The Zone Diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears, a biochemist with no specialized training in nutrition. The basic underlying concept of the Zone Diet is that an ideal balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat at every meal will help you maintain hormone balance in your body. Originally, the diet was meant for fat and weight loss, although it is now promoted as a nutritional tool for preventing health conditions.
Science Behind the Zone
Proponents of the Zone Diet claim weight gain occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances and inflammation in the body, which can be controlled by the food you eat. If you have an unbalanced diet, your body responds by turning on its inflammatory responses. These inflammatory responses lead to obesity and decreased mental clarity and physical performance. The Zone Diet aims to turn off your body's inflammatory response by following a meal plan that holds a delicate balance of the right nutrients.
Diet Basics
The Zone Diet involves a nutrient ratio of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat, which differs from the USDA's recommendation of 45 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent protein and 20 to 35 percent fat. Because of its low percentage of carbohydrate intake, people often refer to the Zone Diet as a low-carbohydrate diet. The ultimate goal of the Zone Diet is to help men reach 15 percent body fat and help women reach 22 percent body fat, according to Diet.com.
Good and Bad Foods
The Zone Diet classifies foods as good or bad. Some foods on the good foods list include lean chicken, turkey, seafood, egg whites, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, fruit, leafy vegetables, oatmeal, barley, canola oil and olive oil. Some examples of bad foods include red meat, organ meats, egg yolks, fruit juice, carrots, corn, dried fruit, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, full-fat dairy products, alcohol and regular or diet sodas.
Other Recommendations
The Zone Diet encourages you to eat breakfast within one hour of waking in the morning and to make sure that more than five hours do not pass between meals. Regular eating helps keep your basal metabolic rate high and allows you to burn calories efficiently. Although not a required part of the diet plan, the Zone Diet does suggest moderate daily exercise as well as some engaging in stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, every day.
Member Comments