The zone diet is considered to be a low carbohydrate, high protein diet plan designed to control insulin levels. According to Barry Sears, the biochemist who created the Zone Diet, a diet rich in carbohydrates can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. Sears claims that when more insulin is produced, it stimulates more stored body fat. Although Sears makes a compelling argument, many experts believe that a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein may do more harm than good in the long run.
Restriction of Vitamins and Minerals
Not being able to consume many important fruits, vegetables and grains on the zone diet means a lack of many important vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. These nutrients include calcium, iodine, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, fiber, sodium and zinc. Although, some of these nutrients are found in protein rich food, they're found in higher concentrations in fruits and vegetables and therefore may not be consumed in adequate amounts while on the Zone Diet.
Too Few Calories
The Zone Diet offers meal plans that are relatively low in calories---sometimes even below 1,200 calories per day. This drastic cut in calories could pose a risk to your health, especially when weight loss is no longer desired and weight maintenance is your goal. According to Love to Know, a diet advising the consumption of less than 1,200 calories a day is not nutrient dense enough to support and fuel your body.
High Protein Can Mean High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is found in animal products that include meat, cheese, egg yolks and many more. These foods are a good source of protein. This means that if your diet consists of high protein, you could be increasing your intake of cholesterol as well. This is dangerous, because having high cholesterol will put you at risk for heart disease, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the leading cause of death in the United States.
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