The Zone diet was developed by Barry Sears, Ph.D., a former research scientist at Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Zone dieters count Zone Blocks to ensure they consume an appropriate amount of food. Although the Zone diet is beneficial for some people, it is not the right fit for everyone. Learning about the diet can assist you in deciding if it is a good choice for you. Consult your physician prior to embarking on the Zone diet or any other diet plan.
Calculating Zone Blocks is Complicated
Zone Blocks are the cornerstone of the Zone diet. You are permitted a certain amount of Zone Blocks for each meal and snack based on your height, weight and waist and hip measurements. Once you have determined the number of Zone Blocks you are allowed, you must develop meals and snacks to match. Each Zone Block is composed of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent fat. Forming suitable meals and snacks might be confusing for some people and requires some people to frequently reference the Zone diet book to ensure that they are correctly calculating their Zone Blocks.
All Food Must be Measured
Measuring cups, measuring spoons and a food scale are necessities to properly adhering to the Zone diet. All ingredients of all meals and snacks must be measured to ensure you are eating the proper number of Zone Blocks. This might be difficult or impossible to execute when dining at a restaurant or friend's house.
Unbalanced Diet
Some dietitians believe that the Zone diet does not provide enough carbohydrates and provides too much protein, according to Frances Sizer in her text "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies." Excess protein can stress the kidneys and is contraindicated for people with kidney problems. Fruits and vegetables are limited on the diet due to their carbohydrate contents, and as a result the diet might not provide adequate amounts of fiber, iron, folic acid and vitamins A, C, D and E.
Lack of Research
According to Sizer, there have been no published independent studies regarding the efficacy of the Zone diet. Although Sears performed his own tests on Zone dieters to show the efficacy of the diet, the results of the studies are regarded by Sizer as completely irrelevant because Sears did not include a control group. According to Sizer, Sears overestimates the role carbohydrates play in impacting hormones such as insulin and eicosanoids and the role of nutrition in impacting endocrinology.
References
- "Zone Food Blocks: The Quick and Easy, Mix-and-Match Counter for Staying in the Zone"; Barry Sears Ph.D.; 1998
- "The Zone Diet"; Barry Sears Ph.D.; 1999
- "Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies"; Frances Sizer; 2008
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