The Zone diet is a weight loss plan that was created by Dr. Barry Sears, who published "Enter the Zone" in 1995. This diet is based on strict adherence to a balance of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fats and 30 percent protein. It also mandates consumption of a meal within an hour of waking, followed by subsequent meals at no longer than five hour intervals. Several components of the Zone diet may be beneficial for people with diabetes. Check with your physician if you plan to follow the Zone diet to help control diabetes.
Favorable Foods
Dr. Sears recommends focusing on several types of foods, which he calls "favorable foods." These include fresh fruits and vegetables, which serve as the primary sources of carbohydrates in the Zone diet. Vegetables and fruits also contain dietary fiber, which may help control blood glucose and "bad" cholesterol that can cause diabetes complications. The Zone diet also emphasizes lean proteins, such as white meat chicken, egg whites and fish, as well as monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Monounsaturated fats may help prevent arterial blockages that can contribute to diabetes-related heart disease.
Less Favorable Foods
The Zone diet does not prohibit any food, but recommends limiting rice, white breads, pastas, tortillas and bagels. The simple carbohydrates in these foods can dramatically elevate glucose levels, which can trigger hyperglycemic symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. This diet also discourages heavy reliance on starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, lima beans, white potatoes and corn, which can also elevate blood glucose in diabetics.
Meal Timing
Eating at least every five hours in accordance with the Zone diet may help prevent blood sugar fluctuations, which may help stabilize insulin needs for diabetics. Frequent meals may also prevent diabetes-related fatigue.
Considerations
Lack of convenience is among the most significant drawbacks of the Zone diet. Because each meal must contain the correct ratios of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, preparing meals requires careful planning. Dining out while following the Zone diet may be difficult.
References
- "Enter the Zone"; Barry Sears, Ph.D., et al.; 1995
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Diabetes; December 2009
Member Comments