The Zone diet was developed in the early 1970s by Dr. Barry Sears, a researcher with the University of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the School of Medicine at Boston University. Sears published his first book on the diet plan, titled "Enter The Zone," in 1995, and it became a best seller and led to the publication of several more related books. The Zone diet centers around achieving hormonal balance through particular combinations and ratios of foods. Although the diet might assist in weight loss and improving health, there is limited scientific evidence. MayoClinic.com asserts that a healthy, well-balanced diet combined with regular exercise is the best plan for long-term success. Consult with a physician prior to initiating any new dietary regimen such as the Zone diet.
Initial Research
According to EnterTheZoneDiet.com, the beginnings of research for the Zone diet occurred in 1982 when a Nobel Prize for Medicine grant was awarded to determine the relationship between certain diseases and hormones known as eicosanoids. Specific diseases of interest included diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers and immune system disorders. It was during this time that Dr. Sears began to study the relationship and possible association between foods and hormonal production in the body. The Zone plan was formulated based on his years of research, which were detailed in his first book.
The Zone
The Zone is based on achieving a physical and mental state referred to as The Zone by Dr. Sears. The term was defined in relation to athletes and their goals of achieving peak performances by maximizing their physical and mental functions. Dr. Sears believed that this Zone could be translated to everyday people as well to help them burn fat efficiently for weight loss and improved health. In order to achieve the Zone, regulation of hormone levels was essential. As detailed in the 1995 "Enter The Zone," Sears claimed that an imbalance among insulin, glucagon and eicosanoids resulted in increased hunger cravings, weight gain and risk of serious health diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Sears believed that excessive carbs in the diet increased insulin production, which caused blood sugar levels to fluctuate, widely affecting hunger levels and fat storage.
The Diet
The Zone's daily macronutrient intake is 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent proteins and 30 percent fats. Carbohydrate intake is primarily centered around low-calorie and -sugar fruits and vegetables with whole grains in moderation. Simple carbs, including processed foods such as white breads, flours, candy, cakes and packaged foods, are limited because they are higher in sugar, and have less fiber and minimal nutrients. Protein intake consists of lean sources of meat, such as turkey, chicken and beef, fish and eggs. Fats are eaten in the form of healthy monounsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, olive and canola oils and avocado. Unhealthy saturated fats are avoided because they increase plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to serious health disease risks.
Considerations
The Zone has been popularized in the media with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston following the plan. Although the diet might assist in weight loss, it typically is the result of a lower daily calorie and carbohydrate intake. MayoClinic.com cites that low-carb diets have a diuretic affect on the body, which leads to greater water weight loss than fat loss. Furthermore, protein and fats have a satiating effect on the appetite, leading to reduced hunger cravings and food intake. EnterTheZoneDiet.com also suggests that inadequate carb intake leads to fatigue, lethargy, possible weakness and difficulty concentrating, since carbs are the body and brain's primary source of energy. Consult with a physician prior to initiating any dietary plan that might have adverse health effects.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss: Low-Carb Diet
- The Zone Diet: Enter The Zone; Angie Seaman
- Enter The Zone Diet: Barry Sears' Zone Diet
- Enter The Zone: A Dietary Road Map To Lose Weight Permanently, Reset Your Genetic Code, Prevent Disease, Achieve Maximum Physical Performance; Barry Sears, PH.D & Bill Lawren; 1995
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