Hello!!

MsLiz and Betsy I have been doing the Zone or using Zone principles for a couple of years now. When I hit a point where I needed to gain control again-- I was getting bored-- I decided to join WW and combine the points with Dr. Sears ideas. It has been very successful for me-- I needed WW accountability and structure and because it is so flexible I can easily eat 40-30-30. I joined WW on November 30th last year and I have lost about 25 additional pounds. I have lost about 50 pounds in three years. It may seem slow but it is staying off-- I was a size 22 in August of 1998 and just the other day I bought two pair of size 12 GAP jeans-- UNREAL!!

The most important change I made in my life during this endeavor was making exercise a religion in my life. I went from huffing and puffing up ONE flight of stairs to running in 5 mile races. I cross train with running. spinning and weight lifting. I use to WO 5-6 times a week (remember) but now I can lose weight and keep tone by WO about 3 times a week as long as I do other activities-- like hiking with my kids or doing yard work etc..

Anyone can lose weight on any "diet"-- the thing to keep in mind when choosing one for yourself is "can you live this way?"-- the Zone offers a lifetime way for me to eat (and I enjoy everything!! I do not deprive myself, I just discovered what moderation means).

This forum is great- these women have been the heart of my success-- they are always here and the support is unlimited.

WHAT A CHANGE FOR US!! My husband I just celebrated our 12th anniversary last night-- guess what we did???? We got a sitter and we went to the gym! Have we come a long way or what? It was great! We did go out for drinks after a suana and shower-- but it was all within the plan. IT CAN BE DONE!

Besides exercise my other BIG TIP is NEVER LET YOUR HOUSE BECOME BARREN!! Grocery shop weekly and always keep it stocked with whatever you need to stay on track. Nuts, fruit, fresh veggies, easy to use protiens like Perdue short cuts, soy bread, etc....... the minute there is nothing balanced in your house it is so easy to revert to old eatting patterns!

Boy what a blabber mouth! I still love my red hair----- it is quite the attention getter!! To think three years ago I just wanted to blend in and be unnoticed because I was so overweight and now I am a red head looking to turn heads-- I'm in a good place!!!!

It was so good to hear from you Ann-- HEy Maureen where are you!!! I know it is getting harder and harder for me to keep up too-- but I still lurk around and when I need a lift I always come here!! Sabrina-- I hope you are doing well too!

Got to go get my plants in the ground-- this year we are trying corn and peas with our small tomato and lettuce garden.

Wish some sunny weather my way-- it has been raining for weeks!

Amy aka Jakeswoman

Hello!!

MsLiz and Betsy I have been doing the Zone or using Zone principles for a couple of years now. When I hit a point where I needed to gain control again-- I was getting bored-- I decided to join WW and combine the points with Dr. Sears ideas. It has been very successful for me-- I needed WW accountability and structure and because it is so flexible I can easily eat 40-30-30. I joined WW on November 30th last year and I have lost about 25 additional pounds. I have lost about 50 pounds in three years. It may seem slow but it is staying off-- I was a size 22 in August of 1998 and just the other day I bought two pair of size 12 GAP jeans-- UNREAL!!

The most important change I made in my life during this endeavor was making exercise a religion in my life. I went from huffing and puffing up ONE flight of stairs to running in 5 mile races. I cross train with running. spinning and weight lifting. I use to WO 5-6 times a week (remember) but now I can lose weight and keep tone by WO about 3 times a week as long as I do other activities-- like hiking with my kids or doing yard work etc..

Anyone can lose weight on any "diet"-- the thing to keep in mind when choosing one for yourself is "can you live this way?"-- the Zone offers a lifetime way for me to eat (and I enjoy everything!! I do not deprive myself, I just discovered what moderation means).

This forum is great- these women have been the heart of my success-- they are always here and the support is unlimited.

WHAT A CHANGE FOR US!! My husband I just celebrated our 12th anniversary last night-- guess what we did???? We got a sitter and we went to the gym! Have we come a long way or what? It was great! We did go out for drinks after a suana and shower-- but it was all within the plan. IT CAN BE DONE!

Besides exercise my other BIG TIP is NEVER LET YOUR HOUSE BECOME BARREN!! Grocery shop weekly and always keep it stocked with whatever you need to stay on track. Nuts, fruit, fresh veggies, easy to use protiens like Perdue short cuts, soy bread, etc....... the minute there is nothing balanced in your house it is so easy to revert to old eatting patterns!

Boy what a blabber mouth! I still love my red hair----- it is quite the attention getter!! To think three years ago I just wanted to blend in and be unnoticed because I was so overweight and now I am a red head looking to turn heads-- I'm in a good place!!!!

It was so good to hear from you Ann-- HEy Maureen where are you!!! I know it is getting harder and harder for me to keep up too-- but I still lurk around and when I need a lift I always come here!! Sabrina-- I hope you are doing well too!

Got to go get my plants in the ground-- this year we are trying corn and peas with our small tomato and lettuce garden.

Wish some sunny weather my way-- it has been raining for weeks!

Amy aka Jakeswoman

I appreciate the responses! I picked up "A Week in the Zone" and managed to get "Mastering the Zone" from the library this weekend as well. Those, combined with some info from the websites I found, gave me a clearer picture of the Zone!

I went shopping, skipped the usual "diet" foods and loaded the cart with fruit and veggies! I know this will take some getting used to, but I really like the principles!

The only "problem" I've encountered is that I can't eat all that food! I have a very small appetite, and haven't been able to finish all the carbs at one sitting! So I've opted to eat more fruit until I get used to the larger portions! I'm really avoiding all starchy carbs, at least for the time being. I mean, what's the point in even bothering with 1/4 cup of pasta?!?!?

I do notice that I feel more clear-headed today, which is highly unusual for a Monday! I'm really excited & looking forward to learning more!

Great to have new people on board here, I was getting kind of lonesome. Must be that article in "Us" last week that's got people trying it out. (hey, if it works for Jennifer Anniston... he he)

Food is a wonderful thing !

Just keep the fridge stocked with cooked protein and fruit and veggies and drink lotsa water, and exercise, and the fat just flies off.

It works!

Jennifer WHO?! I don't read magazines (except Muscle Media) and I don't watch much TV (including Friends), but I do remember seeing a news item recently on ZonePerfect meals being delivered secretly to "stars," including her.

What brought me to the Zone was my workout program, Body for Life (by Bill Phillips). I've been working out since last August & am doing really well but can't seem to lose this last few pounds of bodyfat. The Zone diet is amazingly similar to Phillips' recommendations (which are pretty close to the 40-30-30), but with the emphasis on low-glycemic carbs. I generally eat pretty well, but I discovered I have a thyroid disorder that totally screws up my metabolism.

I looked into SugarBusters, but it just didn't "stick" for me. I don't know why, because I really believe in the concepts. I think it was just not specific enough, especially with regard to total caloric intake and recommendations for menus.

I had purchased "Entering the Zone" several months ago while I was doing research into nutrition. Again, I liked the concepts, but that book was WAY too confusing! I'm glad to find other versions that are more "user friendly!" I decided to re-visit the Zone material when it was recommended as the "ideal" plan for hypothyroidism.

I've been pretty successful at sticking to things when they really make sense to me and fit in my lifestyle.

Thanks for doing a new thread! Let's keep this hoppin', cause I need all the help I can get!

Jakeswoman, that is the greatest anniversary story I've ever heard!

I can't get DH to join a gym with me, so I joined the ladies only one, which works when he's away but tough to do when he's home.

We are walking and biking together way more, though, and he's gotten into the Zone thing himself due to my example (NOT nagging!).

He's doing great in his little home gym (if we ever move to a bigger house we'll have more room and will be able to install a serious workout room for both of us...), and once I get rid of this hay fever I'll be back at it myself.

Congratulations on the twelve years! That is awesome.

Jakeswoman - happy anniversary! What a cool thing to do together!

MrsYogi - that's great that DH is "Zoning" with you, and that you didn't nag him into it! Guys always like to thing something's their idea! Just keep smiling and serving that Zone food!

Day 2, and I'm surprised at how good I feel! I can't believe I haven't had any sugar for 3 days and I'm not dying! I got hungry once yesterday (mid-morning, which is typical since I eat breakfast so early) but I had already decided when I laid out my meal plans that I'd probably need 12 blocks instead of 11, because of the intensity of my weight training. So I just added a mid-morning snack & was fine all day!

It sorta scares me to have a late-night snack, thinking it will go straight to my thighs while I'm sleeping, but it's nice to not wake up feeling hungry!

Let's go, girls!

MsLiz, you gotta have those snacks. They are so great. I know it's not always easy to eat just before bed (I hate having to brush away the wonderful flavour of olives and fruit and floss the nuts out of my teeth so soon after eating...) BUT it's great not to go to bed hungry!

Don't miss that brain fog at all.

Been having a few off-Zone days due to DH birthday (ooh homemade fish and chips, choclit cake and ice cream last night yikes), but it's not as if I won't be back at it again today. The beauty of it is it's not so restrictive that you can't indulge in treats now and then. I actually do treats on the weekend in moderation - don't need anywhere near as much sugar to satisfy the sweet tooth now, so it's not that much of a threat to my wellbeing

Good luck, and enjoy the good eats. I can't wait to get back to weight training, been off for about 10 days due to hay fever - I haven't felt like doing much of anything except getting horizontal after work... oh well. This will pass.

Have a great day.

Hi everyone,

Gosh, I haven't posted in a LONG time. I'm still kicking, although a lot has happened over the past few weeks.

The biggest one is I was "redeployed" from my job. It is a layoff, but with 45 days notice. During this time, they are paying me to find another job, either within the company or with another company. If, after July 5 (my last day) I do not find a job, I will get a nice severance package . So, while it is stressful knowing that my job is ending, and has been difficult getting any interviews, I am confident that something good will come along soon. The funny thing is, I had this fantasy about how much time I would have to exercise and lay around the house during redeployment, but looking for a job is hard work! Plus I have school, so I'm staying quite busy as it is.

I need to go back and read everyone's posts thoroughly to catch up. I am going to print them out so I can go relax on the couch and see what you have all been up to.

Keep Zoning!
Sabrina

Hey, that's interesting, lots of people going thru job change scenarios right now (self included).

I think there is a global shedding of old things and a general plunging ahead into new territory for some, which can be a very good thing.

Of course you'll have more gym time Sabrina! That's what layoffs are for ha ha.

At least you'll be in fighting form, if not your finances AND you'll look great for those interviews.

Good luck and spend some of that package on yourself if you get it.

Sabrina~~"redeployed?" Is that the latest terminology? Geez, I can't keep up any more!! Well, you don't sound too distraught! This could be a great time to rethink your plans and get started on your new life! Take up Body For Life" like so many of us have - it's a blast!

Mrs Yogi - you sound like you speak from experience about shedding old things! Hit those weights, girlie! It's good for whatever ails us!

Jakeswoman - you sound like you've really come a long way with your lifestyle - red hair and all! That's such an inspiration! Thanks for the Zone tips - they help a lot!

Besty and Ann - are you still with us?

Hi,

Liz - I had to laugh at that term too. Don't say "laid off" say
"redeployed". LOL! They probably paid some high-priced consultant to come up with that one. And no, I'm not terribly distraught. If push comes to shove, my severance would cover me for four months. If things get really desperate, I could always contract out as a Technical Writer. Even though I really want to stay in Marketing, tech writing is a skill that I can always fall back on.

Anyway, I was really unhappy and it was time to make a change anyway. Now I have more time to look for a new and better job, which is great.

Everyone - I did print out the posts last night and read them all and they were soooo inspirational. I got out my Zone book and made a perfect 2 block breakfast. Lunch isn't so perfect (sushi) but dinner sure will be. My plan to do 2 blocks at breakfast,
3 at lunch, and 4 for dinner, plus the snacks. I just do better if I eat more at night for some reason.

I've been out of the discipline of counting blocks for so long, this should be good for me. Do any of you know of sites where people post their daily menus? I sure could use some inspiration.

Take care,
Sabrina

Hi Zoners!

Have been trying to limit my time on the computer as I feel it has become somewhat obsessive - even my kids have commented. I am really researching this mediteranean cruise that we are doing in July - trying to book private tours, doing research on cities etc. all over the internet. I then check out 3FC and then play a little Freecell on-line and all of a sudden its 1:00a.m. YIKES!

Moderation moderation in all we do!! Have pulled myself away and have started playing tennis again and walking with my daughters - it is so much more fun to walk with someone.

Miz Liz: Also have to hit the weights again - really enjoy the "studette" feeling I get - shoulders back and standing tall after I lift and workout.
Jakeswoman: didn't realize how much weight you have lost all together. The WW really got you past that last plateau. Some friends have just joined so maybe I can join them. There is a WW just down the street a few miles.
Maureen: Sounds like you are busy. We will definitely look up Adrian since the Rapture is one of our favorites. (next to the Millennium roller coaster). If anyone wants to ride the best coasters ever - Cedar Point is the way to go. Always wins the award for Best Amusement Park in the US year after year.

Sabrina: Yes I have heard all those words. I worked for NCR Corp when it was taken over by AT&T some years ago. Had worked for them since college - over 17 years! Ended up taking the severance package and got a job that over the past few years has tripled my income from the NCR days. Most everyone who left ended up in a better job. Do they have job placement services? I attneded seminars that were like group therapy but really had us focus on what we do well, what we like, how to put it on a resume and how to articulate it in an interview. Was wonderful so if it is offered take them up on it.
Mrs. Yogi: You have such a wonderful attitude - hope you are losing.

Enough enough - time to get off. Yes I am nearing 155 hash mark again - now to get under it!
Ann W

Hello,
I dusted off and old copy of the orginal book the zone and finally figured out the plan. I just ordered the quickstart kit - which is expensive and probably not necessary especially since it is backordered 10 days.

my situation.....
I recently had a baby and was laid off when I returned to work. Errr.... I mean I was redeployed...

So basically I am feeling fat and I need to find a job. I am mortified at how much I currently weigh, and my attempts to watch what I eat-- have not changed the scale at all. Besides occasional stroller walks, I have not been excercising that much which I know is part of the problem. But I have started to use my stairmaster once again this week.

I have lost weight successfully before on WW- and CAD (not good) but my recent attempt on WW was not very successful.

I guess I am looking for some encouragement on how soon I could see even a 5lb loss on the scale.

Sorry if this sounds so negative, but I never imagined that I would be interviewing wearing maternity clothes!!!

I promise my next posting will be cheery.


mickers.
155/

Hi everyone -

I can't sleep so decided to get online and catch up on email and see who's posted here lately.

Ann:

>>> Most everyone who left ended up in a better job. Do they have job placement services?

That is my hope -- my job went from fun and challenging to a big bore, and I want to get that fire and passion back again. I crave working with bright and interesting people! Our company, to their credit, has been great about our redeployment. I went to an interviewing techniques class with a local career services firm today, and last Friday I had a one-on-one with a resume coach. I thought my resume was pretty tight but it's amazing what an objective pair of eyes can do.

Anyway, I am GETTING BORED! I thought it would be kinda fun to stay at home for awhile but the novelty has worn off. I mean, I am very busy networking and applying for jobs, etc., etc., but it is all very routine and I need something to challenge my BRAIN. ARGH!!! At least my next class starts on Thursday, so I'll at least have some text books to read. Thank GAWD. I feel like if I don't get some mental stimulation soon I will turn into a moron, LOL!


Mickers: Welcome to our board. It's a great group of women here, everyone is so warm and helpful. I think you'll enjoy it here. Anyway, about the 5 pounds -- it really is different for everyone. Even when I'm absolutely perfect with the blocks/exercise/water, I only lose a pound a week or less. However, I do lift weights and I only have about 25# to lose, so I realize I'm probably going to lose slower than a lot of people. Doing the Zone should make you feel better though, with more energy, and I'm sure with a new baby you need all the energy you can get, eh?

Well, I've written a bit of a book here. I hope everyone is doing fine.

Sabrina