1. They Encompass A Wide Variety
Unlike many diets that are highly limiting as far as food choices, the Zone Diet foods cover a huge spectrum as long as you follow the "40-30-30" plan. This means that your daily fare should consist of 40 percent complex carbohydrates like fruits and vegetables, 30 percent healthy fats, and 30 percent lean protein foods. This makes the plan very easy to follow, without having to weigh out food portions. You simply divide your plate into thirds. One third of your plate should contain a low-fat Zone protein food, and the other two-thirds of your plate should consist of Zone vegetables and fruits.
2. They are Eaten on a Healthy Schedule
One of the things that has made the Zone diet so effective for so many people is not only the foods you eat, but also the way you eat them. Meal timing is very important. For example, Zone Foods should be eaten 5 times per day, evenly divided into 3 meals and 2 snacks. By following this pattern, you will find that by the end of each day, you will have consumed enough high-quality protein, fresh produce, fiber, nutrients and healthy fats to keep your body well nourished and your blood sugar levels stable.
3. They Feature Protein at Every Meal
Not only every Zone meal, but also every Zone snack starts with a low-fat protein. Fortunately, there is a vast array of protein sources to pick from, including vegetarian options like tofu and tempeh, a fermented soybean cake. Other protein choices include most lean meats, a wide range of low-fat dairy products like yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese, egg whites and seafood selections such as swordfish, fish fillet, scallops and shrimp.
4. They are Anti-Inflammatory Foods
One of the biggest goals of the Zone Diet, according to founder Dr. Barry Sears, is minimizing chronic inflammation in the body, which he believes to be the root of many health problems for Americans. The Zone Diet discourages consuming any inflammation-causing foods, which include sugary foods, junk foods, fast foods, fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. By contrast, Zone Diet foods are typically anti-inflammatory, like lean proteins, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables. This makes Zone Diet foods beneficial for your health overall, as well as conducive to safe weight loss.
5. They are Low-Glycemic Carbohydrates
Although other high-protein diets greatly restrict carbohydrate foods, the Zone diet foods consist largely of carbohydrates. The key is that Zone foods are low-glycemic carbohydrates. This simply means they have a low ranking on the glycemic index, a list that categorizes foods based on how fast they are broken down by your body and turned into glucose for energy. Foods can be identified as high or low glycemic by the measurement of your blood glucose level after you eat them. For a comprehensive glycemic index list, go to http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_food_diet/glycemic_index.php
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