If a protein source is labeled non-fat, what happens to fat blocks for that meal?

• A. Double the usual fat blocks for that meal.
• B. No change to fat blocks.
• C. Halve the fat blocks for that meal.
• D. Replace fat blocks with extra protein blocks.

Answer: (A)

In this style of meal planning, meals are built from blocks that represent protein, carbohydrates, and fat, with a target balance for the meal. If the protein source provides fat, that fat contributes to the meal’s overall fat load. If the protein is non-fat, that fat contribution is missing, so to keep the intended fat level for the meal you adjust by increasing fat blocks. Doubling the usual fat blocks is a straightforward way to restore the planned fat amount when the protein brings no fat, maintaining the overall macro balance that the meal is designed to hit.

If fat blocks were left unchanged, you’d end up with less fat than planned, shifting the ratio and potentially affecting satiety and energy balance. Replacing fat with extra protein would distort the intended macro mix, and halving fat would further reduce the fat contribution, making the imbalance even greater.