The U.S. weight-loss industry has swelled to become a $58.6 billion market, as estimated by Market Data Enterprises. The various methods recommended by these individuals frequently conflict, creating confusion about what diets are safe, healthy and effective. The Medi Zone Diet, also known as the Easy Diet, is a medically supervised weight loss program that incorporates the protocols promoted in the Zone Diet. The Medi Zone diet, devised by Dr. Jay Garcia, is purported to help you quickly burn fat, reduce carbohydrate cravings and provide more energy.
Approach
The Medi Zone Diet is largely based on the Zone Diet created by Dr. Barry Sears in 1999. The Zone Diet requires substitution of Zone foods for the ingredients you normally use to make your meals. The focus is to balance your macronutrients to a precise ratio of 30 percent protein, 30 percent fat and 40 percent carbohydrates. This balance of macronutrients is intended to decrease cellular inflammation, increase fat metabolism and improve mental performance. The Zone Diet asserts that inflammation and interrupted hormonal communication, as a result of subtle changes in your diet, results in excess fat storage. Injections and combinations of vitamins, minerals and amino acids are employed to eliminate fat, control carbohydrate metabolism, increase energy and support the immune system, as part of the Medi Zone Diet. This combination of supplements and dietary measures is sustained until you reach your desired weight and then continued to maintain it. Biometric testing, including weight and body measurements, a blood pressure check and blood work are included.
Recommended Diet and Foods
A defined amount of low-fat protein is recommended at every meal and snack based on your lean body mass. This includes Zone Protein products you must purchase. Recommended protein sources include chicken breast, turkey breast, tuna, salmon, egg whites and low-fat cottage cheese. Bacon, hot dogs, pork sausage and ground beef with more than 10 percent fat are all considered poor protein sources. Carbohydrates that are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index are considered favorable. Favorable carbohydrates are recommended in a portion size equivalent to about twice the size of your protein portion. Some of the favorable carbohydrates included in the Zone Diet are broccoli, cabbage, apples and grapes. If unfavorable carbohydrates, like corn, potatoes, bananas or peas, are consumed, a smaller portion is suggested. Monounsaturated fats -- olive oil, canola oil, avocados and macadamia nuts -- are recommended, while cream cheese, sour cream and butter are not. Three Zone-favorable meals and two Zone-favorable snacks are recommended daily. You shouldn't allow more than five hours to elapse without eating a Zone-favorable meal or snack. A maximum of 500 calories per meal and 100 calories per snack is suggested.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Shawn Talbott, nutritional biochemist and author, agrees with some of what is taught in the Zone Diet. He states, "The general concept that you need to balance your intake of macronutrients is sound, as this approach can improve blood sugar balance, fat-burning and appetite regulation, but the idea that there is some sort of precise 40-30-30 ratio that is optimal, as advocated by Sears in the Zone Diet, is an overstatement." He also asserts that the Zone Diet is a very complex system for the average person to follow when considering the requirement to calculate and measure exact amounts of macronutrients. Instead, Dr. Talbott advocates a simpler approach he calls the Helping Hand, which automatically balances macronutrients based on your food portion sizes.
Warning
This dietary approach is not for everyone. As with any diet, consult your physician before beginning the Zone Diet, particularly if you have any chronic diseases or a serious illness. Sudden changes in your diet can cause gastrointestinal upset. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not use the Zone Diet.
References
- Market Data Enterprises, Inc: "The U.S. Weight Loss & Diet Control Market (10th Edition)"
- Jay J Garcia, MD Weight Loss & Wellness Centers: "Frequently Asked Questions"
- "Enter the Zone: A Dietary Road Map to Lose Weight Permanently : Reset Your Genetic Code : Prevent Disease : Achieve Maximum Physical Performance"; Dr. Barry Sears; 1995
- Shawn Talbott, PhD, LDN, FAIS, FACSM; Supplement Watch; Draper, Utah
Member Comments