[HizGal]

I have been on the Zone for about 3 months, but lost most of my weight (77.5 lbs) on a low-fat diet--I need to lose about 20 more lbs. I have been going the Spa Lady and talked last month to a girl who was starting the BFL program.

I really need to tone and find that the program I was put on isn't doing what I want. Does anyone know if the weight training in BFL would work with the Zone or do I need to change programs?

I don't really care what my weight is as long as I look and feel good. I've been getting a lot of attention ( especially from my hubby) since I lost weight, but if I was toned and a little more shapely I would look and feel better I'm sure.

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are welcome and thanks in advance!

[Mel]

"Tone" is muscle. BFL will give you muscle and burn off fat (slowly if you're close to the weight you want to be.) At first, you may feel bigger, and gain a bit of scale weight, but it's only because muscle weighs more than fat, and you'll build muscle probably faster than you'll lose fat. At first. But BFL is a 12 week program, and if you follow it, I can guarentee that you'll be leaner and strong at the end of those 12 weeks. I started it at what I thought was my goal weight after losing 40 lbs on Sugarbusters, but I didn't like the way my body looked at all. A little over a year later, I'm 2 pounds less than where I started, but my body fat has dropped by 12% and I'm wearing 2 sizes smaller jeans, and my legs and arms look ripped. I really don't know what the Zone diet consists of, but you need a lot more protein and carbs to build muscle than someone who is just dieting. Why not check the BFL book out of the library or borrow a copy and give it a try?

mel

[HizGal]

meliris

Thanks, I have been trying to get the book from the library, but the waiting list is longer than I'll probably live and I don't know anyone who has the book. I guess I'll have to break down and buy it or go to the book store and "browse" through it.

Basically on the Zone you balance carbs, protein and fat. Eleven blocks of each (the minimum # of blocks) is 77g protein, 99g carbs and 33g of fat/per day. This is assuming I'm understanding the Zone at all!lol It can be confusing so I hope I've been doing right.

How does this compare to BFL? I can increase my blocks as my activity level increases. I gave you the minimum amounts.

[MrsJim]

Hi there

Actually the percentages do look similar - BFL is basically 40/40/20 as far as protein/carbs/grams go. I've seen enough Zone comments at L&S to get the idea that BFL nutrition is probably fairly close to the Zone. Please note that I have never read the Zone book, as during the time it was really taking off (around 1996/97 I believe) I was a staunch vegetarian eating very little protein and WAY too many carbs (then on the McDougall program).

Bummer - this is the time of year that the book will be REALLY popular - so of course there are probably about a kajillion holds on it in the library Have you tried Half.com? Right now I see the book there listed for $10.50 plus shipping. Even with the cost of shipping to Canada, that's still a heckuva deal IMO...and I really think you must read the book to get the full flavor of the program...especially the Crossing the Abyss chapter - along with going to Lean & Strong to view the Transformation Gallery for an added "boost" of motivation!

And feel free to post anytime! See ya

[HizGal]

Thanks MrsJim,

Actually I found the book at one place for half the price ($20) so next week I'll probably pick it up.

Thanks for the comments.

[JEC]

Hey

Both Mel and Mrs Jim gave you great advice. I am pretty sure that Zone eating can be done with BFL training from those I have spoken too. Another option is to search for zone websites and ask the members if they know anyone who has done that combination and if it worked. Other than that just keep reading anything you come across on the net!

JC

[MzPen]

I got my book used on Amazon.com for less then $10, plus the shipping of course. It got it in less than a week!

[Niffer]

I lost 68 pounds and didn't even TRY! Well, here's WHY I lost so much so fast - all I was eating before was CARBS CARBS CARBS - so when I went on the Zone the weight just fell off!

Now, I like the Zone, however, BFL is much better at promoting quality of foods than Zone is. (ie. bacon as a protein source ) You will see better results and faster IMO on BFL than on the Zone. BFL is much less complicated trust me! Palm/fist is way easier than counting them dang blocks.

So, get the book and read it and see how ya like it. I bet you will! It's better to have a book of your own than to check it out - cuz my library would be veeeery upset at all the notes I wrote in the margins!

WELCOME!

[HizGal]

Thanks everyone for your comments and help. I love this site!

[Jennelle]

I saw the BFL book at my local Wal-Mart a few days ago for $17.99.