Developed by Barry Spears, Ph.D., the Zone Diet is another version of a low carbohydrate diet. The Zone gives dieters more leeway in the foods from which they choose, however. Using a specific ration of fats to protein to carbohydrates, the goal is to put you in the ideal "zone" for weight loss. Follow the Zone Diet plan while using common sense to stay safe.
Philosophy
The Zone Diet rests on the principles of balanced eating. Barry Sears believes that if you eat the ideal amount of each type of food, your body can more easily digest it, you'll feel fuller longer and you'll lose weight. The Journal of the College of American Nutrition showed doubt when profiling the diet, indicating that there has been little research to support Spears' claims of weight loss and vitality.
Rules
The rules for following the Zone Diet are as follows: for each meal, your plate should be made up of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent healthy fats. This a departure for a society that usually eats less meat with a large portion of carbohydrates as meals. Sears contended that our bodies historically were meant to eat more meat and fewer carbohydrates overall, and adding more protein to your diet can help you lose weight.
Warning
The daily recommended intake of the diet is around 1,200 calories. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to sustain you, especially if you are larger, have a high level of activity or are a man. Talking to a doctor or nutritionist about the optimum amount of calories you need to be healthy and lose weight is a better route than using a one-size-fits-all diet plan.
Advantages
Some have seen good results while on the Zone Diet. The Vanderbilt University Department of Heath and Psychology admits that not only do individuals on this diet see results, but they also see a steadily declining weight without the typical diet plateau. The Zone Diet also touts fruits and vegetables as healthy alternatives to lower nutritional, starchier carbohydrates, something that can add necessary nutrients to your diet.
Disadvantages
To avoid the disadvantages of this diet, use common sense avoid becoming fanatical about your eating habits or caloric intake. The strict nature of the ratio of the Zone Diet can cause dieters to become confused and stop the diet.
The Zone Diet should not be followed if you have liver or kidney disease. Eating more protein suddenly can cause problems, as it is much harder to break down than simpler carbohydrates. Instead, be safe by easing into the diet slowly, and eating more protein progressively. Always speak to your health care provider before you begin a drastic new way of dieting.
Note also that while Barry Sears is a Ph.D. and a recognized expert in the field of diet and nutrition, he is not a medical doctor, and any advice or information you get as part of the Zone Diet plan should verified with your physician.
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