Submit A Recipe

Submit a Recipe

Do you have recipes you’ve made up using Plan Z ingredients? Or have you adapted a family favorite to the Plan Z guidelines? We’d love you to submit recipes of your own creation.

Just make sure you tell us what ingredients you used (don’t forget to include how much) and what steps you took to make your dish. If we publish your recipe, we’ll give you credit on our site! We also need to know if this was adapted from a cookbook and which one.

Now for the “legalese:” you agree that the recipes and photos become the property of Plan Z Diet and may be reproduced online, in print, or other media. Submission is purely voluntary and no monetary compensation is provided for submissions or the use of the recipes or pictures. A credit acknowledging the person who submitted the recipes or photos will be included when used on the website.

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    Submit success story

    Submit Your Success Story and Get $50

    We know many of you have experienced delicious results on Plan Z. Now’s the time to share it! In the process you’ll inspire others to take control of their health just as you have. Special bonus – each person who sends in a success story will receive a $25 credit to be used on anything Plan Z. Include candid before and after pictures or a video story and you’ll get a $50 credit.

    Success stories may be used for Plan Z marketing purposes, so please do not include anything you are not comfortable sharing! Even if you haven’t lost all the weight you want to lose yet, you can still send us your story! We would love to read about your progress. Besides, every round of Plan Z counts toward your healthier and happier future.

    Did Plan Z help you lose 100 pounds and avoid a painful surgery? Or did it help you lose 20 pounds just in time for your big event? Either way, we want your story. Tell us about the dramatic changes Plan Z has made in your life, and what your life is like now.

    The fact that you are courageously putting yourself out there may motivate someone else to take control of their health and their life. For every daughter who transforms her health, there is a mother out there who is struggling with obesity and hypertension. For every father who gets his blood sugar under control, there is a son out there on the verge of giving up. You never know who will be inspired by your success. All you have to do is fill out the form below.

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      Carbohydrates

      Carbohydrates

      Are Certain People More Susceptible to Obesity?

      Please watch the latest Gary Taubes video from April 2022 and I think you’ll understand why we recommend internalizing his ideas and applying them to your life. It's a deep dive, but a great conversation for those who want to go further in their learning.

      Resistant Carbs

      The idea behind resistant carbs is they are not digested the same way as regular carbohydrates. Resistant carbs are digested further down in your digestive tract so they don’t spike your insulin levels like regular carbs do. That’s good news for anyone who’s Type 2 Diabetic or anyone who’s trying to live a low carb lifestyle; like Plan Z dieters do.

      What’s the Big Deal with Gluten

      But what exactly is gluten, and why can’t some people process it? And why does it only seem to be a problem recently?

      The Grain Brain Lifestyle

      Eating your way to better health begins in the kitchen, and that starts by filling your cabinets with the right food.

      80 Grams – A Day in the Low Carb Life

      There is no number set in stone that tells you how many grams of carbs you can eat per day before you begin to gain weight. It all depends on your body; your height, weight, activity level and metabolic rate. Everyone wants a number, but you can’t have one. For each of us that number is unique.

      Wheat Belly: Whole Grain, Organic, Ciabatta or Twinkie…It’s All the Same

      White bread, whole grain, multigrain, organic or bagel, pretzel, bruschetta, ciabatta . . . it's all the same.

      Total Carbs Vs. Net Carbs

      You're reading labels. The box shows the amount of carbs, but then it has this other mysterious number called NET carbs. So what’s the difference?

      King Corn

      King Corn is a documentary that didn’t get wide circulation. CBS Sunday Morning covered the premier of the film. Our government subsidizes corn farmers. That makes corn an incredibly cheap ingredient. That’s why it’s in so many processed foods.

      Dr William Davis on the Dangers of Wheat

      The USDA tells us we should have 6 to 11 servings of grain per day. They are trying to sell commodities. Don’t listen. To help get (and keep) your mind right, watch this Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly.

      Dr Justin Explaining Resistant Starches

      One thing you might want to look into at this point, is the idea of “resistant starches.” These are starches that are digested in your intestines and don’t spike your insulin levels.

      How To Really Order Breakfast

      Having two pieces toast racks up 29.4 grams of carbohydrates. Wash that breakfast down with an 8-ounce glass of orange juice and you've just added 27.1 more grams of carbohydrates.

      Carbohydrates and Cancer

      Gary Taubes in a response to questions related to refined carbohydrate consumption and their effects on degenerative diseases such as cancer, Alzheimers and heart disease.

      How Wheat Makes You Fat

      People have a hard time giving up bread. Here are 10 minutes of reasons to give up bread. After you watch this, it might not be so difficult to give it up.

      Starch is Your Enemy!

      Starch is bad because it continually signals you to take another bite. Fat and protein signal your body to stop eating after a certain point, but carbohydrates, whether good or bad, don’t.

      All About Carbohydrates

      Part one of a complete overview of carbohydrates and your heath.

      No Truth In Labeling

      It's amazing how easy it is to make the wrong food choices based on the way our foods are marketed.

      The Ultimate Pyramid Scheme

      Your fat butt is the only proof you need that all of that low fat food you are eating is making you fat. The USDA’s motto might as well be, “In Carbs We Trust.”


      A New Normal

      A New Normal

      Salt, We Misjudged You

      Put simply, the possibility has been raised that if we were to eat as little salt as the U.S.D.A. and the C.D.C. recommend, we’d be harming rather than helping ourselves.

      A Simple Way To Break A Bad Habit

      Can we break bad habits by being more curious about them? Psychiatrist Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction — from smoking to overeating to all those other things we do even though we know they're bad for us.

      The Hacking of the American Mind (Condensed Version)

      The best-selling author and UCSF endocrinologist Dr. Robert Lustig explores how industry has contributed to a culture of addiction, depression and chronic disease. Always provocative, Lustig reveals the science that drives these states of mind and offers solutions we can use.

      Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher

      After watching this video you may get angry that you spent all of that money on doctors and drugs, when you could have fixed the problem with a better diet.

      Bill Maher on Big Pharma

      In this appearance on David Letterman’s show, Bill Maher talks about the side effects of prescription drugs.

      Are you a patient or a profit center?

      If you have diabetes, then you’re a profit center for the doctor that’s managing your disease instead of curing it.

      How Much Water to Lose Weight?

      Being dehydrated prevents you from losing weight. This video explains what happens when you DON'T drink enough water.

      Are You Drinking Enough Water?

      Are you drinking enough water? Here's how you check.

      How Magnesium Functions in the Body

      Dr. Carolyn Dean describes magnesium's role in the body and why you need it in conjunction with other minerals. She also explains why many people are deficient in magnesium and what that might cause.

      Health Brands Owned by Corporations

      Your favorite brands have some dirty little secrets...

      Why Diet Matters More than Exercise for Weight Loss

      This video explains why changing your diet has a bigger effect on your weight loss than exercise.

      To Lose Weight, Eating Less Is Far More Important than Exercising More

      Exercise is beneficial for numerous reasons, but it's not the best way to lose weight, many studies have shown.

      Milk: Does It Really Do A Body Good?

      Add it to the list of things that are bad for you...milk! Turns out this staple of western diets, is not something humans aren't really designed to consume. And all those health claims on TV? Not really true! Trace explains how we've been duped into drinking this stuff.

      Milk Could Be Killing You!

      You’ve probably heard ads saying that milk is extremely good for you, but is there any truth to this? Trace reveals some evidence that milk might not be all it’s hyped up to be.

      McDonald’s: 1955 vs Now

      BuzzFeed discovered just how much our McDonald’s hamburgers, fries, and drinks have grown since 1955. What they found was shocking, and it makes you reflect on what our idea of “normal” sized

      Jamie Oliver: Teach Every Child About Food

      Watch Chef Jamie Oliver’s TED Talk on what kids get to eat at school and beyond. It’s frightening.

      11 Foods That Put You In A Bad Mood

      Keep your spirits up by avoiding foods that will put a damper on your day.

      How Cooking Can Change Your Life

      Michael Pollan argues that cooking is one of the most important steps people can take to improve their family's health, build communities, and fix our broken food system.

      The Scientist and the Stairmaster

      The New York Times Article: Why most of us believe that exercise makes us thinner—and why we're wrong.

      Michael Pollan Takes On Cooking

      Chefs Mario Batali, Alice Waters, and food writer Samin Nosrat discuss Michael Pollan's new book, Cooked -- a seminal piece of non-fiction writing.

      Salt This Away…

      Use sea salt instead of the “normal” refined table salt. Salt has many health benefits. And it doesn’t give you high blood pressure. Never did.

      Scientists Find Out What Chicken Nuggets Are Really Made Of

      Researchers from the University of Mississippi in Jackson broke down some chicken nuggets to see what they were really made of. 60 percent of a tested nugget was NOT meat.

      How Diet Soda Causes Weight Gain

      This video clip reinforces why we want you to drink at least 70 ounces of plain water per day. One hundreds ounces is even better.

      David Kessler: The End of Overeating

      Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. David Kessler on why we can't stop eating.


      Z3.5: ZReboot 3.5 Recipes

      Shrimp Scampi (ZReboot 3.5 Version)

      This is a classic Italian dish. The one you order at Olive Garden will have WAY more pasta than this dish will have. That’s okay.…

      Crunchy Ginger Chicken Salad

      This light meal is especially good on a hot day. 

      Easy Enchiladas

      This dish comes together in a flash. If you are doing beef enchiladas, I recommend red sauce. If you are doing chicken, I…

      Beef Enchiladas

      This version of our enchilada offerings does include a tortilla. It’s not a large one and we over-stuff it so we keep the carbs…

      Mexican Dinner Salad

      On a hot day, this salad is a winner. It comes together quickly. You don’t even have to turn on the oven (if you have a grill).

      Veggie Tart

      This makes a lovely lunch or dinner with a salad on the side. Tastes very French or Italian. Vegetarians who eat dairy will love…

      Lemon Curd

      Lemon curd is the perfect spring and summer dessert ingredient. You can serve this very simply by dipping cookies in it or use it…

      No Bake Shortbread Cookie Crust 

      I am a huge fan of English shortbread. When I traveled a lot in England on business, the hotel usually left a package or two by…

      Juicy Tomato Pesto Tart

      I used big, ruby red and ripe tomatoes to make this. I cut the slices fairly thick too. That contributes to the juiciness. This…

      Dump and Bake Casserole (EASY)

      I’ll lay out the instructions with chicken, but it can also be made with ham, tuna (canned or fresh cooked) smoked chicken or…

      Lobster Rolls

      The best lobster rolls I ever had were served by my mother-in-law Sally at their cottage in Maine. I never asked her for the…

      Pecan Crusted Fish Fillets with Lemon Sauce

      I made my version of this with salmon because it’s my husband’s favorite. I can see this being done with any thick fish fillet.…

      Irish Champ

      Popular with the northern Irish this is a lovely, easy mashed potato dish. This dish is served year-round and is simple to make.

      French Onion Soup Dish

      I don’t know exactly how to describe this dish but if you like French Onion Soup you are going to love this. You might consider…

      Creamy Ravioli

      This whole dinner comes together in about 15 minutes. There are just days when you can’t make everything from scratch. You need…

      French Scalloped Potatoes

      Potatoes can be dangerous to your weight if eaten too often or too much in one sitting. The good news is if you make the dish…

      Air Fryer Crispy Tofu

      Dieter Claire brings us this fabulous recipe for air-fried tofu and veggies. She took the Plan Z General Tso recipe’s sauce and…

      Quick Ham and Bean Soup

      This tastes a lot like my mom’s navy bean soup, and it took her all morning to make; starting with the leftover ham bone. This is…

      Cheesy Onion Soup (EASY)

      This is a SUPERFAST soup to get a meal on the table in record time. This should only take you about 20 minutes.

      Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Bread

      Everyone loves pumpkin, right? Well, how about a tea bread that’s made with pumpkin? Sort of like banana bread. Or even make it…

      Edible Witch’s Broom

      An easy and interactive way to add a little magic to your meals around Halloween!

      Chicken Tender Chunks in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

      A wonderful summer recipe with a little lesson in chicken meat processing.

      Creamed Orzo with Leeks and Parmesan

      Orzo is a wonderful, tiny pasta. This is the most requested side dish recipe I get from dinner guests–but watch your portion…

      Air Fryer Fish Fry

      A fish fry is a big deal in Wisconsin. The tradition is to serve the fish with French fries, coleslaw and a slice of rye bread…


      Z3: ZReboot Recipes

      Chef Jernard’s Holiday Collard Greens

      Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells knows soul food. While a lot of his food is quite decadent, he also loves greens, and shared his…

      Creamy Leek and Onion Casserole

      This is a decadent side dish. When I serve it, people at the table often ask me why this tastes so unique, so we play “guess the…

      Cheddar Cheesy Poof Biscuits or Crackers

      LOVE these cheesy bits for an appetizer. They go great while you are sipping your wine.

      Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

      What a great idea! Dieter Cindy thought of this when her daughter had a Culver’s Pumpkin Spice Frozen Custard. She craved one,…

      Pumpkin Spiced Pecans

      These sweet and spicy nuts are perfect for snacking, make a great salad topper or adding a special something to your favorite…

      Mango Summer Salad

      Can’t get any easier than this. Toss all of the ingredients in a bowl and serve with your protein hot off the grill!

      Smokey-Sweet Barbecue Sauce

      This Smokey-Sweet Barbecue Sauce is a great addition to your recipe collection. This can be made spicier with the addition of…

      Gourmet Steak Sauce

      This mushroom steak sauce is for those that want to make fancy food. The sauce can be served at a romantic dinner for two or even…

      Super Easy Ribs with Smoky Barbecue Sauce

      To keep this recipe super easy the ribs are done in the oven. You could adapt this recipe for cooking on the grill but the whole…

      Creamy Tomato Skillet Salmon (Easy)

      This comes together fast and easy yet it is fancy enough to serve to company. I just drooled over my dinner!

      Baked Pork Loin Kebabs

      It may be grilling season, and for some it’s ALWAYS grilling season.  Maybe you don’t have access to a grill, or maybe you just…

      Beef Taco Soup (EASY)

      What’s the difference between chili and taco soup? Broth, of course. There is more broth in taco soup is more so it’s thinner…

      Fireside Shrimp Dip

      I found a recipe very similar to this one about 15 years in an old Southern cookbook. I have made a few changes to “Zola-fy” it.…

      Cincinnati Chili (EASY)

      This is a famous chili that probably should not even be called a chili. It was invented by two brothers who emigrated from Europe…

      Leek Tart

      This Leek Tart makes for a lovely dish cut into wedges and served on a holiday buffet. You can also enjoy this as a light entrée…

      Butternut Squash Mash

      Just in time for the holidays or anytime! If you have a hankering for potatoes this will give you the same texture in your mouth…

      Italian Shrimp Cocktail

      This is what I call cheating when I’m in a hurry. I use my favorite bottled Italian dressing as the marinade and everyone thinks…

      Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

      In addition to being crunchy, satisfying and delicious, pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack. You can buy shelled pumpkin seeds…

      Shrimp in a French Lemon White Wine Cream Sauce

      This is an elegant meal you can serve to company or even just for a romantic meal at home. I served this with haricot vert…

      Cinnamon Pear Infused Water

      I discovered cinnamon water in Costa Rica. Try adding pear slices – it makes a wonderful summer treat.

      Dieter Angela’s Ground Turkey “Meatzza” Crust

      Angela says, "I love pizza, so I was looking for alternatives. I was disappointed to find cauliflower crust is not much lower in…

      Super Easy Kung Pao Meatballs

      This meal comes together in a MINUTE – or at least it feels like it. I made this for Saturday night movie night and it was a……

      Smash Burgers

      Smash burgers are all the rage. Step into a brew pub and you’ll likely find a smash burger on the food menu. These are NOT the…


      Z2: ZReduction Recipes

      Blistered Tomatoes

      Sometimes the simplest things are the best. I am offering up two options for grilled veggies.

      Instant Pot Italian Chicken with Gravy

      A delicious recipe submitted by Dieter Claire. Does this take longer than sautéing in a pan? Well yes, but the chicken that comes…

      Cocktail Sauce

      Shrimp cocktail is a simple snack on ZReduction. If you plan to eat it regularly, you might want to consider making your own…

      Egg Drop Soup

      This soup is a staple at Chinese restaurants. It is filling, delicate and delicious. Unfortunately, one of the ingredients in…

      Lamb Kebabs (Z2 Version)

      Marinating lamb beforehand adds a depth of flavor that can't be beat. And when it's grilled, it's phenomenal. So, if you like…

      Lois’ Green Salsa Verde with Tomatillos

      A spicy and refreshing salsa can jazz up any dish. Dieter Lois shared this recipe for her ZReduction-friendly salsa verde. She…

      Tzatziki Sauce

      In ZReduction, limit yourself to 2 Tbl per serving. This sauce is normally served along with a gyro or other Greek lamb dish. I…

      Lois’ Tomato Cucumber Herb Salad

      When brainstorming veggie ideas in the Plan Z Facebook group, dieter Lois shared this salad recipe. We tried it, and it's…

      Green Apple Protein Smoothie

      I am a HUGE fan of Collagen Protein so that’s what’s in here that will keep you full and focused until your next meal. 

      Baked Salmon with Bragg’s Sauce

      Calling all Bragg’s lovers. This is yet another reason why we love Bragg’s so much!

      Sesame Kale

      This recipe was submitted by Plan Z coach, Pearl. She loves kale and makes this recipe often.

      Simple Crusted Salmon

      This is my favorite, simple way to cook salmon. If you want to jazz it up you can also make my tzatziki sauce. Yum.

      Insanely Good Marinade

      My husband loves this marinade. I used to marinate steaks in just soy sauce and olive oil with a bit of Worcestershire sauce but…

      Steak Kebabs

      Depending on how you cut your veggies and arranged them on the skewers you might be having more than one kebab. Your meal on…

      Waldorf Salad

      A traditional Waldorf salad has grapes or raisins and lots of walnuts -- but it doesn’t have to. This one worked great as a side…

      Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Plum Sauce

      A dish that is easy to make for a weekday meal, but you could also serve this to guests, and no one would guess this is diet…

      Asian Chicken with Veggie Slaw (ZReduction Version)

      This looks like a lot of ingredients, but you’ll see it’s sort of a dump and cook recipe. Not difficult at all. If you love…

      Seared and Roasted Burgers

      My favorite technique for cooking low-fat burgers is to quickly sear the burger and finish it by roasting it in the oven. Here’s…

      BBQ Ranch Sauce (Smear) for Burgers

      This will go well with beef burgers or even ground chicken breast burgers or grilled chicken breasts; even a steak.

      Chicken with Creamy Sundried Tomato Sauce

      This is one dish I never thought I could pull off for ZReduction. But here it is! And it's delicious.

      Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette

      This makes a mild but flavorful dressing to accent anything Mexican or Southwestern. If you want it spicy you can add a dusting…

      OJ in a Magic Bullet

      Traditional orange juice is not allowed on Plan Z because when you remove all the pulp (the fiber) what's left is a whole bunch…

      Grilled Romaine

      Okay, don’t freak on me. Grilled romaine is really good and tastes better than it looks. Impress your guests with something…

      Celery Apple Salad

      The inspiration for this recipe came from a new one offered up by Bon Appetit. I must give them some of the credit. I changed it…


      Plan Z Success Stories

      Plan Z Success Story
      Ken Lost 57 Pounds

      About 6 or 7 years ago, I grew a beard in order to cover up my chubby face. . . At that time I weighted 244 and I made a deal with myself that I was going to shave my beard when I got to 200 [pounds]. Well, year after year after year, not only was I NOT losing to 200 I was gaining weight. A few weeks ago [after doing Plan Z] I hit 200 and I shaved the beard that morning.

      Trust me, if you do it, immediately, you're going to be happy that you did. Not in a week, not in a month, not in 6 months but in a few days - because you're going to lose a couple of pounds and after that you'll be excited. This is by far been the best thing I have ever done for myself, ever.

      Hear his story
      More Success Stories

      I feel 110% better

      Are you questioning dieting during a pandemic? Listen to Dieter Melissa’s interview and you’ll learn how “taking out the nasty stuff” like processed foods, excess sugar and artificial preservatives can help you combat stress and anxiety.

      “I’ve eaten naked, boring food for years…”

      “The big thing is, I get a lot more information and support. When something not going perfectly, I can ask someone...and I don’t feel lost.”

      Sitting is the new smoking

      “You’re really not the one who fails the diet. The diet fails you.” A wonderful reminder from Dieter Darryl.

      My self-esteem has returned

      My self esteem has returned, I’m now wearing the same size jeans that I wore in high school, and I can run after my grand kids without losing my breath!! Can’t believe it was like carrying a 35 lb bag in each hand for all these years.

      “I never felt like I was deprived or hungry at all.”

      “I slept better, I looked better, I felt better, and it was very noticeable. I got comments and compliments from so many people.”

      She Said Goodbye to 40 Pounds

      Betty lost 18 inches and 40lbs in two rounds of Plan Z. Her husband, Fred, lost 32lbs in just 35 days. She told us, “When you lose that amount of weight you feel more self-confident about yourself…and I think [more] clearly.”

      Her Doctors Were Blown Away

      “The most important thing I learned: that fact that everything I knew is bogus, all my concepts of dieting and what’s good to eat and what’s not good to eat is just blown out of the water. It’s a whole new re-learning process. It’s working and it’s easy to do. I don’t feel deprived at all.”

      Definite Life Improvement

      Zola is so honest…the education is what will keep me from going back [to my old weight].

      Stuck No More

      I thought I was stuck. I was 52 years old, 300 pounds, I was a heart attack waiting to happen...[but] you're never too far gone to come back.

      The Hidden “Danger” of Losing 40 Pounds on Plan Z

      THIS is what happens when you lose 40 pounds and go from a size 18 to a size 10. The folks at Goodwill thanked me for my donation. I’m on ZReboot, loving it and maintaining my weight loss nicely.

      Big Guy, Big Change

      Biggie lost over 293 pounds on Plan Z…and is still losing. Biggie’s drastic transformation ranks him as one of the top losers (or should we say winners) on the Plan Z Diet.

      WPKO’s Sam Tyler: The Best Decision I Ever Made

      Sam Tyler, a local radio DJ in Bellefontaine, Ohio, is now living a whole new life after losing over 206 lbs on Plan Z. And with the education provided by Plan Z, he's sticking to that new life with ease.

      After losing 37 pounds I feel 100% better

      I don't park in the handicap parking anymore, I leave that for somebody else who really needs it. I park further away but that's ok because I don't need a cane anymore. I feel 100% better...I just can't believe how much 37 pounds made a difference in my life. It's incredible.

      The best arthritis pain killer that I’ve ever had

      My arthritis was pretty impressive. I was taking 12 Advil a day for pain. [After losing 46 pounds on Plan Z] I'm in pretty good shape with my arthritis. It's probably the best arthritis pain killer that I've ever done.

      As a diabetic, Plan Z changed my life

      Dieter Jay's doctor removed him from all his medication after completing his first round of Plan Z! In this interview, Jay talks about how much impact the Plan Z education had on him as a diabetic. He also talks about the satisfaction of going from a 40′ to a 34′ waist.

      Here Comes the Bride: Taunya Iverson

      By the time Taunya went for her 2nd wedding dress fitting she was 4 sizes smaller than when she had picked the dress out, making quite a bit of work for the seamstress.

      The Real Deal

      I lost 25 lbs and I feel like I didn't have to sacrifice to do so. I would definitely recommend this program to everyone!!

      No More Fat Clothes for Fat Months

      Thanks, Zola.....You have literally saved me from this 25 lb spiral and for that I'm extremely grateful.

      No Longer the Big Guy in the Room

      With some determination and a little bit of sacrifice (that was made a lot easier with the ZR50 Crave Control spray), I lost 70+ pounds! I have also stopped most of my medications, still working on that last pill. My knees don't ache when I get out of bed anymore. I was so successful, that both my sisters also started the plan.

      It Is A Life Changer

      I got married in November to the most beautiful lady and I am blessed in so many ways. One way is that I can be at this healthy weight and MAINTAIN it!


      Beverages

      No Sugar Lemonade

      I would not drink this all day while on ZReduction, but a couple of glasses should be fine.

      Cocoa-Fruit Superfood Smoothie

      Adding the almond butter and peanut butter makes it smooth and delicious. Almost a chocolate peanut butter cup, but exceedingly good for you.

      Raspberry Grapefruit Sparkler

      This is a drink you can make in a pitcher and enjoy all during ZReduction. I don’t usually like grapefruit at all, but LaCroix makes a grapefruit fizzy water that is just delightful. I use it to make this drink or I drink it plain over ice too.

      Sangria

      A refreshing Z3.5 approved sangria to share with friends.

      Low Carb Bloody Mary

      Standard garnish is a celery stick, which serves as a stirrer as well. A crispy piece of bacon will work, too.

      Sazarec Cocktail

      Traditional to New Orleans. This is a strong cocktail. I call it a brown martini. Very unique taste.

      Low Carb Mojito

      Your recipe today is a low carb, tropical cocktail. You can serve this in a hurricane glass and feel all tropical.

      Refreshing Summer Lemonade

      A perfect way to cool down over the hot 4th of July weekend. Here’s everything you need to make a refreshing carbonated lemonade or limeade; depending on which way you choose to go.

      Cucumber Martini

      We've shared our secret with you about infusing your water with cucumber now try it in this cool garden party cocktail.

      Lemon Fizz

      Like an adult version of summer lemonade this drink will refresh and sparkle.

      Smoky-Orange Margarita Cocktail

      I like to call this drink a sunset in a glass. It's smoky, it's refreshing, and it's a perfect sipper to kick back with at the end of the work day.

      Irish Coffee – “Zolafied Version”

      Celebrate St. Patrick's day the Zola way! Wake up with this deliciously creamy and slightly boozy coffee concoction.

      Chai Latte

      Plan Z Dieter, Randy, was missing his morning chai latte. Zola helped him to create a Plan Z friendly version. Wake up and smile as you start your day with this fragrant, sweetly spiced morning drink

      Raspberry Yogurt Smoothie

      As we endeavor to eat healthy but we are still on the run, I thought this quick and tasty smoothie might hit the spot. I often drink one of these at my desk at work.

      Sparkle Martini

      If you are a vodka martini drinker or a Cosmopolitan drinker this might be your next new martini. This is a perfect winter drink made with clementines. It’s not for the faint of heart though. This definitely has a kick.

      Peachy Orange Slush

      This is a Z3 recipe was contributed by Plan Z dieter Nancy. She's a true Plan Z Veteran dieter!

      Southern French Kiss

      This is a dessert drink for a splurge. Many order a White Russian for an after dinner drink. This is a different treat I came up with recently. My new favorite.

      Pink Punch a la Zola

      This is a Z3 (ZReboot) recipe for those who HAVE to have a punch.

      French Martini

      This recipe is for a sweet version. I think it tastes just like a Dreamsicle. For a drink that's not as sweet, use regular vodka.

      Honeydew Mint Frosty

      Gotta love this on a hot day for a treat. Or even as a liquid dessert. Adding rum even makes it a slushy cocktail reminiscent of a frozen margarita. You could also use vodka or even Canadian whiskey.


      Sides & Veggies

      Blistered Tomatoes

      Sometimes the simplest things are the best. I am offering up two options for grilled veggies.

      Roasted Carrots

      Roast carrots are easy to make and taste good every time. If you can splurge on fresh herbs, it will be well worth it. 

      Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Pepperoni Bits (or Bacon)

      Another Happy Healthy Holidays classic. This is so easy it almost feels like cheating.

      Dave’s Grilled Anaheim Peppers

      This recipe was submitted by dieter Dave, who is an avid gardener and serious grill-master. He grows his own peppers and likes this recipe because it is so simple - and always delicious. Even though this recipe calls for Anaheim peppers, you can use any type of pepper that suits your fancy. 

      Sesame Kale

      This recipe was submitted by Plan Z coach, Pearl. She loves kale and makes this recipe often.

      Melon Mandarin Salad

      A tasty fruit salad that is a breeze to make and a unique way to round out a meal. 

      Grilled Romaine

      Okay, don’t freak on me. Grilled romaine is really good and tastes better than it looks. Impress your guests with something they’ve probably never had before.

      Oven Roasted Okra

      This delicious recipe was submitted by dieter Nicole. She served it with pork chops and roasted tomatoes. Thanks, Nicole for the inspired dish!

      Creamed Onions with Raisins

      This is one of my husband’s favorite holiday recipes.

      Grilled Eggplant

      I have decided the grilled Chinese eggplant tastes better than potato chips! Even better than French fries! And it’s so easy.

      The Secret Slaw

      Try this Zolafied coleslaw recipe and you'll never go hunting for the secret Chick-Fil-A recipe again.

      Cauliflower Pancakes

      The other day, potato pancakes came to mind and I they could probably be made with cauliflower. Turns out they can!

      Exotic Egg Salad

      This is great as a light lunch time meal and a great holiday recipe. The juxtaposition of the sweeter apricots with the curry has the exotic taste I was looking for.

      Cream of Mushroom Soup

      A rich and easy cream of mushroom soup.

      Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash

      I love my acorn squash roasted with just butter in the center and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. But I know tons of people want brown sugar in the middle and more. So this version can satisfy the sweet tooth and add an optional spice/heat factor.

      Sea Salt Crusted Snap Peas

      A variation of my sea salt crusted snow peas recipe - but with snap peas!

      Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

      This simple salad can be prepared in minutes and offers a light flavor, a bright bowl full of color and cool crunch on a warm day!

      Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

      A nice, summery meal that can also be eaten in cooler months. You can make this in a grill pan or on an outdoor grill.  This is much lighter and lower carb than the breaded and fried version.

      Russian Traditional Salad

      This delicious recipe was submitted by Plan Z dieter Bruce. Bruce says, "We saw this sixteen years ago on a trip to visit our daughter in-law. They keep it from day to day and just add to it when more is needed."

      Italian Green Bean Salad

      This is a fun, colorful side dish to a plain piece of meat. This goes together so fast! You can even make it in the morning and finish assembly just before dinner.


      Entrees

      Veggie Stir Fry (EASY)

      This colorful dish is super simple to make. You can include whatever assortment of veggies you like. I’ll give you a list of suggested options. You can serve this with something cooked on the grill; chicken, fish, or even steak.

      Easy Cajun Shrimp

      This dish can be as easy as 3 ingredients and 3 minutes! I am going to describe a pre-cooked version of the shrimp dish and one you cook yourself. I am also going to give you spice mix options.

      Sausage with Peppers and Onions

      This recipe can be made in a pinch when you take advantage of the pre-cut produce in the grocery store. That way if you are cooking for just yourself you don’t buy a lot of ingredients that will go to waste. It’s a little more expensive by the pound, but it’s cheaper overall not to have the leftovers if you aren’t going to get to them in time to eat them before they spoil. 

      Chef Jernard’s Holiday Collard Greens

      Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells knows soul food. While a lot of his food is quite decadent, he also loves greens, and shared his wonderful southern greens recipe in a local interview. What's great about it is it can easily be modified to fit ZReboot. His original recipe calls for sugar, but by replacing the sugar with your favorite sugar substitute, you can still enjoy this delicious recipe. 

      Creamy Leek and Onion Casserole

      This is a decadent side dish. When I serve it, people at the table often ask me why this tastes so unique, so we play “guess the secret ingredient”…. Answer is the nutmeg. This dish goes well at dinner parties and holiday celebrations. It makes a perfect side dish for your upcoming holiday dinner.

      Straight-forward Roasted Turkey

      Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Concentrate on laughing and telling fun stories with your guests and let the stress melt away.

      Brussels Sprouts with a Balsamic Drizzle

      This is such a versatile side dish it goes well with any type of protein.

      Caramelized Leek Mashed Potatoes

      These have been the most popular mashed potatoes at my table. People don't often remark about the mashed potatoes. They usually save the raves for dessert. This potato dish is a major hit.

      Roasted Fennel

      Fennel has a distinct flavor, but when it's roasted, the flavor mellows. If you like fennel, this recipe is great, and it's very easy to make.  

      Thai Chicken

      This dish is super easy and a one pan job if you have a cast iron pan.. Serve with green beans and eat them with your fingers if you dare...

      Super Easy Ribs with Smoky Barbecue Sauce

      To keep this recipe super easy the ribs are done in the oven. You could adapt this recipe for cooking on the grill but the whole point of this is you don’t have to babysit the cooking process like you do with grilling.

      Creamy Tomato Skillet Salmon (Easy)

      This comes together fast and easy yet it is fancy enough to serve to company. I just drooled over my dinner!

      Baked Pork Loin Kebabs

      It may be grilling season, and for some it’s ALWAYS grilling season.  Maybe you don’t have access to a grill, or maybe you just don’t want to fire that grill up but want to feel like you’re eating grilled food.  At least sort of. So, here’s my rendition of baked kebabs. Of course, you could grill these but let’s look at a baked option.

      Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Amazing BBQ Sauce

      I have to say I “woofed” my dinner! I have never said that in my life, but I found this sandwich to be incredible! My husband took seconds on the sauce before he even took a bite of his sandwich!

      Huevos Rancheros Zola Style (Mexican eggs with a spicy tomato sauce)

      If you like Mexican comfort food this is your go-to. Perfect for brunch or even for dinner. This version is spicy enough to make most noses run but can be adjusted for milder palates.

      Dieter Brenda’s Sautéed Cabbage

      Cabbage is one of the foods that's unlimited on ZReduction, so it's the perfect food to nosh on when you're hungry between meals. Dieter Brenda sent us this versatile cabbage recipe, and it's scrumptious. Eat it with dinner, or as a snack. Or, add a sliced onion and use it as a substitution for noodles that’s healthy and delicious. Or, try adding chicken broth and your favorite seasoning to turn this a brothy side or a simple soup.

      Beef Taco Soup (EASY)

      What’s the difference between chili and taco soup? Broth, of course. There is more broth in taco soup is more so it’s thinner than chili. The internet tells me that chili is technically considered a stew. Go figure.

      Sloppy Joes

      You could call this the “adult version” of Sloppy Joes.  It does have some ZIP to it. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the ingredients list. The recipe is worth it. And you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry.


      Soups & Stews

      Sausage Chicken Gumbo

      This comes together in a flash and tastes just as good as the recipes that cook for hours.

      Veggie Minestrone

      Let cool to warm or room temperature before serving; the soup will thicken as it cools. Serve with additional grated Parmesan at the table.

      Cabbage Soup

      All the ingredients spend a lot of loving time together in the pot to make an amazingly simple and flavorful soup.

      Turkey Meatball, Sweet Potato, and Kale Soup

      With the winter months peeking over our shoulder this hearty soup will shake off the chill while the leaves are still falling. ZTeam coach Grace made this at home and enjoyed it so much she wanted to share it with the Plan Z community!

      Italian Crockpot Chicken Soup

      Dieter Emily sent us this easy to make crock pot weeknight recipe. Emily says, "when I came home from work, it smelled heavenly! This soup has so much flavor and is also quite filling!"

      Roasted Cream of Asparagus Soup

      It may not feel like it here in Chicago, but spring and asparagus season are just around the corner. Gear up with this flavorful soup.

      Shrimp Cocktail Chowder

      Talk about easy to make. This soup is done in a flash. If you’re like me you’ll make a triple batch. You can freeze the portions and just add shrimp bits when you go to serve it.

      Pumpkin Soup for Fun or Fancy

      This is a perfect way to start a holiday dinner. Impress the family even though this dish is super easy. Or make it for a Saturday afternoon or even a weekday lunch. You won't be disappointed. Taste close to dessert with a little bit of savory mixed in, thanks to chicken stock and shallots.

      Slow Cooker Southwestern Chicken Chili

      Add a kick to your weeknight meals. Just let the crock pot do the work and you'll have a South of the border dinner in a cinch.

      Mexican Chicken Bowl

      This is a quick and easy meal to prepare. You can make it in batches so you get several servings and it travels and reheats in a microwave easily. Mexican food lovers in your family will love this. It's not very spicy. You can always add hot sauce to fire it up.

      Roasted Broccoli Cheese Soup

      I love a good broccoli cheese soup, and this is creamy, dreamy and a BIG YUM.

      Vegetable Soup

      As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer this makes a wonderful soup. Or if you get a cold while on Plan Z this might be just the ticket!

      Spicy Chicken Enchilada Stew

      This dish doesn’t have to cook long to bring you a hearty Mexican stew. It comes together in a flash. This also heats up brilliantly in the microwave at work.

      Seafood Chowder

      This is not the usual, thick, gloppy chowder since you are on ZReduction, but it will pass as a fancy, flavorful meal.

      Creamy Tomato Shrimp Chowder

      Talk about easy to make. This dish is done in a flash. If you’re like me, you’ll make a triple batch of the tomato base. You can freeze the portions.

      Hearty Italian Tomato-Mushroom Soup

      This is a very thick soup. If you like your soup thinner you can add tomato juice to thin it out. I'd say a couple of cups of juice would be plenty.

      French Onion Soup

      This French onion soup recipe is for the ZReboot phase because of its expanded ingredients list.

      Everything from the Fridge Chicken Soup

      Riley rocked her refrigerator to come up with this one. Riley says, "I was looking for a way to use up leftovers and winter in Nebraska is a great time for soups."

      Beef Bourguignon

      This is a remake of Beef Bourguignon. Who can resist this traditional French dish? So lush-tasting. It just about melts in your mouth.


      Starters, Salads & Sauces

      BBQ Ranch Sauce (Smear) for Burgers

      This will go well with beef burgers or even ground chicken breast burgers or grilled chicken breasts; even a steak.

      Melon Mandarin Salad

      A tasty fruit salad that is a breeze to make and a unique way to round out a meal. 

      Lime-Cumin Vinaigrette

      This makes a mild but flavorful dressing to accent anything Mexican or Southwestern. If you want it spicy you can add a dusting of cayenne before blending.

      Grilled Romaine

      Okay, don’t freak on me. Grilled romaine is really good and tastes better than it looks. Impress your guests with something they’ve probably never had before.

      Tuna-Salad-Salad

      Tuna salad on top of a salad? Let's do it!

      Tuna Salad

      Dieter Sarah eats tuna salad to help her lose weight on ZReduction. This is her "magic" recipe.

      Roasted Tomato Sauce

      You’ll think you’re eating at an Italian Grandma’s house when you taste this.

      Smoked Salmon Salad

      Since leafy greens are unlimited you can double (or triple) the amount of greens used in this recipe if you want to make it stretch.

      Seafood Dipping Sauce

      My associate, Jennifer, brought me a recipe for dipping sauce. When I served it, I paired it with crab cakes. YUM.

      Dieter Claire’s Taco Seasoning

      From Dieter Claire: Make this in bulk and store it in a jar. It's less expensive than taco seasoning packets and has no fillers. Plus, I can tweak the flavors to suit my family.

      Tuna Nicoise Salad

      This is a low carb potato-free tuna Nicoise that is a-ok for ZReduction.

      The Secret Slaw

      Try this Zolafied coleslaw recipe and you'll never go hunting for the secret Chick-Fil-A recipe again.

      Shrimp Salad

      This comes together in a FLASH. When it’s hot outside and you want something easy but on the gourmet side, this hits the spot.

      Porcini-Shiitake Mushroom Sauce

      This is true gourmet cooking that’s simple. Porcini mushrooms pack so much punch they are almost as decadent as morels. This sauce is rich – for sure.

      Exotic Egg Salad

      This is great as a light lunch time meal and a great holiday recipe. The juxtaposition of the sweeter apricots with the curry has the exotic taste I was looking for.

      Tomato Cream Sauce

      This sauce is so versatile. Serve over cooked chicken breast (or tenderloins) or fish of any kind. Even use it as a pool of sauce with broiled scallops on top. This can be comfort food or fancy dinner party food depending on how you serve it or what you serve with it.

      Tarragon Mustard Shrimp

      This dish made a wonderful lunch salad entrée in our Plan Z kitchen. I think it would be GREAT as an appetizer at a cocktail party, too.

      Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

      This simple salad can be prepared in minutes and offers a light flavor, a bright bowl full of color and cool crunch on a warm day!

      Russian Traditional Salad

      This delicious recipe was submitted by Plan Z dieter Bruce. Bruce says, "We saw this sixteen years ago on a trip to visit our daughter in-law. They keep it from day to day and just add to it when more is needed."


      Appetizers

      Hot Wing Dip

      Most folks think of chicken wings as being a guy thing and even a sport fan thing but anyone can love this dip! I served it as a breakfast buffet item and it was hands down the dish that got the most comments and compliments. I think it was because it was so unexpected. The comments came from men and women alike but I must admit the guys were the ones who went gaga over this.

      Waldorf Salad

      A traditional Waldorf salad has grapes or raisins and lots of walnuts -- but it doesn’t have to. This one worked great as a side dish. Be sure to cut your fruit portion for this meal in half.

      Grilled Romaine

      Okay, don’t freak on me. Grilled romaine is really good and tastes better than it looks. Impress your guests with something they’ve probably never had before.

      Celery Apple Salad

      The inspiration for this recipe came from a new one offered up by Bon Appetit. I must give them some of the credit. I changed it enough to make it my own, but the original is in a cookbook by Molly Baz called Cook this Book.

      Tuna Salad

      Dieter Sarah eats tuna salad to help her lose weight on ZReduction. This is her "magic" recipe.

      Oven Roasted Okra

      This delicious recipe was submitted by dieter Nicole. She served it with pork chops and roasted tomatoes. Thanks, Nicole for the inspired dish!

      Smoked Salmon Salad

      Since leafy greens are unlimited you can double (or triple) the amount of greens used in this recipe if you want to make it stretch.

      Devil’s Eight Legged Eggs

      Here’s an idea from the Plan Z kitchen. Use this classic recipe and add a spooky twist for a hauntingly delicious Halloween snack. 

      Edible Witch’s Broom

      An easy and interactive way to add a little magic to your meals around Halloween!

      Spooky Snacks

      Here's a cute idea to offer children or family members around Halloween. There are so many ways to spin this.  The best part? No candy required.

      Sun Dried Tomatoes

      No need to salt them. No need to season them. They will be delicious and have PLENTY of flavor. 

      The Secret Slaw

      Try this Zolafied coleslaw recipe and you'll never go hunting for the secret Chick-Fil-A recipe again.

      Cauliflower Pancakes

      The other day, potato pancakes came to mind and I they could probably be made with cauliflower. Turns out they can!

      Shrimp Salad

      This comes together in a FLASH. When it’s hot outside and you want something easy but on the gourmet side, this hits the spot.

      Oven Bacon

      Maybe this is not news to you, but it took me six decades to learn about oven bacon. In our family, my husband has always been the bacon maker. He’s great at getting it perfectly crispy.

      Caramelized Onion Pie

      Caramelizing onions makes the natural sugars in the onion come to the forefront. No more bold onion taste. Just dreamy flavor.

      Peanut Butter Craisin Granola

      Craving breakfast cereal? Try this instead! Have it with unsweetened coconut milk or as a YUMMY parfait.

      Sweet and Spicy Acorn Squash

      I love my acorn squash roasted with just butter in the center and a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. But I know tons of people want brown sugar in the middle and more. So this version can satisfy the sweet tooth and add an optional spice/heat factor.

      Italian Sausage, Mushroom and Cheese Brunch Casserole

      As far as brunch casseroles go, this one is very easy to make and pleases the crowd. It can be made ahead and heated the day of the party.


      Desserts

      Peach Blueberry Slab Pie

      One piece of advice on this recipe, eat it fast. That means invite some folks over and try to polish this off in one seating.

      Low Carb Berry Coffee Cake

      For breakfast in the morning or with a cup of tea in the afternoon, this low carb coffee cake hits the spot. I made mine with blueberries fresh from the garden, but most berries will work.

      Banana Peanut Butter Bars

      The best news is Bob’s Mill has come out with a “superfine” grind almond flour. It makes baked goods so tasty you’d hardly tell the difference.

      Low Carb Banana Bread

      I eat very few bananas these days because as they ripen their carb count/glycemic index load goes up. So this is a treat. Don’t plan to eat the whole loaf yourself. That could get dangerous.

      Blueberry Lemon Tart (Three ways with other flavors)

      Change up the fruits and the flavorings and this can be several desserts. Think strawberry with almond, or orange with raspberries.

      Fruit Bowl with Luscious Lemon Cream Z3.5 Version

      This stuff is addictive and so refreshing. RARELY do I take seconds on a dessert. With this one I did.

      Raspberry “Ice Cream”

      Dieter Margaret offered up a GREAT idea! I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream – and we are on a diet! BONUS!

      White Chocolate Crème Brulee (custard) with Strawberry Coulis (sauce)

      Most crème brulee recipes call for caramelizing sugar on top of the custard. I love that, but the sugar is too much. So, in this case, I made up a simple strawberry sauce to go on the top instead.

      Chocolate Dipped Pears

      Pears and chocolate go great together. Who needs candy apples when you've got these?

      Chocolate French Silk Dessert

      Chill in your refrigerator until ready to eat. If you are going to serve it the next day cover it with plastic wrap.

      Chocolate Cupcakes

      These cupcakes are courtesy of Plan Z dieter Ashley, a professional pastry chef. She has done an amazing job of coming up with these cupcakes.

      Raspberry Pate de Fruit (Raspberry Jellies) from Chef Josh

      These are delightful little jellies. They taste so French and so fresh! Not like those little gum-balls you can buy at the candy store.

      Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

      This is a quick cake that can be served at a party. You don’t need large pieces when something has as much flavor as this does. Pumpkin treats are a big hit in the Fall and over the holidays.

      Rustic Cherry Tart

      This cherry tart is so easy and it’s fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

      Fruit Bowl with Luscious Lemon Cream Z3 Version

      This stuff is addictive and so refreshing. RARELY do I take seconds on a dessert. With this one I did.

      Cinnamon Tangerines

      This simple recipe is the latest from the Zola Test Kitchen. Try these! I got some really juicy tangerines (that were very easy to peel) at the grocery store yesterday.

      Strawberry Milkshake

      I think this makes a beautiful, refreshing dessert. If you can’t get fresh strawberries go ahead and use frozen. Slices are best so they don’t get caught in the blender. For a special occasion top it with whipped cream! 

      3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

      These cookies are SOOOO good. And no flour! Just be careful what peanut butter you buy and be sure to order the sweetener ahead so you are prepared to bake and eat.

      Pecan Pie

      This pie comes together easily, and your family will never know they aren’t eating the usual pecan pie pile of sugar.


      Zola's Blog

      Zola: CEO & Chief Dieter

      I was a formerly frustrated dieter until I developed my own diet. Plan Z is successful because I took what I learned (along with all of my diet failures) and developed a program that truly works. Now I'm living ZLife and lovin' it.

      Why We Go On A Diet

      In a recent survey, we asked dieters the biggest reason they decided to go on a diet and chose Plan Z. The most popular answer was, “I could not stand the pain any longer.”

      Why NOT to Renew Your Gym Membership This Year

      Exercise really doesn’t help you lose weight; unless you do a LOT of it. One study showed that women over 40 years old who do moderate exercise 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week, will maintain their weight...but they won’t lose weight.

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      If you are determined not to gain weight over the holidays, this is how to do it.

      How to Buy Spaghetti Sauce

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      How to Stay Regular

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      Like seared meats and veggies? You'll love cast iron. Here are some of the benefits of cooking with cast iron and a few hints for use and maintenance.

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      Potatoes and the Glycemic Index

      Enjoy potatoes in moderation and use these hints to make healthier choices.

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      Little Green Orbs

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      How to Buy Stevia

      When you shop for your sweetener options it can be a scary and overwhelming decision-making process.  Here are a few hints to make it easier.

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      Food on the floor

      There is no five second rule; not even a one second rule. Just carry on and cook. 

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      Smash Burgers

      Smash burgers are all the rage. Step into a brew pub and you’ll likely find a smash burger on the food menu. These are NOT the huge, 8oz burgers we’ve been fed in the past. These are a thinner burger that’s usually six ounces or even less. You can…

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      How to Buy Sparkling Water

      I thought I’d give tips on how to buy the healthy versions. There are plenty that are not healthy. The unhealthy ones are full of sugar, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and more. Some of them are as bad as soda.

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      ‘Cue Tips

      For lots of people, cooking in the summer revolves around the barbecue. The stereotypical vision is a guy with a slightly rounded belly standing barbecue ready, favorite beverage in one hand and a long tong in the other. The grill is smoking away…

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      Let’s Have a Snack…Or Not!

      Read this article that includes some statistics related to how bad our childhood obesity problem is and for extra credit and a face full of scariness, watch Chef Jamie Oliver’s TED Talk on what the kids get to eat at school and beyond. It’s…

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      Here’s a last minute idea for your Fourth of July celebration (or you can do it any day in the summer). There’s a kiddie element to this celebration and an adult portion later on.

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      40 Fast Years

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      How to Eat French Fries

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      Cookie Mission

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      Hero Mommy

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      Halloween Treats

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      Sugar Rule #1: 15 Grams or Less

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      Someone’s in the Kitchen with Zola

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      Crunch!

      While developing Plan Z, I never really thought much about what I now call the Crunch Factor. I was never the kid in our family that face-planted in the bag of potato chips. I left that to my brothers. I went for the donuts.

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      I Scream, You Scream

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      How to Successfully Make Low Fat Burgers

      One of the tricks to making good burgers when you’re in ZReduction on Plan Z is to find a way to keep them as moist and juicy as possible. This is my favorite technique and recipe for cooking a low-fat burger.

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      Whole Unprocessed Foods

      If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it. Read a few product labels and you’ll see how challenging this can be.

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      Stimulus Strategies

      My husband would say, “There is no going back to normal. There is only going forward to a new normal.” I’m still getting used to not wearing a mask everywhere. My hope is we don’t ever have to go back to that kind of normal ever again. 

      0 Comments4 Minutes

      How I Read a Label

      Of course, there’s lots more chemistry to it all, but when you’re in the store and you have to set your priorities and get out of the store before nightfall, this is a quick tutorial to set you on your way.

      0 Comments9 Minutes

      6 Wonderful Sweeteners Better For You Than Sugar

      No sugar is good for you in major quantities. But when in “need” and you're in ZReboot 3.5 and beyond, consider using these instead of table sugar.

      11 Comments10 Minutes

      The Miracle of Collagen

      The benefits are SO many it’s easy now to pass by any other kind of protein powder and pick up this kind.

      0 Comments8 Minutes

      The Hair-Raising Rescue

      Here's a cute tail ;) of how we added a new furry friend to our family.

      0 Comments7 Minutes

      Intermittent Fasting

      We all learned that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Turns out for some it’s not true. Depending on how you’re wired, if you’re one of the people who doesn’t want to eat in the morning, your body won’t process the food as…

      0 Comments6 Minutes

      Counting Calories

      You will be shocked at how flawed counting calories really is when you watch this video. Absorb this and your whole view of calorie counting will change.

      4 Comments1 Minutes

      My Independence Day

      I’m not talking about our country and the 4th of July.  I’m focused on myself. Today’s the day I have completed getting both of my vaccine injections and fulfilled my waiting period to get my immunity under full force. I feel like I graduated or…

      0 Comments3 Minutes

      It’s Been a Rough Ride

      A year to the day that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic a study came out. 3000 people were surveyed. The questions were about weight gain...

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      FAQS

      HOW MUCH DOES THE PLAN Z DIET COST?

      A Plan Z membership costs $19/month. For your materials, you can purchase a starter kit for as little as $237. Your starter kit includes the four phases, the Plan Z manual which walks you through the program day by day, three bottles of ZR50 Crave Control spray, access to the Plan Z recipe and blog site, daily coaching emails, and the support of the Plan Z staff and coaches. If you would like to start with 6 bottles of Crave Control spray, your initial order would be as low as $353 plus $19/month. Plan Z members can purchase spray and receive coaching as long as their membership is active.

      Plan Z costs a fraction of what it costs to be overweight. Health economists for the Centers for Disease Control say that obesity costs overweight people an additional $1470 per year in increased medical bills and medication costs. Losing weight can actually save you money and aggravation.

      There is no comparison when it comes to the speed at which the weight comes off on Plan Z. No other diet gives you the structure that makes this a plan for life and not just another diet.

      OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      ORDERING & PAYMENTS

      If you have more weight to lose after your first round, you have the option of joining ZClub. ZClub is a monthly or annual membership only for returning Plan Z dieters. ZClub members have access to the Plan Z site, the recipes, 2nd Tuesday calls, coaching, AND you can buy spray as you need it.

      ZClub not only makes it more flexible and affordable if you have a lot of weight to lose, but it also allows us to continue to provide you with recipes, education and the information you need to help you stay focused amid all the food traps that bombard us every day. And if you veer off track, you can get the spray you need to maintain your results without breaking the bank.

      We want to be here to support you all the way through your weight loss goals, getting you to a healthy weight you can live with. ZClub is only available to Plan Z participants who have previously participated in the diet at the full price or at the Buddy System price. We recommend people come to us with one round in mind because after that round is over, you’ll be happy to pay for the next one. You’ll see the value.

      Please give us 2-5 business days to process your order. All orders ship from Zola Headquarters in Chattanooga, TN. Of course, shipping times vary by location, but most orders in the continental US will arrive within a week of when they are shipped.

      Need to ship to another country? Call our office at 800-255-9853 for international pricing and ship times.

      Yes! All transactions on our website are ssl encrypted for your protection. You can also call one of our customer service representatives at 1-800-255-9853 if you would prefer to place your order over the phone, or if you have questions about Plan Z.

      If you have an obesity related illness and your doctor recommends you lose weight, Plan Z is likely covered by your insurance. Ask your doctor to give you a letter of medical necessity on their letterhead saying they recommend Plan Z. Click here to download a sample form of what the letter should look like. Or you can have them fill out this form. Take both forms to your doctor and let them decide which one they prefer to use. Submit the paperwork and your Plan Z packing slip to your insurance company for reimbursement.

      If you are overweight and struggling with obesity related health issues you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) debit card to pay for Plan Z as long as it has a MasterCard or Visa logo on it. Just make sure your doctor submits a letter of medical necessity (or this form) to your insurance company so that the charge is approved. Keep a copy of your itemized Plan Z receipt for your records.

      All insurance plans are different. If you are unsure if your insurance covers Plan Z check with your insurance provider before ordering.

      THE PROGRAM

      The ZR50 Crave Control spray is a homeopathic spray designed to relieve the discomforts of dieting. When you go cold turkey off of sugar, artificial sweeteners and preservatives, your body rebels.

      For starters, most people get a headache. Others start to get the jitters. It might get so bad their hands shake. That makes it difficult to type or do other hand-work. Some get achy. Some experience slight nausea. Pretty much everybody gets crabby. And the cravings. For many, they can be overwhelming. All of this adds up to an intolerable situation for the dieter and oftentimes for those around them.

      ZR50 is designed to eliminate, or at least ameliorate, all of these conditions. It helps keep you on an even keel as you go through Plan Z so you can diet comfortably and successfully.

      For medical information about the ZR50 Crave Control spray and its ingredients, please go to our medical professionals page.

      You have to unlearn the bad diet advice you’ve been fed for years. Our so-called “obesity epidemic” in the USA is only about thirty years old. We started to fatten up in the early 1980s shortly after the U.S. Senate passed its Dietary Guidelines for America (1977). The government advised us to reduce our fat consumption from 40% to 30% and replace the fat with carbohydrates.

      Food companies jumped in and started making low fat, “diet” foods filled with enough sugar and high fructose corn syrup to make them palatable. We know that sugar is a main contributor to obesity in America but food manufacturers have not backed off on using varying forms of sugar in their recipes.

      When we got fatter, they replaced natural sugars with artificial sweeteners, unnatural flavorings, and preservatives. These things reduce the natural sugar content in foods but they wreak havoc on your metabolism. And we still didn’t lose weight.

      So, the “experts” told us that we needed to exercise more. What a monumental mistake. The problem is, while exercise may burn calories, it also stimulates hunger. After an intense workout your body will need to replenish the calories it just burned. How does it do that? By sending you signals that you’re hungry and you need to eat!

      Today, Americans spend billions on diet foods and health club memberships – more than they ever had in the past. And yet, between 1998 and 2008, the number of “clinically” obese Americans grew 37% according to the Centers for Disease Control.

      We now know fat doesn’t make you fat. Complex carbohydrates and sugar make you fat–especially the highly processed white carbs and the high fructose corn syrup that’s in most processed foods. These are the convenience foods that fill the shelves of our grocery stores.

      Knowing why we get fat in the first place is the first step towards keeping the weight off. Plan Z takes a completely different approach to weight loss: we work on your body and your brain.

      Yes. You can do this diet easily at work. We know you have to go to work so we have a Zola to Go! section on our member site with recipes for planning, preparing, and packing meals and snacks that travel well. We can accommodate you even if you are traveling back and forth between two cities as you prepare for your wedding day. We’ve helped pilots, flight attendants, and even traveling salespeople lose weight while on the job. We’ve even helped a company of firefighters lose hundreds of pounds together.

      Do you travel? Do you go out for meals? We’ll show you how to stay on Plan Z while eating in restaurants. Plus, Plan Z is totally family friendly. Your family can eat the same food you do–they’ll just have different portions because they’re not taking the ZR50 Reduction formula. No need to make your “diet food” and then make “regular” food for your family.

      Have kids? Kids LOVE the food. You choose what you want to eat every day from Zola’s approved food list. This way Plan Z becomes part of your thinner lifestyle. You can set an example for your children and pass on valuable eating habits to them. We even have recipes for things like healthy chicken nuggets and tiny meatloaves.

      You are a unique individual, but you are not so unique that the laws of science don’t apply to you. You are not an impossible case. You just had the wrong information until now. We believe if you had the right information you’d act on it and you’d likely be thinner than you are right now. But there is too much misinformation in the diet market place. Here’s why: Kraft makes South Beach Living packaged food, Heinz processes Weight Watchers food, Unilever owns Slim Fast, Kellogg’s owns Kashi Go Lean, Stouffer owns Lean Cuisine, Con-Agra owns Healthy Choice. Their so-called “diet” foods are filled with starch, sugar, artificial flavoring, and high fructose corn syrup.

      Those ingredients have contributed to America’s obesity epidemic and along with American companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s (and many others) they are exporting our obesity epidemic to the rest of the world. Their business plan and packaged foods keep you dieting and buying their foods for the rest of your life. My business plan is to help you break the endless cycle of weight gain and help you move forward into your new life.

      Obesity is a disease of fat production, not of overeating. If it were a simple math problem of calories in and calories out, we would all be thin. On conventional diets the first ten or twelve pounds come off and then you hit the wall. Your metabolism slows down. You’re hungry and irritable. You tough it out a few more weeks or you quit and the weight comes roaring back.

      Your health is one reason to lose a lot of weight! Obesity causes or exacerbates all of these diseases:

      • Hypertension (Zola was on blood pressure meds until she developed and did Plan Z. After losing 28 pounds the first month she was able to come off the meds completely)
      • Type 2 Diabetes — One Plan Z Insider called us to say he was off his insulin on day four (with his doctor’s blessing!) of his ZReduction phase of Plan Z. He’d been on insulin since 1999!
      • Coronary heart disease
      • Heart ailments
      • Angina
      • Stroke
      • Gallstones
      • Gout
      • Sleep Apnea
      • Osteoarthritis

      We don’t make medical claims, but many of our dieters report they are making fewer claims against their health insurance. Conventional dieting keeps most of us on a perpetual cycle of losing and gaining the same 13-20 pounds for the rest of our lives. Diet companies win when you don’t lose enough to stop dieting. My plan helps you lose weight and keep it off.

      When are you going to get to the part where you tell me I have to get on a treadmill for an hour a day or this won’t work?

      I’m NOT going to tell you that. I’m going to tell you to go walk the dog, or if you don’t have a dog, just chill. NO EXERCISE on ZReduction. Let me be clear. I think exercise is great. I think it’s important. Right now my exercise regimen includes regular yoga and weight lifting. What I will tell you though is we know two things about exercise (even the medical community will agree with me on this). Exercise will make you stronger. It will also make you hungry.

      While you are on ZReduction, your energy should be put into enjoying the dieting experience. People who are seriously overweight have a difficult time approaching exercise and they take a deep sigh of relief when I tell them they don’t have to exercise to lose weight. You are not going to lose muscle mass. You’re only on ZReduction for 50 days; and if you don’t currently exercise, your lifestyle and routine are just going to remain the same. You ARE, however, going to lose fat. When you get to the ZReboot phase of the diet we are going to recommend you find an exercise program that suits your lifestyle. If you want to tighten up the loose bits left after losing the weight, you’re going to have to exercise to tighten up. Some tightening will occur naturally during a process we call ‘reshaping’ but for the bigger issues, you’ll need a targeted routine. Once you’ve completed ZReduction we recommend non-impact exercise, like yoga, Pilates and weight lifting. Too much emphasis has been made on exercises that tax your joints and your bones. There are plenty of things you can do that don’t wear out your skeleton. And they don’t all require a gym membership.

      Plan Z dieters who are a little older talk about how fun it is to chase the grandchildren around the park instead of sitting on the park bench watching. They get on a swing with the kids and laugh. They feel like getting exercise now. They might want to take a long walk in the sunshine and even include speeding up their pace so they get a bit of heart benefit in an aerobic mode. Some get heavily into gardening and growing their own veggies. You can take walks in the woods and learn how to forage for wild mushrooms. There’s a lot more to life than your TV screen or your computer.

      The best part is when you get off a considerable amount of weight you FEEL like exercising. A whole new world of activities opens up. People say their joints don’t hurt as much. You might feel like getting on a bike and tooling around the neighborhood. Or you might feel like a vacation in San Francisco but this time the hills won’t look so daunting. Or join a bowling league. I’m just tossing out ideas, folks.

      THE GUARANTEES

      I understand if you’re skeptical. My husband walked out of the room when I told him I was thinking about going on another diet. He was sick of watching me fail on one diet after the other. Now he is on board and has even done Plan Z! Even if you believe Plan Z worked for me and thousands of others, you may have failed on so many diets you just can’t believe it will work for you. I want you to feel completely safe investing in your thinner future.

      We are so confident in Plan Z that the diet has two guarantees:

      Sign up. Have the manual and ZR50 Crave Control spray delivered to your door. Look it over. Pay close attention to the first ten days where we practically take you by the hand and make sure you get off to a fast start.

      Get instant access to the Plan Z Works! Members’ website. Look over the recipes and even taste drive a couple. Then, if you don’t think Plan Z is for you, call us. We’ll send you a paid UPS return label and you can send everything back for a full refund. Just return all the bottles of your ZR50 Crave Control spray with their original safety seals unbroken along with your manual.

      Sign up. Then call us at 1-800-255-9853 and say, “I’m giving you nine days.”

      Then follow Plan Z for nine days. Call or e-mail Zola every day to report your progress. We’ll offer you support, coaching, and encouragement.

      If after nine days, you are not absolutely convinced that Plan Z is everything we said it would be we’ll send you a paid UPS label for you to return the product and unopened bottles of ZR50 Crave Control spray and refund you the full purchase price minus $135. You must return the manual and all bottles of formula to qualify for this refund. Plan Z will have only cost you $15 per day. Even the most skeptical people soon become Plan Z champions. People who have failed on every other diet can’t wait to tell family and friends about the diet that works: Plan Z.

      To order Plan Z as a skeptic, simply add the Skeptics Option to your cart along with your preferred Plan Z Diet payment option. Ready to get started? Click here.


      The Buddy System

      THE BUDDY SYSTEM

      Our best price for new dieters!

      Sign up at the same time with a friend, family member, co-worker, or other colleague and you both save! When two or more people register together under the Buddy System, each person gets an additional 10% off.

      You don’t have to live in the same house, or even in the same city. Everyone pays separately when you sign up for this program, so you can still make your own payment arrangements.

      This offer is only available by phone.

      Call us for details at 800-255-9853.

      BRIDAL BUDDY PROGRAM

      Need to lose before the big day?

      The Bridal Buddy Program splits the cost across the entire bridal party so everyone shares in the savings. The larger the party, the more you all save.

      Who’s eligible for the Bridal Buddy Program?

      • The groom, of course (About 40% of our dieters are men)
      • The attendants
      • The mother-of-the-bride; the father, too
      • Future in-laws and family members
      • Any friends who want to be thinner, for any reason, before the wedding day

      Make the Plan Z Diet the wedding gift you give to yourself.


      Medical Professionals

      FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

      This section is for dieters and their health care professionals, including allopaths (MD’s), homeopaths (MRPharmS, RSHomeopathy), naturopaths, integrative medicine specialists and other health care professionals who are interested in Plan Z. You will find some of this content elsewhere on the website, but this section takes a deeper dive into some of the science and research related to Plan Z and ZR50 Crave Control spray.

      What we are doing here is laying out the most frequently asked questions we get from the health care community and attempting to answer those questions to your satisfaction. We expect this section to grow organically over time. Dieters and/or their health care professionals are encouraged to call our offices at 800-255-9853 with any questions.

      Plan Z by Zola does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Clients who register for Plan Z fill out a medical waiver as part of their registration. That waiver directs them to continue to accept responsibility for their medical care and status and remain in touch with their health care professional. Plan Z does not (and is not intended to) replace a client’s health care professional. Plan Z is another tool in a dieter’s arsenal to lose weight and keep it off. The content of the Plan Z website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

      Calcarea carbonica, nux vomica, taraxacum and magnesium phosphorica are the ingredients.

      All ingredients are in homeopathic dilution. They are all natural, plant and mineral based. There are no hormones included in the formula. There are no stimulants of any kind, such as caffeine, ephedra, or any other stimulants. All ingredients are FDA approved. The ZR50 Crave Control spray is protected by US Patent #8551535. It’s exclusive to Plan Z.

      The ingredients are all in 6c potency and are suspended in a 23% alcohol solution as a preservative. If a client needs a version that has no alcohol, a specific solution can be manufactured. It’s a special order and will take more time, but it can be done.

      The ZR50 Crave Control spray is a homeopathic spray designed to relieve the discomforts of dieting. When you go cold turkey off of sugar, artificial sweeteners and preservatives, your body rebels.

      For starters, most people get a headache. Others start to get the jitters. It might get so bad their hands shake. That makes it difficult to type or do other hand-work. Some get achy. Some experience slight nausea. Pretty much everybody gets crabby. And the cravings. For many, they can be overwhelming. All of this adds up to an intolerable situation for the dieter and oftentimes for those around them.

      ZR50 is designed to eliminate, or at least ameliorate, all of these conditions. It helps keep you on an even keel as you go through Plan Z so you can diet comfortably and successfully.

      More specifically, and according to Clarkes Dictionary, the ingredients in ZR50 have been known to provide relief for the following symptoms:

      CALC CARB

      • Great plumpness and excessive obesity.
      • Tendency in children and young persons to grow very fat.
      • Hunger, a short time after having eaten.
      • Frequent nausea, especially in the morning, in the evening, or at night
      • Pressive, or pinching pain in the stomach, or cramp-like and contractive pains, chiefly after a meal.
      • Cramps in the stomach at night.
      • Inflation and swelling of the epigastrium and of the region of the stomach, with painful sensibility of those parts to the touch.
      • Tension and inflation of the abdomen.
      • Enlargement and hardness of the abdomen.
      • Unpleasant taste in the mouth, mostly bitter, or sour, or metallic, especially in the morning.
      • Risings, with taste of undigested, or bitter, or sour food.

      NUX VOMICA

      • Anguish, anxiety, and excessive uneasiness, often with agitation which allows no rest whatever
      • Anxiety and restlessness in the evening.
      • Acid taste in mouth, worse in morning, or after eating
      • Craving for alcohol, coffee, stimulants.
      • Disordered stomach from over-eating
      • Painful sensitiveness in pit of stomach to least pressure.
      • Aching, tension, fullness, and distension of abdomen, and especially of epigastrium, worse after a meal.
      • Sensation of heaviness, and swelling in abdomen.
      • Cramp-like, contractive, and compressive pains, or cuttings and shootings, or sharp and drawing pains in the umbilical region

      MAG PHOS

      • Mag-p. is in the first rank as a pain remedy, and it has all kinds of pain (though cramping pain is the most characteristic)
      • Spasms of various kinds.
      • Aching feeling in arms and legs, weak and trembling.
      • Bloated, full sensation in abdomen, must loosen clothing.
      • Much flatus in bowels, passing off freely on walking, worse after evening meal.

      TARAXACUM

      • This remedy acts well in all affections of the liver.
      • Sensation of weakness and uneasiness throughout body, with constant necessity to lie down or to sit.
      • Gastric and bilious attacks, especially gastric headaches, the headaches are generally pressive.
      • Jaundice, liver obstruction.
      • Worse from fatty food.

      Dieters spray the ZR50 Crave Control formula under their tongue 4 times a day to keep up a steady and comfortable dieting pace.

      The ZR50 Crave Control spray is homeopathic. We have not had any reports of drug interactions. Many of our clients are on medications for various ailments/conditions, including but not limited to: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hormonal replacements, depression and more.

      Blood pressure:
      The blood pressure of Plan Z clients typically begins to normalize very early in the diet. We recommend dieters work with their health care professionals so they can be monitored and adjust medications if necessary. Over time, many Plan Z clients are able to reduce or get off medications for high blood pressure.

      Insulin levels:
      Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin levels in Plan Z clients typically begin to normalize very early in the diet. We recommend dieters work with their health care professionals so they can be monitored and adjust medications if necessary. Many Plan Z clients are able to reduce or get off their medications for Type 2 Diabetes over time.

      Type 1 Diabetes:
      Close monitoring by a health care professional is highly recommended. We always ask dieters who report themselves as Type 1 diabetics to consult with their health care professional in advance of starting Plan Z.

      Potassium Drop:
      We’ve had a few reported instances where potassium levels have measured lower in Plan Z dieters. Here’s what we found in researching this topic:

      There can be an almost reflexive drop in K with the initiation of a low-carb diet. The reduction is temporary and can be addressed by ingesting a little more sodium. (We recommend Plan Z dieters to consume grated, organic sea salt and not processed table salt.) The reduction in carbs (and presumed conversion to ketogenesis) temporarily affects the renin-angiotensin system of the kidneys and by adding sodium to the diet in the first 2-3 weeks, the kidneys then secrete Na instead of K, alleviating this temporary “potassium deficiency.”

      Additionally, hypertension is often driven by insulin resistance, so if Plan Z dieters are becoming more sensitive to insulin by starting a low-carb diet, their BP might drop a bit and if they are on loop diuretics, they’ll start secreting K because of the medication, more so than what they might normally while on a loop diuretic for otherwise elevated BP. Here’s a link to a NCBI study that looks at this dietary drop in K: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18176291

      Dieters eat real food from the grocery store.

      On ZReduction, dieters eat 2 full meals or 2 smaller meals with 4 snacks. The majority of items are low carbohydrate. The recipes are characteristically EASY to make. Most take less than 20 minutes to prepare. Protein, vegetables and fruits are emphasized for the ZReduction portion of the diet. When dieters get to the ZReboot portion of the diet, more fats and oils are added back into the mix. The ZR50 Crave Control spray helps address the negative side effects of dieting which helps make dieters more comfortable throughout the process. The meals and snacks can be spread out in any order or amount throughout the day.

      We recommend dieters drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help in their weight loss. Latest studies show people should be drinking approximately 100 oz of water per day, or half of their body weight in ounces; whichever is less. We find that dieters who drink approximately 100 oz per day lose approximately 30% more weight than those who drink less.

      We do not decaffeinate our dieters. Coffee and tea are both allowed. We recommend sparkling water with natural flavorings. Soda is not allowed.

      You can contact us to see the comprehensive food lists we offer. We don’t tell our dieters what to eat. They choose what they want to eat from the approved food lists and can even eat in restaurants.

      People say this doesn’t taste like a diet. They are not eating something they zapped in a microwave or something that came from a box. They are eating real food. Their families can eat the same foods in larger portions.

      If you are overweight and struggling with obesity related health issues you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) debit card to pay for Plan Z as long as it has a MasterCard or Visa logo on it. Just make sure your doctor submits a letter of medical necessity (or this form) to your insurance company so that the charge is approved. Keep a copy of your itemized Plan Z receipt for your records.

      Health Insurance Reimbursement: If you have an obesity related illness and your doctor recommends you lose weight, Plan Z is likely covered by your insurance. Ask your doctor to give you a letter of medical necessity on their letterhead saying they recommend Plan Z. Click here to download a sample form of what the letter should look like. Or you can have them fill out this form. Take both forms to your doctor and let them decide which one they prefer to use. Submit the paperwork and your Plan Z packing slip to your insurance company for reimbursement.

      All insurance coverages are different, so check with your insurance provider for more info or call us at 800-255-9853.

      Our goal is to unwind 60 years of diet misinformation and give dieters a whole new route to follow. Dieters receive a manual that walks them through the program, and daily coaching emails that guide them step by step. The Plan Z staff is available to answer questions as fast as dieters can come up with them.

      Dieters choose what they eat. They have the ZR50 Crave Control spray in their system to help curb the cravings. Dieters are not burning water weight. By eliminating sugars, starches and heavy fats we counter the effects of hyper-insulinism and get the liver and pancreas working in concert to provide proper digestion and dissemination of food so it fuels the body instead of mostly being turned into fat and waste.

      We don’t take away fruit like other major low carb diets. Dieters decide what they are hungry for, make a grocery list and go buy their food. It is all very flexible.

      As part of the structure we also afford an opportunity to communicate with fellow dieters. Dieters read their stories, post their own, ask questions and get answers. Of course you can get your answers from our team too but sometimes it’s just fun to share with other dieters. It’s all out in the open.

      Our so-called “obesity epidemic” in the USA is only about thirty years old. We started to fatten up in the early 1980s shortly after the U.S. Senate passed its Dietary Guidelines for America (1977). The government advised us to reduce our fat consumption from 40% to 30% and replace the fat with carbohydrates.

      Food companies jumped in and started making low fat, “diet” foods filled with enough sugar and high fructose corn syrup to make them palatable. We know that sugar is a main contributor to obesity in America but food manufacturers have not backed off on using varying forms of sugar in their recipes.

      When we got fatter, they replaced natural sugars with artificial sweeteners, unnatural flavorings, and preservatives. These things reduce the natural sugar content in foods but they wreak havoc on your metabolism. And we still didn’t lose weight.

      So, the “experts” told us that we needed to exercise more. What a monumental mistake. The problem is, while exercise may burn calories, it also stimulates hunger. After an intense workout your body will need to replenish the calories it just burned. How does it do that? By sending you signals that you’re hungry and you need to eat!

      Today, Americans spend billions on diet foods and health club memberships – more than they ever had in the past. And yet, between 1998 and 2008, the number of “clinically” obese Americans grew 37% according to the Centers for Disease Control.

      We now know fat doesn’t make you fat. Complex carbohydrates and sugar make you fat–especially the highly processed white carbs and the high fructose corn syrup that’s in most processed foods. These are the convenience foods that fill the shelves of our grocery stores.

      Knowing why we get fat in the first place is the first step towards keeping the weight off. Plan Z takes a completely different approach to weight loss: we work on the body and the brain.

      Once dieters finish ZReduction, we work with them for another six weeks. We introduce them to a new way of eating that includes many delicious dishes to help them maintain their weight loss. Our dieters report that they can eat MORE than they used to eat before they started the diet. They just have to eat the right stuff.

      If you don’t believe us, here is what the latest research is saying:


      Response written by Zola:

      NO EXERCISE while you are losing weight.

      I think exercise is great. I think it’s important. Right now my exercise regimen includes regular yoga and weight lifting.

      What I will tell you though is we know two things about exercise. (Even the medical community will agree with me on this). Exercise will make you hungry and it will make you stronger. There are clear benefits.

      While you are on ZReduction your energy is going to be put into enjoying the dieting experience. People who are seriously overweight have a difficult time approaching exercise and they take a deep sigh of relief when I tell them they don’t have to exercise to lose weight.

      You are not going to lose muscle mass while you are on ZReduction. You’re only on it 50 days and if you don’t currently exercise, your lifestyle and routine are just going to remain the same. You ARE, however, going to lose fat.

      When you get to the ZReboot phase of the diet we are going to recommend you find an exercise program that suits your lifestyle. If you want to tighten up the loose bits left after losing the weight, you’re going to have to exercise to tighten it up. Some tightening will occur naturally during a process we call ‘reshaping’ but for the bigger issues you’ll have to do a targeted routine.

      To get stronger we are going to recommend you think about non-impact exercise. Things like yoga, pilates, weight lifting and more. Too much emphasis has been made surrounding exercises that tax your joints and your bones. There are plenty of things you can do that don’t wear out your skeleton. And they don’t all require a gym membership.

      They might want to take a long walk in the sunshine and even include speeding up their pace so they get a bit of heart benefit in an aerobic mode. Some get heavy into gardening and growing their own veggies. You can take walks in the woods and learn how to forage for wild mushrooms. There’s a lot more to life than your TV screen or your computer.

      The best part is when you get off a considerable amount of weight you FEEL like exercising. People say their joints don’t hurt as much. A whole world of activities opens up.

      Response written by Zola:

      There is no other diet company that has the same kind of guarantees that we do (at least not that I have found).

      In fact, we have two guarantees for Plan Z.

      The first one is our 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you sign up for Plan Z, get the materials, review them and decide this diet just won’t fit your lifestyle you can return everything and we will promptly refund your money. Please note that you may not use the ZR50 and then return the materials.

      Our 100% Money Back Guarantee allows you the opportunity to take the materials to your Health Care Professional for review if you want to. Health Care Professionals all over the country are beginning to recommend Plan Z. Some Health Care Professionals even have used Plan Z as their own weight loss plan. It’s catching on. In fact, it’s mushrooming.

      We are not one of those companies that publishes a return phone number that no one answers. Stay away from those folks. They just want your money and then they run.

      We have another unique guarantee. I call it the Skeptic’s Guarantee. Why? Because with all the hype in the diet industry I feel you have every right to be skeptical. My own skepticism slowed me down in starting this company because I did not want to be associated with all the charlatans that jump on board the diet industry wagon. I believe an educated and wary customer is a smart one.

      With the Skeptic Guarantee you’ll fill out a one page questionnaire so we can get to know your issues and why you might be skeptical. We just need to gather a starting evaluation point. Then you’ll pay for Plan Z and start.

      You will have 9 days during which YOU get to evaluate how well Plan Z is working for you. You’ll have a special coach who will help you get on a solid footing with the diet and that person will be there for the full nine days to answer questions and help you in whatever ways we can.

      At the end of Day 9 you’ll evaluate whether you feel you have lost a reasonable amount of weight on Plan Z. If the answer is yes, you’ll continue. If the answer is no, you’ll have the option to pack up everything and send it back. We’ll even pay the return postage. We’ll then give you all of your money back, minus $135. That means it will only have cost you $15 a day to see if we measure up. Please note that you may only use up to 2 bottles of the ZR50 during these 9 days. If you use additional bottles or fail to return the unused bottles, additional fees may apply.

      But I assure you we measure up. I can count the number of Skeptic Guarantee refunds I have given out without running out of fingers or toes. People love this diet.

      “You have blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. Since my mid 20’s my weight has been a yo-yo. To be fit took Spartan efforts or gimmicks. Your gift of sharing Plan Z has allowed me to first lose but then maintain using the Z Life methodology…. It’s like the reset button to start again in Z Life. It keeps hope alive and because I know it works, my confidence in my diet is resolved. You guys are the best.” – Dieter Chuck

      “I have lost the 20 lbs I wanted to and will look beautiful in my wedding dress…thanks to you bringing the Zola diet to me! Everyone is commenting on how great I look and I wanted to tell everyone about the Zola diet. I then realized that some are very “skeptical” about losing so much weight so fast and do not understand the whole theory. I am anxious to go into Z Reboot and then maintenance to prove to them that this is for real! A real way to reset my metabolism once and for all!” – Dieter Dede – the bride

      “The recipes are outstanding. I served them to guests and they didn’t know they were eating ‘diet food.’ I stuck with it and lost 20 pounds! I have not had this kind of success with ANY diet I’ve tried!” – Dieter Survey

      “Life saving, easy to do, food is absolutely delicious.” – Dieter Survey

      “I will continue to move to the healthy side of life and that I will be committed to living here. I owe it to myself, my husband, my kids, my siblings, and my future grand kids. I want to be around to enjoy them. And eating this way is not deprivation. It is glorious and beautiful. In fact, this weekend my sister and I made my parents the roast pork tenderloin with sun-dried tomato gravy and my mother proclaimed it ‘gourmet.'” – Dieter Diane

      “Love you” is not too strong. Thank you my friend. You have given me the life I always wanted to live. – Dieter Survey

      “I think us Zola dieters have so much in common…and we are just so thankful to have access to the [Plan Z by] Zola diet…I couldn’t have continued my weight loss or maintain any loss without this…I couldn’t ever totally change my ”mind” without this diet and I thank God for it every day!….Sometimes it’s just hard to find the words…the possibility of being able to meet your true ”goal” brings tears to my eyes…especially when people tell you it’s impossible…I never believed it…I always knew it was possible and had so much hope alive in myself. Thank you to the whole Zola team…I am on my 2nd reduction currently…day 23 and another 14.4 pounds down.” – Dieter Survey

      “I have to tell you – I am getting so excited for the next phase of my adventure – food has started to taste so amazing to me, and I am so excited to see how other things taste as I can add them back into my life. Plus, my daughter is learning such good examples by now having more fruit options in her life, and she is even trying a few of my veggies which she would NEVER do before – it is great!!! I love when I can make something that the whole family can enjoy – like sloppy joes and the mini meatloaves – amazing!!!” – Dieter Liz

      “The recipes are beyond fantastic…I have dieted and dieted and dieted so many times and I’m also a fan of positive thinking so I’m straddled between “is this really going to work?” and “OMG, is it possible I will NEVER have to think about my weight again?” Like if I could do that, there would be so much energy to put into other things…I have “only” 20# to lose, and I’ve done it before — a few times keeping it off for a year (which I viewed as a success). Isagenix, The Diet Center (in NY) and The French Diet which consisted of bootleg appetite suppressants flown in from Paris in a plain brown wrapper (can’t believe I did that). BUT after that diet I absolutely cannot take appetite suppressants anymore — makes me jerky, head spinning, dry mouthed. In my work, I have to think, negotiate, and do research — I can’t mess with my head. And voila! The Zola remedy (ZR50) is unrecognizable in my system. No change in mental gymnastics….The constant communication is also great. If you can anticipate what people are experiencing and clue them in — who wants solace? I want solutions! — Then you’re offering a great service above and beyond the typical diet. It’s a great education. Every day I’m prompted to read more and more. It would seem this is very scientific and a delicate balance to achieve. Carry on! I’m in!” – Dieter Barbara

      • Rolland Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Three Eagles Communications, former Chairman of Telecom. Dept., Indiana, Univ., rancher raising American Devon Milking cattle.
      • John Morgan, MRPharmS, RSHomeopathy, Founder and MD, Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy, Kent, England
      • Sverre Roang, Shareholder, Whyte Hirshboeck, Dudek S.C., Ranked in Chambers (2009-2013), JD, cum laude, Univ of WI, 1994.
      • Dr. Cliff Mauer, Practicing Partner, WholeHealth Chicago, Board Certified Chiropractic Physician and Integrative Medicine practitioner.
      • Jerry Freund, President, MidAmerican Printing Co. Chicago, IL, Entrepreneur.

      Send Zola a message, a question or a comment using the contact form above or email her directly at zola@planzdiet.com. They will go directly, and confidentially to her.

      FEATURED PRACTITIONER

      Nurse Practitioner Joanne lost 75 pounds on the Plan Z Diet.