I just spent a week in the Zone, eating as many low-glycemic carbohydrates as feasibly possible and balancing those carbs with slightly less lean protein and a dash of heart-healthy fats. As I shared Zone specifics last week, I'm no stranger to the diet -- I was at my lowest adult weight ever and in stellar cardio shape while following the Zone years ago.

Here's a rundown on how my body felt across the last seven days:

• Last Monday and Tuesday were really rough cravings-wise. I pined for bread, crackers, fast-acting carbs. For some reason, I was incredibly thirsty and understandably cranky. I immediately lost a few pounds, and my stomach is flatter.
• Wednesday was Zone-solid, but Thursday I had a little bread due to a dinner invitation. I wasn't up for bringing my own food. Living in the Zone is difficult when food selection is limited. Noticing less cravings, more energy.
• Again, a surprise Friday dinner invitation added some Zone-UNfriendly pizza crust and caffeine to my diet, but I felt good about bringing along a grilled chicken breast to up the protein content.
• Saturday and Sunday were spent out-of-town, so some high-glycemic carbs snuck in, but not many. I'm feeling good, the lean protein means less snacks and a smaller appetite.
  

All in all, I'm extending this experimental week in the Zone indefinitely. My energy-level is soaring and my weight is dropping. For me, it's easy to Zone breakfast, lunch and snacks, but cooking Zone dinners my family will enjoy is a real challenge. I'll give it a go. Are you ready to spend a week or longer in the Zone? If so, check out Dr. Sears Zone for supportive recipes and information, as well as inspiration from these Olympians in the Zone! Pic from Amazon.

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My husband is out of town this week, so I'm going to spend a week in the Zone. Remember The Zone Diet? Devised by Dr. Barry Sears, staying in the Zone means you should eat a balanced combination of low-fat proteins, low-glycemic carbohydrates (non-starchy) and a little heart-healthy fat (high in monounsaturated, low in saturated/Omega-6 fats). The goal is to keep your hormones balanced to control hunger and nourish your body on fewer calories.

In my late 20s I was at my lowest adult weight ever while following this regimen for about two years. Beyond skinny jeans, I possessed incredible energy and mental focus. Then I met my future husband and slowly retreated out of the Zone. Fast-paced living and cooking for kid tastebuds have made this diet seemingly unreachable.

I'm looking forward to a week of picking up less underwear and pampering myself with low-glycemic fruits/veggies, lean proteins and a dash of high-quality fats such as olive oil, olives, avocado, almond butter and almonds. Today's lunch was fruit, cottage cheese, carrots and tomatoes. Tonight is steamed fish with lots of vegetables. I just have to stay away from the rice I'm cooking for the kids. Has anyone else been in the Zone? Do share -- I'll let you know how it goes next week. Pic from Amazon.

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