatoes, etc.
3. Stick with low gi fruits like apples, pears, blueberries. Limit your intake of bananas and grapes which are higher in sugar.
4. Find a really good whey protein powder. You can use this for smoothies and as a supplement in desserts.
5. Egg whites/beaters are great for breakfast paired with a bowl of plain oatmeal.

If you need any recipe ideas, let me know as my book has tons

alleyhays

thanks for your tips. I was thinking a smoothie with coconut milk/rasberries/protein powder and some bran or oats might be good for breakfast . I have to think of something I can take to work and have in the morning as I am supposed to eat an hour after takeing thyroid tablet.

The diet in a nutshell promotes nutrient dense carbs, lean proteins and healthy fats, in a specific ratio, to stabilize blood sugar and hormones. You don't need to buy any special zone foods. Go to www.zonediet.com and join the site for free. You'll have access to the calculators and the basic diet and recipes. Choose the Zone Classic plan and you can eat almost anything you want, as long as you keep to the 40, 30, 30 ratio for every meal and snack. If you opt for the Zone 1-2-3 plan, you will be prompted to buy their foods, but this isn't necessary.

I also have 2 Zone Diet books which go into much more detail and have recipes too. Once you calculate how much protein you need per day to sustain your lean body mass (the website has a calculator to do this for you), the rest is pretty simple. The diet is set up so you track blocks (much like WW points) of protein, carbs and fats. I am allowed 12 blocks of each per day...but when I did the math it works out to only 950 calories. MFP would boo this diet, but according to the Zone dr, when you balance your protein, carbs and fat in the proper ratio, it stabilizes hormones and allows your body to release/burn fat easier without sacrificing muscle.

I did this diet 10 years ago to slim down for my wedding, and I lost 25 libs in 2 months (I had a 6-pack!). I felt great when I was on it. Unfortunately I got pregnant right away and figured I should be able to eat anything I wanted (and gained 60 lbs, 30 of which stuck through the next 2 pregnancies) Now I'm back on the right track, but I seem to have stalled with MFP, so I am digging out my Zone books again and am going to lose it once and for all!

I just spent like 40 minutes entering my food in tomorrow's diary...

I guess each meal has to have the 40-30-30 ratio not just the end-of-day?


Hikingmonk, I pulled out my omega 3-6-9 fish flax borage supplements that my kinesiologist told me to take a while ago...I'll begin those tomorrow!

No . The 40-30-30 ratio is for the day.

New to MFP and glad to see some Zoners here. I have done WW and the Zone in the past I do much better on the Zone.

Thanks for posting how to customize your food plan in the app. I am really excited about using this great tool to help me reach my goal.

As for cost, the bars should only be used in emergencies, no other option available which is very rarely.
The web site has recipes etc., your public library probably has any books you might feel you need. It is based on a lot of science, and you might want to get grounded in that but really it is just the 40 low gi carb/ 30 protein/ 30 good fats that you have to follow.
I do fish oil I get locally not through the website, since it helps with my arthritic pain I have had my whole life. I have continued that through my weight gain. Fish oil is not the answer to losing weight, LOL.

Make good decisions today everyone. And remember improvement, not perfection goes the distance.