In the past I have followed the 40-30-30 eating plan with success … and the nearest past has been for the past few months.
The eating plan can be used to lose weight … or as a way to eat in a healthier manner and to FEEL better.
One of the biggest differences I notice on this eating plan is how I feel:
more energy (especially in the mid afternoon)
no more fatigue spells
wake up feeling alert and alive
sleep better
better thinking clarity
alertness
less hunger over all
no more cravings for salty foods or for sugar foods
The bottom line is I just FEEL better, I have way more energy and best of all after the first few days I haven’t had any cravings for the salt-sugar cycle. For those of you who haven’t been through it, the salt-sugar cycle is a binge cycle that can last for days or even weeks. First of all you want something salty and filled with fat such as chips, tacos, pizza … then once those cravings are satisfied you HAVE to have sugar and chocolate. Then it’s back to the salt/fat.
I’ll explain 40-30-30 more in the days to come, but the nutshell version is:
smaller meals (5 to 6 times a day … approximately every 3 hours)
a balance of carbs (40%), protein (30%) and fat (30%)
What this does is even out your blood sugar so that you are even through out the day. It is a drop in blood sugar that sets you up for the cravings and binges. With the 5 to 6 meals a day, your blood sugar stays even and you never get into “starvation” mode.
Now I won’t pretend that I am perfect … I do have the occasional binge, BUT the binges are smaller … 3 lumps of chocolate instead of a whole BOX of 16 hedgehogs or a whole BOX of turtles.
The 40-30-30 eating plan takes some thought and planning, but it is worth it.
It is also a great eating plan for those who have a history of diabetes in the family and are at risk for becoming diabetic … and for those who are already diabetic.
More tomorrow!
Formula 101: Maintaining 40-30-30 Nutrition for a Lifetime
Melanie Recommends …………………….
Posted in 40-30-30 Diet, Diabetes June 20th, 2006 by Melanie | No comments
I sometimes have to remind my friends that hypnotherapy does not involve mind reading. So no, I didn’t expect you to be able to pluck the name of the Cheesecake for Breakfast book out of my mind!
The book is a recipe book for the Zone Diet, also known as the 40-30-30 eating plan. The idea behind the Zone Diet is to regulate our blood sugar levels by eating 5 – 6 small meals spaced evenly throughout the day. Each meal has to contain carbohydrates, protein and fat in specific proportions (hence the 40-30-30 percentages).
I find that when I follow the plan I FEEL great. No fog brain, no mid-afternoon tiredness. The Zone plan is also great for anyone who is diabetic or hypoglycemic.
The “Cheesecake for Breakfast” recipe can be found in …
The Formula by Gene and Joyce Daoust
Amazon link: The Formula
I’d also recommend Mastering The Zone by Dr. Barry Sears (who is the originator of the Zone plan )
Amazon link: Mastering the Zone
Two great books … borrow them from the library. You’ll be a convert like I am and eventually you’ll want your own copy!
Melanie
Posted in 40-30-30 Diet, Recipes March 1st, 2006 by Melanie | No comments
I finally went out and BOUGHT the book …
I have borrowed this book from the library at least a dozen times in the past year and I love it. Cheesecake is actually ALLOWED and ENCOURAGED for breakfast. My kind of eating plan!
I hate breakfast. I LOVE cheesecake. I have discovered it is actually possible to eat breakfast without gagging.
It seems to me that people who are overweight don’t like breakfast. Why is that?
Melanie
Posted in 40-30-30 Diet, Recipes February 28th, 2006 by Melanie | No comments
