Notice what is on the base of the pyramid!
The Zone Blog Series:Part 2 – What is a Zone “Block”?
The block system is unique to the Zone diet and makes for the difficulty in mathematically calculating your food requirements. A Zone block is made up of a 1:1:1 ratio of protein/carbs/fats, so you can easily attain the proper caloric ratio of 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 30% fat without having to measure grams.
Once you’ve calculated your daily protein intake, you should know how to interpret this. It is said that:
- the average man needs 14 Zone food blocks per day
- the average woman needs 11 Zone food blocks per day
One Zone diet block contains 1 mini-block of each macro nutrient: carbohydrate, protein and fat. But they don’t weigh the same.
- 1 mini block of protein = 7 grams
- 1 mini block of carbohydrate = 9 grams
- 1 mini block of fat = 1,5 grams
Seven grams of protein, 9 grams of carb and 1.5 grams of fat form 1 Zone diet block. One block of Zone food offers a balanced 40% Carb-30% Protein-30% Fat ratio.
With the Zone diet block method there’s no further need to count each gram of macro nutrient. Dr. Sears, creator of the Zone Diet, and other Zone nutritionists, offer ready-made lists of the weight of one block food. For example, we know that 1 oz. chicken breast equals 1 block of protein, 3 cups of cooked broccoli is 1 block of carb, and 1/3 tsp. olive oil equals 1 block of fat. To create a 4 blocks Zone meal we just have to multiply quantities of each macro nutrient by four! Is it starting to make sense?
Any questions? ASK YOUR COACHES!! We’re happy to help!
Today’s Workout:
“CrossFit Total”
Back squat, 1 rep
Shoulder Press, 1 rep
Deadlift, 1 rep
