The Zone Diet, designed by Dr. Barry Sears, uses the concept of the glycemic index to determine the precise ratio of food types you should include in every meal. While the focus of the diet is on food ratios, a lowered calorie intake may actually be responsible for the weight loss that occurs on this diet. Ice cream, which is high in calories, fat and carbohydrates, can be difficult to fit into a Zone eating plan, but it isn't impossible.
The Zone Diet Principles
The Zone Diet operates under the idea that dieters should only eat meals that are in a precise ratio of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fat and 30 percent protein. This ratio is considered ideal for achieving a stable blood sugar level, which prevents hunger, cravings and weight loss, according to the diet plan. This diet requires dedication and discipline, since dieters need to determine the exact amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat in every meal or snack to ensure they are getting the correct ratio.
Ice Cream and the Zone Diet
The Zone Diet does not forbid specific foods, but some menu items are considered unfavorable foods. In particular, foods with high levels of fat, especially saturated fat, and highly refined carbohydrates, such as sucrose or high fructose corn syrup, are typically avoided while on this diet. Ice cream is high in saturated fat and sugars, so this can easily throw off the Zone ratio of your meal. However, this doesn't mean that ice cream is completely off-limits, merely that it should be consumed in small amounts that take into consideration the rest of the components in a given meal.
How to Include Ice Cream
The main problem with ice cream as part of the Zone Diet is that it provides a lot of carbohydrates and fat without much protein. To include ice cream and maintain a Zone ratio, you will need to boost the protein content of your meal. This could mean having a piece of ham or grilled chicken first, both which provide protein and low levels of fat. It could also mean limiting the portion of ice cream you consume to keep the saturated fat and carbohydrate levels lower. Measure out your ice cream portion and determine the exact amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates in a serving, which can vary by brand or flavor, before you can plan a meal that includes this tasty treat.
Considerations
If you occasionally have a scoop of ice cream without calculating the precise ratios of carbohydrates, fat and protein in your meal, you can still return to a Zone-favorable eating plan without worry. One benefit of this plan is that it allows you to occasionally slip up yet still get back on the plan as soon as your next meal or snack.
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