The Prozone diet is not another new arrival on the diet scene, but rather a new way of marketing and promoting the Zone Diet, which became popular in the 1990s. Created by Kevin and Carol Bateman, Prozone takes the Zone Diet to another level offering one-on-one consultations, nutritional seminars, Zone nutritional supplements and a monthly newsletter filled with Zone recipes and helpful tips. Although the Prozone website is easy to access for anyone seeking assistance with the Zone diet, the Bateman's primary demographic for seminars and consultations is clientele in New Zealand and Australia.
Origin of Prozone
The original Zone Diet was authored in the 1990s by Barry Sears, Ph.D., a researcher with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Sears developed the signature 40:30:30 carb-to-protein-to-fat ratio that defines the Zone philosophy. Kevin and Carol Bateman, both medical scientists, discovered the Zone Diet in 1997 and were so successful achieving their weight loss goals that they decided to become certified Zone instructors. In order to help others and simplify the Zone Diet they formed Prozone, a company dedicated to promoting the Zone lifestyle.
Basic Diet Features
According to Zonedietinfo.com, the key factor of the diet is the hormonal balance you achieve when you plan your meals using the 40:30:30 ratio. The 40 percent carb component is made up of fruits, fresh vegetables and whole grains as opposed to sugary or processed foods. The 30 percent protein portion is made up mainly of lean meats as in a 4 oz. chicken breast or veal cutlet. The final 30 percent is mono-unsaturated fats, as found in nuts, olive oil and avocados. The Zone Diet also encourages you to drink eight glasses of water every day and to try an avoid high salt consumption. The Prozone mission is to show you how to make the best choices while at the supermarket or a restaurant, in order to help you receive all the healthful benefits of following the Zone lifestyle. The Bateman's also recommend Dr. Sears book "100 Top Zone Foods."
Prozone Seminars
The focus of Prozone seminars is to explain in simple terms the essence of Dr. Sear's Zone nutrition, which, according to the Bateman's, is about eating a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats, not only at every meal, but also when you snack. Seminar participants will examine various food groups and learn which are the least and most beneficial and the reason why. In addition, Prozone teaches you to reevaluate the way you view food, not as your enemy but rather as something that can positively or negatively affect your body. You will also learn how to budget for family meals and cook for holidays while adhering to the Zone lifestyle.
Prozone Starter Packs
To get you started on your way into the Zone lifestyle, Prozone has put together a starter packet which is available on their website, prozone.co.nz. The starter pack includes a list of foods to choose from on a fold out chart called the Block Builder. Also included in the basic starter kit is a DVD and a seminar book which contains various Zone recipes and food suggestions. Depending on which pack you choose, you may also receive the Zone protein powder and omega oil supplements.
Benefits
Prozone lists a number of benefits that may accompany the Zone lifestyle in addition to losing weight. The Bateman's believe that by strictly adhering to the Zone principles, you can increase your energy, not experience gnawing hunger or food cravings that accompany other popular diets, improve your sleep habits, experience increased mental sharpness and improve physical performance.
Zone Diet Critics
The American Heart Association does not recommend the Zone Diet or any other high-protein diets. The organization warns that this type of diet isn't balanced when it comes to essential nutrients your body needs. According to the AHA, while you may experience quick weight loss on the Zone Diet, following it for a long time may result in potential health problems and increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and various types of cancer.
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