The Zone Diet Review

The Basics

The Zone diet, created by Barry Sears, PhD, mandates dieters consume their calories from fat, carbohydrates, and fat in a predetermined ratio. An easy definition of The Zone is a state in which the body works at maximum efficiency. The Zone Diet contends that a regular diet of 30% protein, 30% fat, and 40% carbohydrates will retool your metabolism for weight loss. The key to The Zone diet is that every meal you consume contains the 30-30-40 ratio.

The Zone diet, Sears contends similar to the claims made by Dr. Robert Atkins, that traditional wisdom about healthy eating is wrong. Sears claims that a diet high in carbohydrates and low in fats and proteins may in fact contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other obesity-related illnesses.

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How it Works

The goal of The Zone diet is weight loss and healthy living, so let’s take a look at how the diet works. The Zone is intended to help your body control insulin production, which regulates how your body stores excess energy as fat. You get into “The Zone” by striking a balance among insulin and glucagon. Glucagon releases the glucose stored in the liver when the body requires it, so it is the opposite of insulin.

By maintaining a fixed balance of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins, your body will enter The Zone. You must watch what foods you eat, but not by cutting your current caloric intake. Instead, the diet encourages consuming calories from different sources, such as more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits.

The Good

One of the biggest advantages of The Zone is that the initial phases of the diet don’t cause adverse side effects such as hunger and fatigue. The plan is simple to follow with its 30-30-40 ration of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The Zone diet does include specific measurements of what to eat, but the overall directions are simple to follow.

Proteins are to be consumed in small amounts at every meal and at every snack. You should eat one snack in the late afternoon and one in the late evening. Proteins should be the size of your palm. Good carbohydrates include fruits, whole grains, lentils, beans, and most vegetables. If you choose to eat good carbohydrates, they should be twice the size of your protein portions. If however you choose to consume bad carbohydrates like bagels, bananas, or dry cereal, you should eat them in much smaller portions

The Bad

The only real downside to The Zone diet is that there is very little scientific evidence to support its claims. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that indicates The Zone diet is effective for weight loss, and Sears thoroughly explains the science behind the diet in his bestselling book, Enter the Zone. Many brush off The Zone diet as another low-carb fad, but many physicians concede it is effective and healthy for weight loss.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for a balanced diet that’s easy to follow, The Zone Diet is one of the best to try. Its balanced requirement of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates makes sure that your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs while you get healthy. Keep in mind however, that without regular exercise as a key component to any weight loss regiment, any results you have will be short-lived. Don’t get too boggled down in the science of The Zone diet; simply follow the 30-30-40 ratio and get regular physical activity.