The Zone Diet, created by Dr. Barry Sears, addresses Dr. Sears' assertion that a phenomenon called silent inflammation leads to weight gain, health issues and limited fitness. The Zone Diet limits inflammation by focusing on protein sources, fruits and vegetables as the primary foods. Zone Nutrition Bars meet the nutritional needs of many Zone dieters, but are not appropriate for those avoiding gluten.
The Diet
The Zone diet suggests that each meal plate should be 1/3 lean protein and 2/3 fruits and vegetables, with a small amount of heart-healthy fats. As a whole, your diet should adhere to the Zone 1-2-3 system: consume 1 g of fat and 2 g of protein for every 3 g of carbohydrates.
Considerations
The Zone diet features a moderate amount of carbohydrates, but it limits carbohydrates from processed grains, such as wheat or rye. The Zone diet does not prohibit grains based on gluten content, but rather on the basis of their high glycemic levels, which increase insulin levels and inflammation. Dr. Sears states that barley is an acceptable grain to keep in your diet, but it does contain gluten. Nevertheless, the diet's already low grain content necessitates few additional changes for gluten-free individuals.
Significance
Since individuals adhering to the Zone diet eat five times daily, Zone Nutrition Bars may help them eat regularly and meet their diet requirements. For example, the Chocolate Fudge flavor contains 6 g fat, 15 g protein and 25 g carbohydrates. This is slightly more carbohydrates than the 1-2-3 system recommends. Other flavors of bars, however, provide fewer carbohydrates and more fat and/or protein.
Warning
Zone Nutrition Bars are not gluten-free. Each bar contains some wheat ingredients, such as wheat flour, wheat gluten or rolled whole wheat. As a result, they are not appropriate for individuals with gluten intolerances, particularly those with celiac disease, who can experience intestinal damage when they eat foods containing gluten.
Solution
Individuals who avoid gluten products may find adequate substitutes for Zone Nutrition Bars. Look for energy bars labeled gluten-free that provide similar amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates to those recommended for the Zone diet or in Zone Nutrition Bars. If you have celiac disease, you may need to look for energy bars certified as manufactured in a gluten-free facility.
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