Almost embarrassed to ask this.....

L

Lora

Guest
...and I'm not sure if this forum is open for discussion on diets. But my father-in-law has diabetes and almost everyone else in the family have low blood sugar and or depression so I'm concerned for my families health. I've just started trying to educate myself concerning this. Better late then never. I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about "The Zone" or "The 2000 Multi-Diet : Taming The Beast!" books. This thing about balancing ones hormones and insulin levels sounds logical. The zone almost sounds too good to be true though. I've read some threads Cathe wrote about eating 6 months ago but I don't have any background in this and at the time I wasn't that concerned or interested. Do any of you know anything about all this? Thank, Lora.
 
Zone, Atkins, etc

Let me tell you, I've read a ton of nutrition books and I have to agree, from my own experience, that eliminating sugar in all forms (to keep insulin levels low and steady, no ups and downs) has been a major boost to my overall health, both physical and emotional. Watching my intake of pure sugar, starches and even artificial sweeteners hasn't been easy but it has definitely paid off. I don't think there's need for any drastic diets or plans that advocate eating high quantities of protein, like Atkins, but balancing lean protein with low-glycemic index carbs like veggies (green beans, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower) is always a healthy way to go. But if you are concerned about cholesterol you'll want to watch your intake of animal proteins in general, too.

I'd suggest reading a lot and using modified versions of what they're telling you. I tend to think most "diet" books go overboard in one way or another, but taking concepts and applying them sensibly is a great way to reap benefits without too much or too little of certain nutrients. The Zone is a really great book, so is Eat Right For Your Type (blood type), Fit For Life and even Marilu Henner's first book, Total Health Makeover, is loaded with great info in a format that's easy to understand and apply to everyday life.

Hope this helps some and it's really nice to hear that you're looking out for your family like that. And of course, watching what's going on with them can be an important glimpse at what you have to watch out for yourself.

Take care!
 
Eating well

Thank you for your insights. I'm reading "Enter the Zone". I picked up the one on blood types at my library but didn't know what my blood type was so didn't read it. I only wish I could remember this stuff well enough to be able to articulate what I'm learning to my family. My husband probably wouldn't want to read them. Oh well. If It makes me feel better that should speak volumes. Thanks again, Lora.
 
I Like "The Zone" Too

I've been following the Zone pretty faithfully (except when I go down the aisle that has shoestring potatoes
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) for about three years and have had good results. It may seem complicated at first (I've not read "Entering the Zone" so I can't speak to it), but I would recommend skipping over the first Zone book and reading "Mastering the Zone." It's more practical and has recipes and suggestions for menus (it also has some good visualization techniques for helping to judge portions). The only part of the Zone plan that I feel a bit restricted by is that he put potatoes and bananas into the "bad" carbo list. I love potatoes and bananas. But then he also says that as long as no more than 25% of your daily carbs come from the "bad" list, you should be okay.

I think most of the really good nutrition books have a common theme: eat lean meats and fish, lots of fruits and veggies, incorporate "good" fat, drink lots of water, eat smaller meals more frequently and, of course, exercise.

Another good book that I learned about in this forum is Dr. Shapiro's "Picture Perfect Weight Loss." For example, he shows a picture of a bagel and breaks down calories, fat, etc. Right next to it he shows the same amount of calories, but with fruits instead - it's startling to see how much fruit you could eat for the same amount of calories as one bagel. I've found it really helps when I'm feeling tempted.

Good luck.

Janet
 
the zone

I have tried the Zone off and on over the last few months and am "entering the zone" again, starting today. I am a type 1 diabetic and my blood sugar levels are VERY good on this diet. I cut my insulin requirments by 50%. I also felt less hungry and less bloated. I am just having a hard time sticking to it becuz having to cook for hubby (who's eating habits aren't the best)tempts me, but I am going to try to be stronger.
I have read a lot about it and even purchased the Soy Zone book, as I love tofu and soy products. I started this diet form the book"entering the zone" and the recipes really are good. Are there any other type 1 diabetics out there who have tried the zone?
 
What you said

Hi Janet,
I was wondering what book to buy. I have a friend that lent me 2 of her zone books (Entering the Zone and Zone food blockers) but will have to give them back. So I was am looking at which one to buy. I was wondering if the cookbook was good. I haven't started it yet. Want to understand it better and get set up for it. Thanks, Lora
 
Cooking in the zone...

Kate,
I know what you mean about cooking healthly when the rest of the family wants to continue as before. I hope not to say much when I start and see if it makes me feel better. Then I will tell my husband. I'm not much of a soy fan but their cookbooks interest me. Lora
 
Hi Lola

Just a suggestion- I'm hypoglycemic and sufferred from depression for about 10 years, never knowing that it was largely caused by the hypoglycemia (which was only diagnosed within the last few years). While all the books people have recommended are good suggestions, you might also want to start looking at books about hypoglycemia if you haven't already. In bookstores they are sometimes in the diabetes section instead of having their own section. Unfortunately hypoglycemia is one of those conditions that goes through phases of being seen almost as a 'fad' as opposed to a real disease, so sometimes it's hard to find good info but the info you do find will be more specific to the eating patterns you should consider if you do have problems with low blood sugar.
Personally, I've never followed any of the name diets so I can't comment on them, but I do know that from my own experience, the higher protein diets don't provide enough complex carbs or fiber which are both important in regulating your blood sugar. Also, exercise is really important in keeping you blood sugar levels regulated although you have to of course be careful that you eat properly before and after so you don't 'crash' in the middle of a workout (not fun).
Unfortunately, no one diet works for everyone. I had to do a lot of trail and error, keeping food diaries to figure out which food affected me (for examply some people with hypoglycemia can't handle eating potatoes or white bread or white pastas- For some reason I'm perfectly fine with potatoes and white bread but give me white pasta and my blood sugar levels immediately drop). So everyone is different and what works for one member of your family may not work for another.

I hope this was of some help.

Good luck.
dawnrenee
 
check www.diabetes.org

The American Diabetes Association has a wonderful website for people (& families) living with diabetes. The nutrition info is terrific, but don't ignore the importance exercise is for a diabetic.

The ADA recommends the traditional high carb, moderate protein, low fat diet. Many of the popular diets are too low in nutrient dense fruits, vegies & whole grains. Most people end up consuming too much saturated fat when they emphasize protein in their diets.
 
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